Intel Core i7-6950X

The Intel Core i7-6950X is an end-of-life 10-core (20-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q2 2016 with a suggested retail price of $1,723. It is part of Intel's Core i7 Extreme lineup, which is based on the Broadwell-E microarchitecture. The i7-6950X is compatible with Intel Socket 2011-3 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 14 nm manufacturing process.

Memory and Cache

The Core i7-6950X supports DDR4 memory and features a quad-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 4 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i7-6950X has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 256 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 25 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i7-6950X features 10 total cores which can process 20 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 3.0 GHz, and it can boost up to 3.5 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is unlocked, enabling overclocking for those seeking to push the CPU's performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i7-6950X does not include an integrated graphics solution. A dedicated graphics card will be required if you require a monitor with your computer.

Benchmark Performance & Value

The Core i7-6950X has the 113th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 44.34% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 16,403 score and $1,723 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 9.52. This is the 201st best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.