9score
#292 of 555
Overall rank
Core i7-6900K
8 cores · 16 threads · up to 4.0 GHz on FCLGA2011.
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases.
Cores
8
Threads
16
Boost
4.0 GHz
L3 cache
20 MB
TDP
140W
Socket
FCLGA2011
Performance breakdown
Gaming9
Productivity9
Single-core9
Multi-core33
Power efficiency8
Lab scores
Performance score9
Cores8
Threads16
Boost clock (GHz)4.0 GHz
Estimated gaming FPS
Paired with a high-end GPU. CPU impact is largest at 1080p.
1080p20 fps
1440p16 fps
4K11 fps
Full specifications
Processor & cores
- Architecture
- Broadwell-E
- Process node
- 14 nm
- Socket
- FCLGA2011
- Release year
- 2016
- Total cores
- 8
- Threads
- 16
- Integrated graphics
- None
Clocks & cache
- Base clock
- 3.2 GHz
- Boost clock
- 4.0 GHz
- L1 cache
- 256 KB
- L2 cache
- 2 MB
- L3 cache
- 20 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
- $1020
Technologies
- Extensions
- AES-NI, AVX, VT-x, VT-d, Turbo Boost Max 3.0, TXT
Community Feedback
What Owners Say
Owners love the extra cores for heavy multitasking and video work. The main gripe is it runs hot and needs a serious cooler to stay happy.
Pros
- Plays modern games without breaking a sweat
- Handles heavy multitasking like a champ
- Stays cool with decent air cooling
- Overclocks well with good motherboard support
Cons
- Hot under heavy loads
- Pricey for its age
- Old platform with no upgrade path
Verdict
Our verdict on the Core i7-6900K
An eight-core Broadwell-E chip that was Intel's first mainstream HEDT part with a serious multi-threaded punch for its time.
Get it if you need a high core count for heavy workstation tasks and already have an LGA2011 board. Skip it if you're building new, as modern chips offer better performance and efficiency for less.
Buy it if…
- You want a workstation that chews through heavy 3D rendering jobs.
- You need a strong multi-tasking chip for a home server setup.
- You are building a powerful gaming rig and don't want a bottleneck.
Leaderboard
Its place in the overall top
3.5
13 votes
Rate this CPU
Add your verdict
Keep exploring