Core i7-6850K vs Core i7-11370H

Intel

Core i7-6850K

6 Cores12 Thrd140 WWMax: 4 GHz2016
VS
Intel

Core i7-11370H

4 Cores8 Thrd28 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2021

Core i7-6850K vs Core i7-11370H Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i7-6850K vs Core i7-11370H 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 i7-6850K vs Core i7-11370H: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-6850K

2016

Why buy it

  • βœ…+25% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 12 MB).
  • βœ…100% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-11370H across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • ❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (5,500 vs 5,612).
  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.4 vs 27.1 PassMark/$ ($617 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
  • ❌400% higher power demand at 140W vs 28W.
  • ❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-11370H can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-11370H

2021

Why buy it

  • βœ…Better for gaming: +11.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • βœ…Costs $191 less on MSRP ($426 MSRP vs $617 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 47.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 27.1 vs 18.4 PassMark/$ ($426 MSRP vs $617 MSRP).
  • βœ…Draws 28W instead of 140W, a 112W reduction.
  • βœ…Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe Graphics (96 EU), while Core i7-6850K needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 15 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-11370H better than Core i7-6850K?
Yes. Core i7-11370H is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 11.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2% better Geekbench multi-core, 1.5% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-11370H is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 11.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-11370H is the stronger fit. You are getting 2% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-11370H is the better buy right now. Core i7-11370H comes in $191 cheaper on MSRP at $426 MSRP versus $617 MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 47.0% better value on MSRP (27.1 vs 18.4 PassMark/$), 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 i7-11370H makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2016) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-6850K vs Core i7-11370H Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-6850K

The Core i7-6850K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 31 May 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-E (2016) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 11,376 points. Launch price was $475.

Intel

Core i7-11370H

The Core i7-11370H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 January 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-H35 (2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 11,548 points. Launch price was $426.

⚑

Processing Power

The Core i7-6850K packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-11370H offers 4 cores / 8 threads β€” the Core i7-6850K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i7-6850K versus 4.8 GHz on the Core i7-11370H β€” a 18.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-11370H (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i7-6850K uses the Broadwell-E (2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-11370H uses Tiger Lake-H35 (2021) (10 nm SuperFin). In PassMark, the Core i7-6850K scores 11,376 against the Core i7-11370H's 11,548 β€” a 1.5% lead for the Core i7-11370H. Geekbench 6 single-core β€” the metric most relevant to gaming β€” records 1,200 vs 1,960, a 48.1% lead for the Core i7-11370H that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 5,500 vs 5,612 (2% advantage for the Core i7-11370H). L3 cache: 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-6850K vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-11370H.

FeatureCore i7-6850KCore i7-11370H
Cores / Threads
6 / 12+50%
4 / 8
Boost Clock
4 GHz
4.8 GHz+20%
Base Clock
3.6 GHz+20%
3 GHz
L3 Cache
15 MB (total)+25%
12 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
1.25 MB (per core)+400%
Process
14 nm
10 nm SuperFin-29%
Architecture
Broadwell-E (2016)
Tiger Lake-H35 (2021)
PassMark
11,376
11,548+2%
Cinebench R23 Multi
β€”
5,563
Geekbench 6 Single
1,200
1,960+63%
Geekbench 6 Multi
5,500
5,612+2%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-6850K uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-11370H uses FCBGA1449 (PCIe 4.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i7-6850K versus DDR4-3200 on the Core i7-11370H β€” the Core i7-11370H supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-6850K supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB β€” 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i7-6850K) vs 2 (Core i7-11370H). PCIe lanes: 40 (Core i7-6850K) vs 20 (Core i7-11370H) β€” the Core i7-6850K offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X99 (Core i7-6850K) and SoC (Core i7-11370H).

FeatureCore i7-6850KCore i7-11370H
Socket
LGA2011
FCBGA1449
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2400
DDR4-3200+33%
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB+100%
64 GB
RAM Channels
4+100%
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
40+100%
20
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-6850K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking β€” a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i7-11370H supports AVX-512 instructions β€” important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-6850K) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-11370H). The Core i7-11370H includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics (96 EU)), while the Core i7-6850K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-6850K targets HEDT, Core i7-11370H targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i7-11370H rivals Ryzen 7 5800H.

FeatureCore i7-6850KCore i7-11370H
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
None
Iris Xe Graphics (96 EU)
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
HEDT
Productivity
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-6850K was priced at $617, while the Core i7-11370H came in at $426. On launch pricing ($617 vs $426), Core i7-11370H was $191 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-6850K delivers 18.4 pts/$ vs 27.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-11370H β€” making the Core i7-11370H the 38.1% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-6850KCore i7-11370H
MSRP
$617
$426-31%
Performance per Dollar
18.4
27.1+47%
Release Date
2016
2021

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