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. The Core i7-6800K is positioned at rank #691 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 i7-6800K

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

12625%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

11930%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

8662%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

2609%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

2067%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

1808%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1036%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1022%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

931%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

931%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

920%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

895%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

883%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

879%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

871%

#691

Core i7-6800K

MSRP: $434|Avg: $120

100%

#692

Core i7-3770S

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

100%

#693

Core i5-4670S

MSRP: $213|Avg: $30

100%

#694

Core i5-3550

MSRP: $194|Avg: $30

100%

#695

Core i3-7300

MSRP: $184|Avg: $46

99%

#696

FX-4300

MSRP: $122|Avg: $25

99%

#697

Core i5-3450

MSRP: $184|Avg: $95

99%

#698

Celeron G550

MSRP: $52|Avg: $15

99%

#700

Core i3-4370T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $138

99%

#701

FX-6200

MSRP: $169|Avg: $25

99%

#702

FX-4150

MSRP: $137|Avg: $20

98%

#703

Core i5-2450P

MSRP: $177|Avg: $30

98%

#704

Core i5-4690T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $98

97%

#705

Core i5-4430S

MSRP: $182|Avg: $90

97%

#706

Core i5-4440S

MSRP: $182|Avg: $30

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-6800K across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

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. It currently holds Rank #691 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#691
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