i76900K

The i7-6900K, also known as Core i7-6900K, is an Intel high-end desktop (HEDT) processor released in 2016 as part of the Broadwell-E family. It is built on the 14-nanometer process and uses the LGA 2011-v3 socket, designed for Intel X99 chipset motherboards. The chip features eight cores and sixteen threads, with an unlocked multiplier that enables overclocking on compatible motherboards.

Clock speeds and performance characteristics include a base frequency of 3.2 GHz and a Turbo Boost reference that allows higher frequencies depending on the number of active cores and cooling. The processor houses 20 MB of L3 cache and supports Hyper-Threading for improved multi-threaded performance. It uses the PCIe 3.0 interface with 40 lanes for graphics cards and other expansion devices, and it supports quad-channel DDR4 memory, typically with official memory speeds up to DDR4-2400.

Thermal design power is rated at 140 watts. The i7-6900K is positioned for enthusiasts and professionals who require strong multi-threaded performance for tasks such as content creation, 3D rendering, video editing, and scientific computation. It competes in the high-end desktop segment against other X99-series processors and serves as a reference point for performance within its generation.

In the broader lineup, the i7-6900K is part of Intel’s transition to Broadwell-E for LGA 2011-v3, succeeding earlier Haswell-E models and preceding later Skylake/X99 and beyond. It remains notable for its combination of core count, high memory bandwidth, and expansive PCIe support in a single-package desktop solution.