Intel Core i7-6700 socket: LGA 1151
The Intel Core i7-6700 uses the LGA 1151 socket on 100 series boards. It is a quad Skylake part with eight threads from 3.4 GHz to 4.0 GHz at 65 W with HD Graphics 530.
- Socket
- LGA 1151
- Launched
- September 2015
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 65 W
- Codename
- Skylake
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core i7
- Clocks
- 3.4 / 4.0 GHz
Intel Core i7-6700 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Skylake cores on 14 nm |
| Clocks | 3.4 GHz base, up to 4.0 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 8 MB Intel Smart Cache |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 65 W |
| Manufacturing process | 14 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4-1866 and 2133, DDR3L-1333 and 1600, two channels, up to 64 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0, 16 lanes |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics 530 (350 MHz to 1150 MHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | LGA 1151 (FCLGA1151, 37.5 × 37.5 mm) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i7-6700 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1151 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 300 series: B365 and Z390 | Z390, B365 | Not supported |
| 300 series: H310, B360, H370, Q370, Z370 | Z370, H370, B360, H310, Q370 | Not supported |
| 200 series | Z270, H270, B250, Q270, Q250 | Works out of the box |
| 100 series | Z170, H170, B150, H110, Q170, Q150 | Works out of the box |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 1151.
LGA 1151 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,151 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | August 2015 |
| Memory | DDR4 on most boards (some early boards use DDR3L). DDR4 only on the second revision |
| Cooler mounting holes | 75 × 75 mm |
What the Core i7-6700 is
The Core i7-6700 is the top locked Skylake quad on LGA 1151 for 2015 desktops. Intel combined four cores with eight threads at 3.4 GHz base and 4.0 GHz turbo. Eight megabytes of Smart Cache and 65 W cover gaming, creation and virtualization without tuning. It launched in September 2015 alongside the wider Skylake family.
Hyper-Threading separates it from i5 quads in threaded work. Compiles, encodes and virtual machines use eight threads well. Single thread bursts to 4.0 GHz keep games responsive. The multiplier is locked, so all speed comes from stock turbo. The 14 nm process holds the 65 W line with a stock cooler.
HD Graphics 530 from 350 MHz to 1150 MHz runs the desktop until a card arrives. DDR4-1866 and 2133 over two channels feed the threads. Buyers pick the 6700 where i7 threads must fit a 65 W tower without K pricing or Z board costs.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 6700 fits LGA 1151 on H110, B150, H170 and Z170 with 2015 BIOS builds. B150 and H170 with four DIMMs suit locked i7 builds. H110 covers budget towers with two slots. Z170 boots it but adds tuning features the locked multiplier cannot use. A 200 series board runs it after a BIOS update.
DDR4 boards are the common choice, DDR3L boards cover reuse. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide explains board matching. Check the maker CPU list for used boards, especially early H110 releases. LGA 1150 never accepts Skylake.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR4-1866 and 2133 in two channels to 64 GB pair with SSDs for quick response. Sixteen gigabytes covers gaming with background apps, 32 GB suits creation with virtual machines. Paired sticks help HD 530 before a card is added. DDR3L-1333 and 1600 work where boards require it.
PCIe 3.0 with 16 lanes from the CPU carries one graphics card at full width. A GTX 1070 class card from the era matches eight threads at 1080p and 1440p. Chipset lanes handle NVMe and USB.
Cooling follows the 75 mm LGA 1151 pattern in the CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide. The boxed cooler handles 65 W stock operation. A tower cooler cuts noise under long threaded loads.
Upgrade paths
On the same socket the Intel Core i7-6700T packs similar threads into 35 W at 2.8 GHz to 3.6 GHz for small cases. The Intel Core i5-6600 drops to four threads at 3.3 GHz to 3.9 GHz for lower cost gaming. Both share boards, so threads and power decide the swap.
A Kaby Lake i7 keeps board and memory with a BIOS check. A move past revision 1 needs a new platform. The 6700 remains the locked thread leader for Skylake towers.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core i7-6700 use?
It uses LGA 1151 on 100 series boards.
How many cores does the Core i7-6700 have?
Four cores and eight threads at 3.4 GHz base with turbo to 4.0 GHz.
Which graphics does the Core i7-6700 include?
Intel HD Graphics 530 from 350 MHz to 1150 MHz.
What is the TDP of the Core i7-6700?
65 W with a boxed cooler at stock clocks.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .