Core i7-990X vs Core i7-6770HQ

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 i7-990X vs Core i7-6770HQ 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 i7-990X vs Core i7-6770HQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-990X

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $999 MSRP, while Core i7-6770HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌188.9% higher power demand at 130W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-6770HQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-6770HQ

2016

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 130W, a 85W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Iris Pro Graphics 580, while Core i7-990X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-990X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (7,083 vs 7,135).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-990X better than Core i7-6770HQ?

Yes. Core i7-990X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-990X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.1% 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 i7-990X is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Core i7-990X is the better buy right now. Core i7-990X comes in at an unclear MSRP at $999 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-6770HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-990X vs Core i7-6770HQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-990X

The Core i7-990X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,135 points. Launch price was $1,104.

Core i7-6770HQ

The Core i7-6770HQ 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 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 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: 7,083 points. Launch price was $434.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-990X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-6770HQ offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-990X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.73 GHz on the Core i7-990X versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-6770HQ — a 6.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-990X (base: 3.46 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i7-990X uses the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-6770HQ uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-990X scores 7,135 against the Core i7-6770HQ's 7,083 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-990X. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-990X vs 6 MB on the Core i7-6770HQ.

Feature	Core i7-990X	Core i7-6770HQ
Cores / Threads	6 / 12+50%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.73 GHz+7%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.46 GHz+33%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)+100%	6 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	1 MB+300%
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Gulftown (2010−2011)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	7,135	7,083
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,769

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-990X uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-6770HQ uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-990X	Core i7-6770HQ
Socket	LGA1366	BGA1440
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	—	2133
Max RAM Capacity	—	64
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-990X) / true (Core i7-6770HQ). The Core i7-6770HQ includes integrated graphics (Intel Iris Pro Graphics 580), while the Core i7-990X requires a dedicated GPU.