
Core i7-6820EQ vs Core i7-6820HK

Core i7-6820EQ

Core i7-6820HK
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-6820EQ is positioned at rank 822 and the Core i7-6820HK is on rank 911, so the Core i7-6820EQ offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-6820EQ
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-6820HK
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-6820EQ | Core i7-6820HK |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($344) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-6820EQ | Core i7-6820HK |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+10%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($344) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-6820EQ and Core i7-6820HK

Core i7-6820EQ
The Core i7-6820EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 7,025 points. Launch price was $378.

Core i7-6820HK
The Core i7-6820HK is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,012 points. Launch price was $378.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-6820EQ and Core i7-6820HK share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-6820EQ versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-6820HK — a 25% clock advantage for the Core i7-6820HK. Both are built on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-6820EQ scores 7,025 against the Core i7-6820HK's 7,012 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-6820EQ. Both processors carry 8 MB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i7-6820EQ | Core i7-6820HK |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.6 GHz+29% |
| Base Clock | — | 2.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB | 8 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB | 1 MB |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 7,025 | 7,012 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-6820EQ) / not specified (Core i7-6820HK). The Core i7-6820EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Core i7-6820HK requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-6820EQ targets Embedded.
| Feature | Core i7-6820EQ | Core i7-6820HK |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 530 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Embedded | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-6820EQ launched at $378 MSRP, while the Core i7-6820HK debuted at $378.
| Feature | Core i7-6820EQ | Core i7-6820HK |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $378 | $378 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $344 | — |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2015 |
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