Intel

Intel CM8067102056100 i7-6850K Hexa-Core Processor

3.4 (3 reviews)
i7-6850K

Intel's six-core i7-6850K delivers 3.6 GHz base clock performance built for high-end desktops and content creation rigs.

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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 04, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Intel Core i7-6850K is a Broadwell-E enthusiast-class processor built for high-performance desktop workstations. With six physical cores and twelve threads running at a base clock of 3.6 GHz, it delivers substantial multi-threaded performance for tasks like video rendering, 3D modeling, software compilation, and streaming. The unlocked multiplier — denoted by the "K" suffix — gives overclockers the freedom to push clock speeds higher with adequate cooling, extracting additional performance beyond the stock configuration.

One of this processor's standout features is its 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes, far exceeding the 16 lanes found on mainstream desktop chips. This makes the i7-6850K particularly well-suited for systems running multiple graphics cards or several NVMe SSDs simultaneously without bandwidth bottlenecks. It operates on the LGA 2011-v3 socket with X99 chipset motherboards, which also support quad-channel DDR4 memory for increased bandwidth in memory-intensive workloads. While the Broadwell-E architecture has been succeeded by newer Intel platforms, the i7-6850K remains a capable processor for users with an existing X99 setup or those finding value in the platform on the secondary market.

Key Features

Intel Core I7 I7-6850k Hexa-core (6 Core) 3.60 Ghz Processor - Socket Lga 2011-v3oem Pack - 1.50 Mb - 15 Mb Cache - 64-bit Processing - 4 Ghz Overclocking Speed - 14 Nm - 140 W

Specifications

Brand
Intel
Model
CM8067102056100
Processor
Core i7-6850K
Cores
6
Threads
12
Base Clock
3.6 GHz
Socket
LGA 2011-v3
Architecture
Broadwell-E
PCIe Lanes
40
Unlocked
Yes

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Six cores and twelve threads provide strong multi-threaded performance for rendering and content creation
  • 40 PCIe lanes support multi-GPU configurations and multiple NVMe drives simultaneously
  • Unlocked multiplier allows overclocking beyond the 3.6 GHz base clock
  • LGA 2011-v3 platform supports quad-channel DDR4 memory for high memory bandwidth

👎 Cons

  • 140W TDP requires a capable cooler and generates significant heat under load
  • Based on the older Broadwell-E architecture, lacking efficiency improvements of newer generations
  • Requires an X99 motherboard which limits upgrade path to a now-discontinued platform
  • No integrated graphics means a dedicated GPU is mandatory even for basic display output
  • Higher price-to-performance ratio compared to newer mainstream processors with similar core counts

Frequently Asked Questions

The i7-6850K uses the LGA 2011-v3 socket, which requires a compatible X99 chipset motherboard.
Yes, the "K" designation means the i7-6850K has an unlocked multiplier, allowing you to overclock it beyond its base 3.6 GHz clock speed with a compatible motherboard and cooling solution.
The i7-6850K provides 40 PCIe lanes, which is significantly more than mainstream desktop processors and allows for multi-GPU setups or multiple high-speed NVMe drives.
No, the i7-6850K does not have integrated graphics. A dedicated graphics card is required.
The i7-6850K has a 140W TDP, so a robust cooling solution and a power supply with adequate wattage are recommended.