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Overall rank
Core i7-6850K
6 cores · 12 threads · up to 4.0 GHz on FCLGA2011.
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Cores
6
Threads
12
Boost
4.0 GHz
L3 cache
15 MB
TDP
140W
Socket
FCLGA2011
Performance breakdown
Gaming7
Productivity7
Single-core7
Multi-core25
Power efficiency6
Lab scores
Performance score7
Cores6
Threads12
Boost clock (GHz)4.0 GHz
Estimated gaming FPS
Paired with a high-end GPU. CPU impact is largest at 1080p.
1080p15 fps
1440p12 fps
4K8 fps
Full specifications
Processor & cores
- Architecture
- Broadwell-E
- Process node
- 14 nm
- Socket
- FCLGA2011
- Release year
- 2016
- Total cores
- 6
- Threads
- 12
- Integrated graphics
- None
Clocks & cache
- Base clock
- 3.6 GHz
- Boost clock
- 4.0 GHz
- L1 cache
- 192 KB
- L2 cache
- 1.5 MB
- L3 cache
- 15 MB
Memory & platform
- Memory support
- DDR4
- Max capacity
- 128 GB
- Channels
- 4
- Base power (TDP)
- 140W
- Max temperature
- 72°C
- PCIe
- PCIe 3.0
- Launch price
- $475
Technologies
- Extensions
- AES-NI, AVX, VT-x, VT-d, Turbo Boost Max 3.0, TXT
Community Feedback
What Owners Say
Owners like the solid multi-core performance for its time and overclocking headroom. The main gripes are the high heat output and that newer, cheaper chips quickly outperformed it.
Pros
- Plays modern games without breaking a sweat
- Handles heavy multitasking like a champ
- Overclocks nicely with decent cooling
- Stays stable under prolonged heavy loads
Cons
- Fan cooler is insufficient
- High power consumption
- Outdated socket compatibility
Verdict
Our verdict on the Core i7-6850K
A six-core Broadwell-E chip that was Intel's sensible high-end choice until its platform cost made you wince.
Get it if you need a capable six-core processor for a workstation build on an older platform with plenty of PCIe lanes. Skip it if you’re building new, as modern chips offer more cores and better efficiency for the same money.
Buy it if…
- You need six or more native PCIe lanes for multi-GPU setups.
- You're building a high-end workstation on a tight budget.
- You want a Broadwell-E CPU for an older X99 motherboard.
Leaderboard
Its place in the overall top
4.2
22 votes
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