Core i7-6970HQ vs FX-6350

Core i7-6970HQ vs FX-6350 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-6970HQ

4 / 8

4,632

0.0%

4,640

+0.2%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

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 i7-6970HQ vs FX-6350 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 i7-6970HQ vs FX-6350: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-6970HQ

2016

Why buy it

✅Draws 1W instead of 125W, a 124W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,632 vs 4,640).

FX-6350

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $132 MSRP, while Core i7-6970HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌12400% higher power demand at 125W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-6350 better than Core i7-6970HQ?

Yes. FX-6350 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, FX-6350 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% 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, FX-6350 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 6 threads.

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

FX-6350 is the better buy right now. FX-6350 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $132 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (35.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-6970HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-6970HQ vs FX-6350 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-6970HQ

The Core i7-6970HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 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: 4,632 points. Launch price was $623.

FX-6350

The FX-6350 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 April 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L2 cache: 6144 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,640 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-6970HQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the FX-6350 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the FX-6350 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-6970HQ versus 4.2 GHz on the FX-6350 — a 12.7% clock advantage for the FX-6350 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core i7-6970HQ uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-6350 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6970HQ scores 4,632 against the FX-6350's 4,640 — a 0.2% lead for the FX-6350.

Feature	Core i7-6970HQ	FX-6350
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz	4.2 GHz+14%
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	3.9 GHz+39%
L3 Cache	8 MB	—
L2 Cache	1 MB	6144 kB+500%
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Vishera (2012−2015)
PassMark	4,632	4,640

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-6970HQ uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-6350 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.