Intel Core i7-6785R

# Intel Core i7-6785R

The Intel Core i7-6785R is a Skylake-generation desktop processor launched on May 2, 2016, featuring 4 cores and 8 threads with base and boost clocks of 3.30 GHz and 3.90 GHz respectively. It sits in the 50th percentile of all CPUs in the database, positioning it as a middle-of-the-pack performer for its era. Built on Intel's 14 nm process with an Intel BGA 1440 socket, it pairs a 65 W TDP with the Iris Pro 580 integrated graphics, making it a notable all-in-one solution for compact desktop builds.

How It Compares

The i7-6785R holds a percentile rank of 50 against all CPUs tracked in the database. This places it squarely at the median, meaning half of all recorded processors outperform it and half underperform it. For a 2016-era quad-core part, this reflects a design that was competitive at launch but has since been overtaken by newer architectures with higher core counts and improved IPC.

The nearestRivals field is empty, so no direct competitor comparisons with deltaPct values are available. This absence indicates the i7-6785R occupies a relatively isolated position in the benchmark database, likely due to its niche BGA form factor and integrated Iris Pro graphics. Without rival data, its 50th percentile standing serves as the primary reference point — a processor that delivers balanced mainstream performance without excelling in any single metric.

In the absence of named rivals, the i7-6785R's 4-core/8-thread configuration aligns it with other Skylake desktop parts, but its BGA socket and 65 W TDP distinguish it from socketed counterparts. The data shows no direct performance deltas to report, so the percentile rank combined with its clock and cache specifications provides the only comparative framework.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

With a base clock of 3.30 GHz and a boost of 3.90 GHz, the i7-6785R's single-thread performance is driven by a 600 MHz boost headroom. This 18.2% clock increase from base to boost is typical for Skylake parts and translates to responsive single-threaded workloads such as web browsing, office applications, and legacy software that relies on one or two cores. The 8 MB shared L3 cache and 64 KB L1 per core help reduce latency in these scenarios.

Multi-threaded behavior benefits from 8 threads across 4 physical cores, a configuration that allows simultaneous multithreading to double the logical core count. The dual-channel memory bus with 34.1 GB/s bandwidth provides adequate data throughput for most multi-threaded tasks, though it may bottleneck heavily parallel workloads that demand higher memory bandwidth. The 256 KB L2 per core ensures each core has sufficient local cache for thread-local data.

The split between single- and multi-threaded performance is telling: a 3.90 GHz boost clock favors lightly threaded tasks, while the 4-core/8-thread design handles moderate multi-threading without excelling. For workloads like video encoding or 3D rendering that scale across all threads, the i7-6785R performs adequately but not spectacularly, as its 65 W TDP limits sustained all-core boost frequencies. Benchmark results would likely show stronger single-thread scores relative to multi-thread, a common trait among quad-core Skylake parts.

Power and Thermals

The i7-6785R carries a 65 W TDP, which classifies it as a mainstream power envelope suitable for compact desktops and all-in-one systems. This TDP, combined with a 14 nm process node, allows for efficient operation without requiring exotic cooling solutions. A capable air cooler is sufficient to maintain boost clocks under sustained loads, given the modest thermal output.

The BGA 1440 socket means the processor is soldered to the motherboard, which impacts cooling options — users cannot swap the CPU but can choose motherboards with integrated thermal solutions designed for this TDP class. The 65 W figure suggests the i7-6785R operates within a predictable thermal envelope, avoiding the heat management challenges of higher-TDP parts. For a 4-core processor with integrated Iris Pro 580 graphics, the 65 W TDP covers both CPU and GPU power draw, making it a balanced choice for systems with limited cooling headroom.

Thermal behavior under load would show a gradual rise toward the TDP limit, with boost clocks tapering as all cores engage. Single-threaded workloads would sustain 3.90 GHz more readily, while all-core loads might settle closer to base clock depending on cooling and motherboard power delivery. The 14 nm Skylake architecture is known for efficient power scaling, so the 65 W TDP likely reflects real-world consumption closely rather than a conservative ceiling.

FAQ

Q: What is the launch MSRP of the Intel Core i7-6785R?

A: The launch MSRP is $370.

Q: Does the i7-6785R support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported.

Q: What integrated graphics does the i7-6785R include?

A: It includes Intel Iris Pro 580 graphics.

Q: What memory types are supported by the i7-6785R?

A: It supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration.

Q: Is the i7-6785R multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked, preventing easy overclocking.

Q: What is the production status of the i7-6785R?

A: It is end-of-life, meaning Intel no longer produces or sells this processor.

Q: How many PCIe lanes does the i7-6785R provide?

A: It provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU only.

Benchmark Performance

The i7-6785R's benchmark data shows an average score of 0, with a percentile rank of 50 across all CPUs. This zero score is unusual and suggests that no standardized benchmark runs have been recorded in the database for this specific processor, making the percentile rank the only quantitative performance indicator. The 50th percentile placement indicates that, based on its specifications and peer comparison, it performs at the median level of all tracked processors.

Without nearestRivals data, performance analysis relies on the processor's internal specifications. The 4-core/8-thread design with a 3.90 GHz boost clock places it in the mainstream tier of 2016-era processors. In single-threaded tasks, the high boost clock would yield competitive scores against contemporaries, while multi-threaded workloads would see moderate scaling due to the 4-core limit. The 8 MB L3 cache helps mitigate memory latency, and the dual-channel 34.1 GB/s bandwidth supports smooth operation across most applications.

The absence of benchmark scores means exact percentage deltas against rivals cannot be computed. However, the 50th percentile rank provides a baseline: the i7-6785R is neither a performance leader nor a laggard. For users in 2016, it would have handled everyday computing, light content creation, and even some gaming thanks to the Iris Pro 580 graphics. Today, its end-of-life status and median performance rank suggest it is best suited for legacy systems or specific OEM builds rather than new high-performance rigs.

The locked multiplier and BGA socket further limit its appeal for enthusiasts, as neither the CPU nor clock speeds can be modified. The 65 W TDP ensures stable operation in compact chassis, and the 14 nm process keeps thermals manageable. Benchmark results, if available, would likely show the i7-6785R trading blows with other quad-core Skylake parts, slightly ahead in single-thread due to its 3.90 GHz boost but behind in multi-thread against higher-core-count rivals. The data as presented, however, offers no such deltas, leaving the percentile rank as the sole comparative metric.