How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-3220 scores 20.2/100 overall; Intel Core i7-6700K scores 27.8/100. Intel Core i3-3220 wins 2 individual spec rows, Intel Core i7-6700K wins 18.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-3220 and the Intel Core i7-6700K?

Intel Core i3-3220 advantages: 40% lower Base TDP: 55 W vs 91 W; Has Cooler included — the other doesn't; Lower launch price: $117 vs $339. Intel Core i7-6700K advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 31 vs 20; Stronger Multi-core score: 27 vs 20; Stronger gaming score: 26 vs 20; 230% higher PassMark: 8,900 vs 2,700; 170% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 4,650 vs 1,720.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-3220 or Intel Core i7-6700K?

Intel Core i3-3220 launched cheaper at $117, versus $339 for the Intel Core i7-6700K.

Intel Core i3-3220 vs Intel Core i7-6700K

Intel

Intel Core i3-3220

$117

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i7-6700K

$339

20Single-core30.7

20.4Multi-core27

20Gaming25.6

2 spec wins — Intel Core i3-322018 spec wins — Intel Core i7-6700K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i7-6700K wins this desktop processor face-off, 27.8 to 20.2, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+11) and Multi-core (+7). Intel Core i3-3220 still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.

Which would you pick?

Key differences

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i3-3220

40% lower Base TDP: 55 W vs 91 W
Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
Lower launch price: $117 vs $339

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-6700K

Stronger Single-core score: 31 vs 20
Stronger Multi-core score: 27 vs 20
Stronger gaming score: 26 vs 20
230% higher PassMark: 8,900 vs 2,700
170% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 4,650 vs 1,720

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-6700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-6700K
Announced	2012	2015
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1151
Process	22 nm	14 nm+36%
Base TDP	55 W+40%	91 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-6700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-6700K
Cores	2	4+100%
Performance cores	2	4+100%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	8+100%
Base clock	3.3 GHz	4 GHz+21%
Boost clock	3.3 GHz	4.2 GHz+27%
L2 cache	1 MB	1 MB+100%
L3 cache	3 MB	8 MB+167%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-6700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-6700K
iGPU	Intel HD Graphics 2500	Intel HD Graphics 530
iGPU clock	1,050 MHz	1,150 MHz+10%

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-6700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-6700K
Memory support	DDR3-1600	DDR4-2133 / DDR3L-1600
Max memory	32 GB	64 GB+100%
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-6700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-6700K
PCIe version	2	3+50%
CPU PCIe lanes	16	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-6700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-6700K
Geekbench 6 (single)	790Top 99%	1,420+80%Top 71%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	1,720Top 99%	4,650+170%Top 79%
Cinebench R23 (single)	765Top 100%	1,090+42%Top 82%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	1,900Top 100%	5,000+163%Top 84%
PassMark	2,700Top 99%	8,900+230%Top 82%

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