Core i7 6700K processor review: Desktop Skylake

ZAH Computers Tech Editorial

ZAH Computers Hardware Research Desk

This review focuses on the Intel Core i7 6700K, a flagship quad-core processor manufactured using a 14nm process. Known for its speed and responsiveness, the question remains: is it a worthy upgrade? In this analysis, we evaluate the performance of this processor across a diverse array of benchmarks and scenarios. The Skylake series has introduced both the Core i5 6600K and Core i7 6700K for desktop platforms, with individual reviews dedicated to each model. Both processors utilize the Socket 1151 interface, marking a new generation of chips and packaging. The Skylake processors are designed to be energy-efficient and powerful, necessitating compatibility with a new motherboard series, specifically the Z170 and H170 ranges. The unlocked Skylake processor features four cores and a thermal design power (TDP) of 91W, which is an improvement over the Haswell series, which had a TDP of 95W, largely due to the advancements of the 14nm fabrication technology.

CPU	Core i7-5775C	Core i5-5675C	Core i7-6700K	Core i5-6600K	Core i7-4790K	Core i7-4770K
Codename	Broadwell	Broadwell	Skylake	Skylake	Haswell	Haswell
Package	LGA 1150	LGA 1150	LGA 1151	LGA 1151	LGA 1150	LGA 1150
Cores/threads	4/8	4/4	4/8	4/4	4/8	4/8
Frequency（GHz）	3.3-3.7	3.1-3.6	4.0-4.2	3.5-3.9	4.0-4.4	3.5-3.9
memory	DDR3-1600	DDR3-1600	DDR4-2133	DDR4-2133	DDR3-1600	DDR3-1600
IGP	Iris Pro 6200	Iris Pro 6200	Intel HD 530	Intel HD 530	Intel HD 4600	Intel HD 4600
L3 Cache	6MB	4MB	8MB	6MB	8MB	8MB
Fab	14nm	14nm	14nm	14nm	22nm	22nm
Unlocked multiplier	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
TDP	65W	65W	91W	91W	84W	95W

The quad-core CPU is equipped with an 8 MB L3 cache and features an integrated memory controller that is compatible with both DDR4 and DDR3 memory types. However, all motherboards in the Z170 and H170 series will exclusively support DDR4. For the gaming community, two processors stand out as the most significant. The Core i7 6700K features four CPU cores equipped with Hyper-Threading technology, operating at a base frequency of 4.0 GHz and capable of reaching a maximum Turbo Boost frequency of 4.20 GHz. It includes an 8 MB last-level cache and supports dual-channel DDR3/DDR4 memory with frequencies of 1600 MHz or 2133 MHz. Additionally, it is integrated with the Intel HD Graphics 530 series and utilizes the LGA 1151 socket. Skylake refers to the code name assigned by Intel to its 14nm processor micro-architecture currently in development, serving as the successor to the Broadwell architecture. In this review, we will concentrate on the premier quad-core Skylake processor, the Core i7 6700K. When paired with an appropriate motherboard, this processor is truly remarkable. The Intel Core i7-6700K operates at a maximum clock speed of 4.2 GHz, features an 8 MB cache, and comprises 4 cores with 8 threads. Let us begin, shall we?