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.

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 i7-6950X

#289

Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE

MSRP: $108|Avg: $70

649%

#290

Core i9-10900KF

MSRP: $509|Avg: $336

649%

#291

Core i9-7900X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $188

205%

#291

Core i9-14900T

MSRP: $549|Avg: $577

649%

#292

Core i5-13500T

MSRP: $342|Avg: $342

649%

#293

Core i3-10300

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $140.49

648%

#294

Core i9-7920X

MSRP: $1199|Avg: $236

192%

#294

Core i9-10900F

MSRP: $464|Avg: $300

647%

#295

Core i9-7940X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $275

178%

#295

Ryzen 7 5800X3D

MSRP: $449|Avg: $429

647%

#296

Core i7-9700F

MSRP: $323|Avg: $200

645%

#297

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

MSRP: $1499|Avg: $1419

641%

#298

Core i9-7960X

MSRP: $1699|Avg: $185

162%

#298

Core i5-9500F

MSRP: $187|Avg: $154

636%

#299

Core i9-11900KB

MSRP: $539|Avg: $350

636%

#299

Core i9-7980XE

MSRP: $1999|Avg: $300

145%

#300

Core i7-10700F

MSRP: $310|Avg: $250

633%

#301

Core i7-10700T

MSRP: $355|Avg: $200

632%

#302

Core i7-6900K

MSRP: $1089|Avg: $1089

132%

#302

Celeron G5920

MSRP: $52|Avg: $40

632%

#303

Core i7-5960X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $83

131%

#303

Core i3-10105T

MSRP: $122|Avg: $122

628%

#304

Core i7-6950X

MSRP: $1723|Avg: $180

100%

#304

Celeron G5900

MSRP: $50|Avg: $42

626%

#305

Core 5 120

MSRP: $340|Avg: $340

624%

#306

Core i7-12700T

MSRP: $339|Avg: $337

617%

#307

Core 3 100HL

MSRP: $306|Avg: $280

616%

#308

Core i9-11900F

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $358.87

602%

#309

Core i9-9900T

MSRP: $423|Avg: $215

602%

#310

Core i5-9500T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $132

601%

#311

Ryzen 7 PRO 5750GE

MSRP: $349|Avg: $349

592%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-6950X across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

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