Processor comparison
Core i7-6700K vs Core i7-7700K
6th gen vs 7th gen Intel Core desktop processors, compared spec by spec using Intel's official data.
The short answer
On paper, the Core i7-7700K is the stronger processor, ahead of the Core i7-6700K in 2 of the specs we compare (the Core i7-6700K leads in 0).
- The Core i7-7700K is 1 generation newer (7th gen, launched Q1'17) than the Core i7-6700K (6th gen, Q3'15). Both are built on the same basic core design, so the differences come mainly from core counts, clock speeds and cache.
- Both have 4 cores and 8 threads.
- The Core i7-7700K reaches 4.50 GHz with turbo, 7% higher than the Core i7-6700K's 4.20 GHz. Higher clocks help games and everyday apps that lean on a few fast cores.
This verdict is generated from official specifications only. We haven't benchmarked these processors, so it doesn't measure real-world speed in games or apps; check independent benchmarks for your specific use.
Full specifications
| Specification | Core i7-6700K | Core i7-7700K |
|---|---|---|
| GenerationNewer generations bring newer architectures and platform features. | 6th gen | 7th gen (better) |
| Launched | Q3'15 | Q1'17 |
| Cores | 4 | 4 |
| Threads | 8 | 8 |
| Max turbo frequency | 4.20 GHz | 4.50 GHz (better) |
| Base frequency | 4.00 GHz | 4.20 GHz |
| Cache | 8 MB | 8 MB |
| Base power (TDP)Lower means less heat and a smaller cooler; it isn't a measure of speed. | 91 W | 91 W |
| Manufacturing process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4 + DDR3L | DDR4 + DDR3L |
| Max memory | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics 530 | Intel HD Graphics 630 |
| Socket | FCLGA1151 | FCLGA1151 |
| PCI Express | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| PCI Express lanes | 16 | 16 |
| Unlocked (overclocking) | Yes | Yes |
Compare different processors
Sources
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