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.

Overview

The Core i7-6700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 August 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 91 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,933 points. Launch price was $339.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-6700K

#640

Core i3-7101TE

MSRP: $117|Avg: $60

105%

#641

Core i7-9700F

MSRP: $323|Avg: $200

105%

#642

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

MSRP: $1499|Avg: $1419

104%

#643

Core i9-11900KB

MSRP: $539|Avg: $350

103%

#644

Core i5-9500F

MSRP: $187|Avg: $154

103%

#645

Athlon 64 3800+

MSRP: $354|Avg: $10

103%

#646

Core i7-10700F

MSRP: $310|Avg: $250

103%

#647

Core i7-7740X

MSRP: $339|Avg: $150

103%

#648

Core i7-10700T

MSRP: $355|Avg: $200

102%

#649

Celeron G5920

MSRP: $52|Avg: $40

102%

#650

Core i3-10105T

MSRP: $122|Avg: $122

102%

#651

Celeron G5900

MSRP: $50|Avg: $42

102%

#652

Core 5 120

MSRP: $340|Avg: $340

101%

#653

Celeron G1850

MSRP: $42|Avg: $30

101%

#654

Phenom X3 8600

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

101%

#655

Core i7-6700K

MSRP: $350|Avg: $142

100%

#656

Core i7-12700T

MSRP: $339|Avg: $337

100%

#657

Core 3 100HL

MSRP: $306|Avg: $280

100%

#658

Pentium E2180

MSRP: $84|Avg: $15

99%

#659

Athlon II X2 250u

MSRP: $60|Avg: $15

99%

#660

Celeron G530T

MSRP: $50|Avg: $17

99%

#661

Core i7-4790T

MSRP: $303|Avg: $102

99%

#662

FX-8370

MSRP: $199|Avg: $100

98%

#663

Core i3-3250

MSRP: $138|Avg: $40

98%

#664

Core i9-11900F

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $358.87

98%

#665

Core i9-9900T

MSRP: $423|Avg: $215

98%

#666

Core i5-9500T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $132

97%

#667

Core i3-2105

MSRP: $138|Avg: $30

97%

#668

Core i3-4130

MSRP: $117|Avg: $55

96%

#669

Pentium G3250T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $30

96%

#670

Ryzen 7 PRO 5750GE

MSRP: $349|Avg: $349

96%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-6700K across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-6700K specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-6700K is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.2 GHz from a base frequency of 4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 8 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 8,933, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i7-6700K
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Skylake (2015−2016)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	8 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	122 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1750 Million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 8 GT/s
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	8,933

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-6700K fits into the LGA1151 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3, DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2133 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 530 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i7-6700K
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i7 (Desktop)
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1151
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3, DDR4
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2133
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	64 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	HD Graphics 530
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i7-6700K is primarily designed for Desktop. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i7-6700K
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-6700K has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 91 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i7-6700K
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	91 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $142 (MSRP: $350), the Core i7-6700K delivers 63 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1383 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-6700K
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$350
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$142
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$339
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1383
Release DateLaunch date	5 August 2015 (10 years ago)
Release Year	2015
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

8 specs

Type	desktop
Series	Intel Core i7 (Desktop)
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$339
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	5 August 2015 (10 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Skylake (2015−2016)
Performance Ranking Position	1383

Technical Specifications

17 specs

Cores	4
Threads	8
Bus Type	DMI 3.0
Die Size	122 mm2
L1 Cache	64 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)
Bus Speed	4 × 8 GT/s
Multiplier	40
Max Frequency	4.2 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	4 GHz
Transistor Count	1750 Million
Process Technology	14 nm
Unlocked Multiplier	+
Windows 11 Compatible	-
Max Case Temperature (TCase)	64 °C