Whether it is for buying a new CPU with GPU capabilities or upgrading the existing CPU for better application and graphics performance, the debate of i7 6800k vs i7 7700k is currently sizzling. Both are Intel i7 CPUs but come with significant differences. Let us check them out! Let us put the two Intel core CPUs to the test and see which one takes the cake!

Intel Core i7-6800K	Intel Core i7-7700K
8.1/10	9.5/10

Overview of 6800k

The Core i7-6800k is one of the Broadwell-E prosumer CPUs. It is an older generation 12-thread processor featuring six cores, base frequency of 2.4GHz, turbo frequency of 3.8 GHz, and 3.0 lanes. It resembles yet surpasses the famous Haswell-E 5820k CPU. Considering its price, it is truly only ideal for niche-specific uses such as multi gaming, video production, and graphics designing.

Comparing in terms of stock clocks for a standard desktop use with 6700k, 6800k is behind by almost 10%. The main reasons behind this lagging is relatively lower IPC and lower clocked frequency (3.4 GHz).

Overview of 7700k

On the other hand, the Core i7-7700k is the flagship Kabylake CPU with four cores and significantly more overclocking ability than the aforementioned CPU. This 8-thread processor has the same Instructions Per Cycle (IPC) as its ancestor, Skylake. IPC dictates how the processor performs. This CPU also has a higher turbo speed of 4.5 GHz. This means that while running low, the CPU can increase its clock speed for delivering boosted performance.

As compared to 6700k, this CPU has boosted effective and peak overclocked speed, which is now more by 7%. The reason for the hike in average effective speed is the rise in base clocks by 5%. It is now 4.2 GHz instead of 4.0 GHz. Similarly, the reason for the boosted peak overclocked speed is due to a blend of improvement in the brand’s proprietary speedshift technology and enhanced overclocking capacity. This blend also make this CPU a bit more responsive.

Usually, Kabylake CPUs come with a hike of 1% efficiency per core as compared to the Skylake processors. Thus, broadly, it is not likely to be beyond 9–10%. Thus, Kabylake CPUs are more power-efficient than the Skylake ones.

i7 6800k vs i7 7700k: Ideal Applications/Uses

The 6800k CPU is not an overclocker due to which it not perfect for several core-heavy uses, at least currently. However, it is possible to overclock it but that is dependent on the motherboard’s stability and cooling system. On the other hand, 7700k is a Kabylake model with significantly more overclocking ability than the 6800k model.

The 6800k processor comes with higher memory bandwidth than the 7700k CPU. In simple words, this translates to an up performance in jobs involving huge sets of data. However, performance is lower for apps that are unbound to memory.

Most people shall suggest going for a 6-core CPU for various tasks such working with CAD applications, rendering 3D models, and editing files in Photoshop. On such CPUs, games run fine but these tasks shall perform better. Well, this is applicable to 6800k CPU. It also comes with higher L1+L2 cache, which ensures faster performance across the system.

However, with higher operating frequency, 7700k seems to bring the workflow balance. It delivers beyond satisfactory FPS in games and rendering rate in graphics applications.

i7 6800k vs i7 7700k: Multitasking

As a rule of thumb, the more the number of threads, the better is multitasking ability as well as faster is the performance. This is one area where 6800k clearly wins. This is because it has more threads than 7700k and delivers 10% higher multi-tasking performance. It comes with more number of cores than 7700k due to which it can handle several threads or programs simultaneously. For multitasking and server purposes, i7-6800 is a better choice.

However, when it comes to single-threaded performance, 7700k ensures enhancement. This is because it delivers almost 26% higher performance, which is evident noticeably in several applications as well as gaming.

i7 6800k vs i7 7700k: Power Consumption

The i7 7700k CPU consumes less power than the i7 6800k processor. This is because of two reasons: Lower Thermal Design Power (TDP) and tri-gate transistors. TDP refers to the maximum power required for dissipation by a cooling system. The lower this amount of power, the lower the TDP is. While 7700k has a TDP of 91 Watts, 6800k has a TDP of 140 Watts. This makes 7700k more energy efficient. Moreover, 7700k consumes less power than 6800k, keeping the clock speed same.

Moreover, 7700k comes with tri-gate transistors. These transistors are the result of an advanced technology of Intel, which are responsible for lower power consumption. These transistors also contribute to a higher speed than the standard one.

i7 6800k vs i7 7700k: Integrated Graphics Support

Even here, the 7700k model seems to win the race. It has marginally better HD 630 integrated graphics. This integrated GPU enables the processor to run without the need of a dedicated graphics card. On the contrary, 6800k does not come with integrated HD graphics. This means you will have to invest in a dedicated graphics card. This means that you save money by choosing 7700k if most of your work is going to be related to graphics.

However, it is also true that the graphics support from 7700k is not robust enough to execute all types of modern games by retaining all settings. This is why the CPU is only reliable for 3D apps and casual gaming.

i7 6800k vs i7 7700k: Multimedia Enhancements

The 7700k CPU features NTEL Quick Sync Video ability, which contributes to very swift video transcoding times. This is evident at the time of ripping a Blu-ray or a CD to your PC. Further, it uses F16C and FMA3 architectural utilities for accelerating tasks related to multimedia such as regulating the volume and an image’s contrast level. All these features are absent in 6800k.

i7 6800k vs i7 7700k: Price

Right now, 7700k is cheaper than 6800k. Its price is almost that of 6700k.

Conclusion

If you wish to save and yet enjoy fast performance without multitasking, i7-7700k is an ideal choice. It is perfect for gaming and desktop use.

Intel Core i7-6800K	Intel Core i7-7700K
8.1/10	9.5/10