Core i7-6800K
CPU·Budget

Core i7-6800K

Intel

PassMark

10,715

MSRP

$434

AVG Price

$120

31 May 2016 (9 years ago)
140 Watt
Broadwell-E (2016)

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.

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

#440
Core i7-4771
MSRP: $320|Avg: $78
103%
#441
Core i3-13100E
MSRP: $150|Avg: $150
102%
#442
Core i9-13900F
MSRP: $524|Avg: $536
102%
#443
Athlon 64 X2 6000+
MSRP: $450|Avg: $20
102%
#444
Pentium G840
MSRP: $64|Avg: $15
102%
#445
Processor 300
MSRP: $82|Avg: $80
102%
#446
Ryzen 7 7800X3D
MSRP: $449|Avg: $378.13
102%
#447
Ryzen 5 2600
MSRP: $199|Avg: $145
102%
#448
Core i3-4170
MSRP: $117|Avg: $40
102%
#449
Ryzen 5 2400GE
MSRP: $169|Avg: $80
101%
#450
Ryzen 5 1600X
MSRP: $249|Avg: $144
101%
#451
Celeron G3930
MSRP: $42|Avg: $25
101%
#452
Core i9-14900KS
MSRP: $749|Avg: $670
101%
#453
Athlon II X2 280
MSRP: $50|Avg: $15
101%
#454
Athlon II X4 600e
MSRP: $100|Avg: $20
101%
#455
Core i7-6800K
MSRP: $434|Avg: $120
100%
#456
Core i3-3210
MSRP: $117|Avg: $25
100%
#457
Core i3-8100T
MSRP: $117|Avg: $59
100%
#458
Core i7-13700E
MSRP: $390|Avg: $380
100%
#459
A10-9700
MSRP: $169|Avg: $40
100%
#460
Athlon II X2 270
MSRP: $72|Avg: $15
100%
#461
Athlon X2 340
MSRP: $30|Avg: $15
100%
#462
Ryzen 7 PRO 5750G
MSRP: $430|Avg: $270
99%
#463
Core i3-7101E
MSRP: $117|Avg: $50
99%
#464
Athlon II X2 265
MSRP: $83|Avg: $15
99%
#465
Core i7-9700
MSRP: $333|Avg: $150
99%
#466
Core i5-13500TE
MSRP: $235|Avg: $250
98%
#467
Pentium E5200
MSRP: $84|Avg: $15
98%
#468
Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G
MSRP: $294|Avg: $76
98%
#469
Pentium G4600T
MSRP: $75|Avg: $35
98%
#470
Ryzen Threadripper 1920X
MSRP: $799|Avg: $265
98%
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.

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

1080p
low242 FPS
medium207 FPS
high185 FPS
ultra146 FPS
1440p
low215 FPS
medium186 FPS
high166 FPS
ultra135 FPS
4k
low171 FPS
medium151 FPS
high134 FPS
ultra103 FPS
Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077

1080p
low268 FPS
medium234 FPS
high200 FPS
ultra128 FPS
1440p
low224 FPS
medium189 FPS
high157 FPS
ultra108 FPS
4k
low138 FPS
medium115 FPS
high96 FPS
ultra67 FPS
Destiny 2

Destiny 2

1080p
low225 FPS
medium200 FPS
high178 FPS
ultra148 FPS
1440p
low197 FPS
medium178 FPS
high161 FPS
ultra128 FPS
4k
low141 FPS
medium129 FPS
high108 FPS
ultra89 FPS
Euro Truck Simulator 2

Euro Truck Simulator 2

1080p
low240 FPS
medium207 FPS
high185 FPS
ultra161 FPS
1440p
low209 FPS
medium181 FPS
high161 FPS
ultra144 FPS
4k
low165 FPS
medium143 FPS
high125 FPS
ultra104 FPS
Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact

1080p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
1440p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra56 FPS
4k
low58 FPS
medium52 FPS
high46 FPS
ultra41 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

1080p
low268 FPS
medium268 FPS
high268 FPS
ultra268 FPS
1440p
low268 FPS
medium268 FPS
high268 FPS
ultra268 FPS
4k
low268 FPS
medium268 FPS
high268 FPS
ultra229 FPS
Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds

1080p
low88 FPS
medium71 FPS
high54 FPS
ultra44 FPS
1440p
low56 FPS
medium46 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra31 FPS
4k
low25 FPS
medium22 FPS
high16 FPS
ultra12 FPS
Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2

1080p
low268 FPS
medium268 FPS
high257 FPS
ultra202 FPS
1440p
low248 FPS
medium215 FPS
high200 FPS
ultra169 FPS
4k
low139 FPS
medium119 FPS
high110 FPS
ultra98 FPS
Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

1080p
low174 FPS
medium138 FPS
high112 FPS
ultra90 FPS
1440p
low144 FPS
medium113 FPS
high91 FPS
ultra72 FPS
4k
low66 FPS
medium55 FPS
high44 FPS
ultra35 FPS
Phasmophobia

Phasmophobia

1080p
low268 FPS
medium268 FPS
high268 FPS
ultra265 FPS
1440p
low268 FPS
medium268 FPS
high268 FPS
ultra252 FPS
4k
low227 FPS
medium216 FPS
high207 FPS
ultra169 FPS

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.

SpecificationCore i7-6800K
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units6C / 12T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency3.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designBroadwell-E (2016)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores15 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache32 kB (per core)
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclockedYes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score10,715
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-6800K fits into the LGA2011 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR4 memory.

SpecificationCore i7-6800K
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA2011
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR4
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🌡️

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.

SpecificationCore i7-6800K
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload140 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.

SpecificationCore 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 date31 May 2016 (9 years ago)
Release Year2016
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Similar Performance

Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.

Our Recommendation for Core i7-6800K

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

Compare Core i7-6800K

See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives

Compare with other CPUs