Intel · Core

Core i7-6800K

Released May 2016

An unlocked 6-core Broadwell-E desktop processor with Hyper-Threading and four-channel DDR4 memory for LGA2011-v3 enthusiast systems.

Model history · 2 models, 2014–2016

2014Core i7-5820K Compare
2016Core i7-6800K

Cores: 6/12
Boost: 3.8 GHz
L3: 15 MB
Power: 140 W
Socket: LGA2011-v3

Unlocked

What reviewers say

Reviews found strong threaded performance and reasonable value within X99, but little gaming advantage over cheaper Skylake CPUs or reason to replace a 5820K. PC Gamer preferred its value to the 6850K; Tom’s Hardware’s sample required much higher voltage, making aggressive overclocking particularly hot and power-hungry.

From pcgamer.com and tomshardware.com

Specifications

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Cores and clocks

Cores: 6
Threads: 12
Base clock: 3.4 GHz
Boost clock: 3.8 GHz
L3 cache: 15 MB
Cores: Broadwell-E; 6 cores with Hyper-Threading. The unlocked multiplier is confirmed by the exact-model reviews.
Clocks: Turbo Boost Max 3.0 up to 3.80 GHz on the preferred core; ordinary Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.60 GHz. The main boost field uses Intel’s highest published frequency. May availability follows Tom’s Hardware’s 31 May 2016 report, attributing immediate sale of all four models to Intel. Intel’s family record is dated 30 May and ARK gives Q2 2016; the announcement day is not treated as an exact first-sale day.

Graphics and AI

Built-in graphics: No
Graphics: No processor graphics, confirmed by Intel’s exact-model comparison-chart row; a separate graphics solution is required.

Platform

Socket: LGA2011-v3
Base power: 140 W
Unlocked: Yes
Cooler in the box: No
Memory support: Up to 128 GB; four channels of DDR4-2133/2400; no ECC.
PCIe: 28 CPU lanes; PCIe 3.0
Chipsets: X99 and LGA2011-v3, distinguished by Intel’s exact-model comparison chart and the reviews. Current ARK abbreviates the socket as FCLGA2011; this is not compatible with the older X79 LGA2011 platform.
Process: 14 nm; Broadwell-E.
Cooler: Intel explicitly excludes a fan and heatsink from the boxed product; a separate compatible cooler is required.

Pros and cons

Pros

6 cores and 12 threads
Four-channel memory controller
28 PCIe lanes

Cons

No integrated graphics
No boxed cooler
Requires a LGA2011-v3 motherboard

Closest rivals

Model	Cores	Boost	L3	Power	Socket	Released
IntelCore i7-7800X	6/12	4 GHz	8.25 MB	140 W	LGA2066	Jun 2017
AMDRyzen 5 1600X	6/12	4 GHz	16 MB	95 W	AM4	Apr 2017
IntelCore i7-6900K	8/16	4 GHz	20 MB	140 W	LGA2011-v3	May 2016

Previous model: Core i7-5820K. Newer model: Core i7-7800X.

Sources

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