Intel Core i7-6700 Buyer's Guide
Positioning and generation
The Intel Core i7-6700 is a 6th generation desktop processor based on the Skylake architecture. On FrameScope's internal ranking it sits in the older mainstream band. By today's standards it is no longer new, but it remains a reasonable choice for many older systems.
This chip has integrated graphics, so a system can boot and show a picture without a discrete graphics card. Integrated graphics are limited, though, and for gaming you should pair it with a dedicated graphics card.
It is a desktop part, meant for a standard desktop motherboard rather than a laptop.
Key specs explained
This processor has 4 cores and 8 threads. The core count sets how many tasks can run in parallel, and threads let each core juggle more work. For most games, 4 cores with 8 threads covers the main workload, but heavier games and background programs can start to strain it.
The Skylake architecture was a mature design for its time. Compared with newer architectures, it does less work per clock cycle, so the gap has become noticeable.
The integrated graphics handle basic display and light tasks well enough. For 3D games, a dedicated graphics card is still what does the real rendering.
Suitable games and resolutions
Against official requirements, this processor has a determined result for 416 of the 439 catalogue games that list requirements. It reaches the recommended requirements for 153 of them, is well above the recommended level for 123, meets only the minimum for 102, and falls below the minimum for 38. Overall it handles most games, but it will struggle with some of the newest demanding titles.
Examples that meet the recommended level include Big Ambitions, Timberborn, Farthest Frontier, Dispatch and SCUM. Titles that only meet the minimum include Yet Another Zombie Survivors, Gothic 1 Remake and LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. Titles below the minimum include Palworld, Scrap Mechanic and shapez 2.
For resolution, 1080p remains the sensible target with this processor. Higher resolutions lean more on the graphics card, so the processor matters less there.
Compared with similar hardware
On FrameScope's ranking, it sits close to the AMD Ryzen 5 1600, the AMD Ryzen 5 1600X and the Intel Core i3-9100F, all in roughly the same performance band. If you are comparing them, look at price and availability to decide.
Slightly lower in the ranking are the Intel Core i5-7500, the Intel Core i3-8100 and the AMD Ryzen 5 2400G. They are close in how many official requirements they meet, but their core and thread layouts differ, so judge them against the games you actually play.
Overall, its nearest rivals are also older generation parts, so price and how easily you can source a platform usually decide the choice.
Buying new or used
This processor uses the LGA1151 socket, so confirm that your motherboard supports it before buying. It is a first-generation part for this socket, so it does not need a BIOS update specifically for it, but checking the motherboard's compatibility list before purchase is still worthwhile.
The boxed version includes a basic stock cooler; tray units do not.
This processor uses a land grid design: the pins are in the motherboard socket, so take care not to touch them when installing it.
Its multiplier is locked, so it cannot be manually overclocked.
If buying used, check the chip for physical damage and ask the seller for proof of purchase and its warranty status. An expired warranty can mean higher repair costs, so the price should reflect that.
Upgrade advice
If your current processor is this generation or older and games are clearly held back, an upgrade will make a real difference. The best candidates are the AMD Ryzen 5 2600, the Intel Core i3-10100F and the Intel Core i5-9400. All three are clearly faster than this chip and come from newer generations.
When upgrading the processor, also consider the graphics card and memory. If the graphics card is already the bottleneck, a new processor will add little; if memory is too small, games can stutter. The three need to be roughly balanced to get the most from the upgrade.