Intel

Intel BX80662I76700K Core i7-6700K 4.0 GHz CPU

4.7 (2597 reviews)

Unlock overclocking potential with the Intel Core i7-6700K, a quad-core desktop processor clocked at 4.0 GHz.

$230.60*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 03, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Intel Core i7-6700K is a 6th-generation Skylake desktop processor that defined the high-end mainstream segment when it launched. Built on a 14nm process, it features four physical cores with hyper-threading for a total of eight threads, a base clock of 4.0 GHz, and a turbo boost up to 4.2 GHz. The unlocked multiplier — indicated by the "K" suffix — gives enthusiasts the ability to overclock the processor beyond its rated speeds using a Z170 or compatible chipset motherboard, making it a popular choice for users who want to extract maximum performance through manual tuning. Its strong per-core clock speeds made it particularly effective for gaming and applications that depend on single-threaded performance.

The i7-6700K supports dual-channel DDR4-1866/2133 memory as well as DDR3L-1333/1600 at 1.35V, providing compatibility with both memory standards depending on the motherboard. Integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 handles display output up to 4096x2304 resolution, which is sufficient for desktop use and basic media playback without a dedicated graphics card. The processor uses the LGA 1151 socket, which served Intel's 6th and 7th generation lineups. While the i7-6700K is no longer a current-generation part, it remains relevant as a capable processor for existing Skylake-era systems, offering solid performance for gaming, content creation, and everyday productivity tasks within its platform generation.

Specifications

Brand
Intel
Model
BX80662I76700K
Processor
Core i7-6700K
Cores / Threads
4 / 8 (Hyper-Threading)
Base Frequency
4.00 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency
4.20 GHz
Socket
LGA 1151
Memory Support
DDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600 (1.35V)
Integrated Graphics
Intel HD Graphics 530
Graphics Base Frequency
350 MHz
Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency
1.15 GHz
Max Display Resolution
4096 x 2304
Unlocked
Yes

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Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Unlocked multiplier allows overclocking for users who want to push performance beyond stock speeds
  • 4.0 GHz base clock with 4.2 GHz turbo provides strong single-threaded performance out of the box
  • Quad-core with hyper-threading delivers 8 threads for multitasking and multi-threaded workloads
  • Supports both DDR4 and DDR3L memory for flexibility across different motherboard configurations
  • Integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 provides display output without requiring a discrete GPU

👎 Cons

  • Skylake 6th-generation architecture is several generations behind current Intel processors
  • Four cores may struggle with heavily multi-threaded modern applications compared to newer 8+ core CPUs
  • K-series typically ships without a stock cooler, adding the cost of an aftermarket cooling solution
  • Limited to LGA 1151 socket with no upgrade path to newer Intel processor generations
  • 14nm fabrication process runs hotter and less efficiently than newer process nodes

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the "K" designation means the i7-6700K has an unlocked multiplier, allowing users to overclock beyond the base 4.0 GHz and 4.2 GHz turbo frequencies with a compatible motherboard.
The i7-6700K uses the LGA 1151 socket, so it requires a compatible LGA 1151 motherboard with a chipset that supports Skylake processors, such as Z170.
Yes, it includes Intel HD Graphics 530 with a base frequency of 350 MHz and a max dynamic frequency of 1.15 GHz, supporting display resolutions up to 4096x2304.
The i7-6700K supports DDR4-1866/2133 and DDR3L-1333/1600 (at 1.35V), giving users flexibility depending on their motherboard and memory configuration.
The i7-6700K is sold as a boxed processor (BX80662I76700K) but K-series chips typically do not include a stock cooler, so an aftermarket CPU cooler is recommended.