Core i7-6950X
Intel
PassMark
17,580
MSRP
$1723
AVG Price
$180
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 i7-6950X 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 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 17,580 points. Launch price was $1,723.
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 i7-6950X
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core i7-6950X across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Civilization VI
Counter-Strike 2
Destiny 2
Final Fantasy XIV
Hogwarts Legacy
League of Legends
Path of Exile 2
Phasmophobia
Roblox
Rocket League
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core i7-6950X specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core i7-6950X is a 10-core / 20-thread processor based on the Broadwell-E (2016) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4 GHz from a base frequency of 3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 25 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 32K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 17,580, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Core i7-6950X |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 10C / 20T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 4 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 3 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Broadwell-E (2016) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 14 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 25 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 256K (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 32K (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 246 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 3,800 million |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 9.6 GT/s / QPI |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked | Yes (Overclockable) |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 17,580 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-6950X fits into the LGA2011 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR4 memory.
| Specification | Core i7-6950X |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SeriesProduct family | Intel Core i7 (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 i7-6950X 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 i7-6950X |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 140 Watt |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $180 (MSRP: $1723), the Core i7-6950X delivers 98 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #900 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core i7-6950X |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $1723 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $180 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $1,723 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #900 |
| 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
8 specs
General Information
8 specs
| Type | desktop |
| Series | Intel Core i7 (Desktop) |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $1,723 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 31 May 2016 (9 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Broadwell-E (2016) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 900 |
Technical Specifications
15 specs
Technical Specifications
15 specs
| Cores | 10 |
| Threads | 20 |
| Die Size | 246 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 32K (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total) |
| Bus Speed | 9.6 GT/s / QPI |
| Max Frequency | 4 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 3 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 3,800 million |
| 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 i7-6950X
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 i7-6950X
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