Core i7-6800K
Intel
PassMark
10,715
MSRP
$434
AVG Price
$120
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Overview
The Core i7-6800K 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 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 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: 10,715 points. Launch price was $345.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-6800K
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core i7-6800K across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
Deadlock
Delta Force
Garry's Mod
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Once Human
Path of Exile 2
Project Zomboid
Rust
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core i7-6800K specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core i7-6800K is a 6-core / 12-thread processor based on the Broadwell-E (2016) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.8 GHz from a base frequency of 3.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 15 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 32 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 10,715, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Core i7-6800K |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 6C / 12T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.8 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 3.4 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Broadwell-E (2016) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 14 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 15 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 256 kB (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 32 kB (per core) |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked | Yes (Overclockable) |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 10,715 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-6800K fits into the LGA2011 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR4 memory.
| Specification | Core i7-6800K |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA2011 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Power & Cooling
The Core i7-6800K has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 140 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Core i7-6800K |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 140 Watt |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $120 (MSRP: $434), the Core i7-6800K delivers 89 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1255 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core i7-6800K |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $434 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $120 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $345 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1255 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 31 May 2016 (9 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2016 |
| 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
7 specs
General Information
7 specs
| Type | desktop |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $345 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 31 May 2016 (9 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Broadwell-E (2016) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 1255 |
Technical Specifications
12 specs
Technical Specifications
12 specs
| Cores | 6 |
| Threads | 12 |
| L1 Cache | 32 kB (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 15 MB (total) |
| Max Frequency | 3.8 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 3.4 GHz |
| Process Technology | 14 nm |
| Unlocked Multiplier | + |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
| Max Case Temperature (TCase) | 72 °C |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 140 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
3 specs
Memory
3 specs
| RAM Types | DDR4 |
| Memory Channels | 4 |
| Max Memory Capacity | 128 GB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Core i7-6800K
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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Compare Core i7-6800K
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