Core i7-6820EQ vs Core i7-6820HK

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.

Core i7-6820EQ vs Core i7-6820HK FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i7-6820EQ vs Core i7-6820HK: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-6820EQ

2015

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while Core i7-6820HK needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i7-6820HK

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,012 vs 7,025).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-6820EQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-6820EQ better than Core i7-6820HK?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-6820HK is ahead with a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-6820EQ pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-6820EQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-6820EQ is the better buy right now. Core i7-6820EQ comes in in basically the same MSRP band at $378 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-6820HK is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 0.2% better value on MSRP (18.6 vs 18.6 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-6820EQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-6820EQ vs Core i7-6820HK Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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.

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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

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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	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-6820EQ was priced at $378, while the Core i7-6820HK came in at $378. On launch pricing ($378 vs $378), Core i7-6820HK was $0 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-6820EQ delivers 18.6 pts/$ vs 18.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-6820HK — making the Core i7-6820EQ the 0.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-6820EQ	Core i7-6820HK
MSRP	$378	$378
Performance per Dollar	18.6	18.6
Release Date	2015	2015

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