Intel Core i7-5930K vs Intel Core i7-6800K Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins more head-to-head benchmarks?

A: The Intel Core i7-6800K wins 7 out of 8 recorded head-to-head tests. The Intel Core i7-5930K wins only one, Geekbench multicore.

Q: How much faster is the i7-6800K in Cinebench R23 multicore?

A: The i7-6800K scores 9093 versus 8791 for the i7-5930K, a 3.4% advantage.

Q: Is there any test where the i7-5930K comes out ahead?

A: Yes, in Geekbench multicore the i7-5930K scores 5715 against 5688 for the i7-6800K, a 0.5% lead.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for both CPUs?

A: Both have 6 cores and 12 threads. They also share the same 15 MB shared L3 cache and 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory type?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 with quad-channel memory buses. The i7-6800K has 76.8 GB/s memory bandwidth, while the i7-5930K has 68.3 GB/s.

Q: What is the process node difference between the two?

A: The i7-6800K is built on a 14 nm process with 3,400 million transistors on a 246 mm² die. The i7-5930K uses a 22 nm process with 2,600 million transistors on a 356 mm² die.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Core i7-6800K belongs to the Broadwell-E generation, specifically the Broadwell architecture, fabricated on Intel's 14 nm process. The Intel Core i7-5930K is a Haswell-E part, using the Haswell architecture on a 22 nm process. This process shrink is significant: the i7-6800K fits 3,400 million transistors into a 246 mm² die, while the i7-5930K packs 2,600 million transistors into a larger 356 mm² die. The newer node allows for higher transistor density and improved efficiency per area, though both processors share the same 140 W TDP.

Both CPUs have identical core configurations: 6 cores, 12 threads, 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 15 MB shared L3. The memory support is also the same type, DDR4 with quad-channel access. However, the memory bandwidth differs: the i7-6800K measures 76.8 GB/s versus 68.3 GB/s for the i7-5930K, reflecting the newer memory controller.

The PCIe lane count is a notable divergence. The i7-6800K provides 28 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU, while the i7-5930K offers 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes. This makes the older Haswell-E part more capable for multi-GPU or high-expansion configurations. Both processors have unlocked multipliers and use the Intel Socket 2011-3.

The i7-6800K was released on 2016-05-30 with a launch MSRP of $434. The i7-5930K launched earlier on 2014-08-31, and its launch MSRP is not recorded in the database. Both are marked as end-of-life desktop parts with no integrated graphics.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded benchmark data shows a consistent pattern: the i7-6800K leads in nearly every Cinebench iteration, while the i7-5930K edges ahead only in Geekbench multicore. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the i7-6800K scores 916 versus 886 for the i7-5930K, a 3.4% margin. The single-core R15 test shows 129 against 125, a 3.2% lead.

Moving to Cinebench R20, the i7-6800K posts 3819 in multicore versus 3692, again 3.4% ahead. Single-core R20 is 538 versus 521, a 3.3% difference. Cinebench R23 multicore follows the same trend: 9093 for the i7-6800K and 8791 for the i7-5930K, another 3.4% win. Single-core R23 records 1283 against 1241, also 3.4%.

The Geekbench results break the pattern. In Geekbench multicore, the i7-5930K achieves 5715, slightly above the i7-6800K's 5688. That is a 0.5% advantage for the older chip. In Geekbench single-core, however, the i7-6800K leads with 1237 versus 1225, a 1% margin.

Across all eight head-to-head tests, the i7-6800K wins seven. The average benchmark scores reflect this: the i7-6800K has an average score of 2838, while the i7-5930K averages 2775. Both processors sit at the 51st percentile among all CPUs in the database.

The nearest rivals for the i7-6800K include the Intel Core i5-10600 at an average score of 2837 (0% delta), the Intel Xeon E-2126G at 2842 (-0.1%), the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 5450U at 2829 (0.3%), and the Intel Xeon E-2324G at 2823 (0.5%). For the i7-5930K, the nearest rivals are the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 4350G at 2774 (0%), the Intel Xeon D-1567 at 2770 (0.2%), the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 4350GE at 2767 (0.3%), and the AMD Ryzen 3 5400U at 2765 (0.4%).

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specification fields. The architecture and codename are different: Broadwell-E for the i7-6800K versus Haswell-E for the i7-5930K. The process node is 14 nm versus 22 nm. Transistor count is 3,400 million versus 2,600 million. Die size is 246 mm² versus 356 mm².

Base clock speeds differ: the i7-6800K runs at 3.40 GHz, while the i7-5930K runs at 3.50 GHz. Boost clocks also differ: 3.60 GHz for the i7-6800K and 3.70 GHz for the i7-5930K. The i7-5930K has higher clock speeds in both cases, but this does not translate into benchmark wins.

Memory bandwidth is another differentiator: 76.8 GB/s for the i7-6800K versus 68.3 GB/s for the i7-5930K. PCIe lane count favors the i7-5930K, which has 40 lanes versus 28 for the i7-6800K. The release dates are different, with the i7-6800K launching on 2016-05-30 and the i7-5930K on 2014-08-31. The launch MSRP is recorded only for the i7-6800K at $434.

The part numbers also differ: SR2PD for the i7-6800K and SR20R for the i7-5930K. Both share identical core counts, thread counts, L1 and L2 cache sizes, L3 cache size, TDP of 140 W, socket type, memory type, memory bus width, ECC support (false for both), integrated graphics (none for both), market segment (desktop), production status (end-of-life), and unlocked multipliers.

Where Each One Wins

The i7-6800K wins in all Cinebench tests, which are heavily used for rendering and CPU-intensive workloads. In Cinebench R15, R20, and R23, both multicore and single-core, the i7-6800K holds a consistent 3.2% to 3.4% advantage. This makes it the preferred choice for rendering tasks, 3D modeling, and video encoding that rely on these workloads.

The i7-6800K also wins Geekbench single-core by 1%, suggesting a slight edge in lightly threaded applications that depend on single-thread performance. Its higher memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s versus 68.3 GB/s could benefit memory-sensitive workloads, though the recorded benchmarks do not isolate this factor.

The i7-5930K wins only Geekbench multicore, by a slim 0.5% margin. This indicates a very narrow advantage in certain mixed multi-threaded workloads as measured by Geekbench, but it is not enough to overturn the overall trend. The i7-5930K also has 40 PCIe lanes versus 28, which is a specification advantage for systems with multiple GPUs, NVMe drives, or high-bandwidth expansion cards, even though this is not reflected in the benchmark scores.

For users who prioritize raw rendering performance, the i7-6800K is the clear winner across the board. For users who need maximum PCIe expansion capability, the i7-5930K offers more lanes, which can be decisive for specific workstation builds. The i7-6800K additionally has a more modern process node and higher transistor density, which may translate to better power efficiency per unit of work, though both are rated at the same 140 W TDP.

The Verdict

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i7-6800K outperforms the Intel Core i7-5930K in 7 of 8 recorded tests. The average benchmark score of 2838 versus 2775 confirms this overall lead. The i7-6800K is the stronger choice for any workload measured by Cinebench, including multi-threaded rendering and single-threaded tasks. Its edge ranges from 3.2% to 3.4% across all Cinebench variants, a consistent and repeatable margin.

The only exception is Geekbench multicore, where the i7-5930K takes a 0.5% lead. This is a narrow win and does not suggest a broad advantage. The i7-5930K does offer 40 PCIe lanes, which is a hardware feature that the i7-6800K cannot match with its 28 lanes. For users building a system with multiple graphics cards or heavy PCIe expansion, the i7-5930K remains relevant despite its older architecture.

The i7-6800K also brings a newer 14 nm process, higher memory bandwidth, and a recorded launch MSRP of $434. The i7-5930K has no recorded launch MSRP. Both processors are end-of-life, so availability and platform considerations will matter more than new retail pricing.

For rendering, video editing, and general compute tasks, the i7-6800K is the recommended pick based on the recorded data. For expandability-focused builds where PCIe lane count is critical, the i7-5930K offers a specific advantage that benchmarks do not capture. The overall verdict from the database is a clear victory for the i7-6800K, with the i7-5930K retaining a niche role in high-expansion workstation configurations.