6700K vs 7700K: Laptop CPU Comparison and Benchmarks

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Similarities between Intel Skylake 6700K and Kabylake 7700K CPUs
• Differences between Intel Skylake 6700K and Kabylake 7700K CPUs
• Performance Comparison: Cinebench
• Performance Comparison: PassMark CPU Benchmark
• Performance Comparison: GeekBench 4
• Performance Comparison: 7-Zip Benchmark
• Performance Comparison: Handbrake Encoding Test
• Overclocking Potential
• Conclusion

Intel Skylake 6700K vs. Kabylake 7700K: A Comparison of Desktop CPUs

In this article, we will be comparing the Intel Skylake 6700K CPU with the newer Kabylake 7700K CPU. Both of these desktop CPUs will be benchmarked in two different laptops to determine their performance differences. We will also discuss the similarities and differences between these two chips to help you decide which one would be the better choice for your laptop.

Introduction

The Intel Skylake 6700K and Kabylake 7700K CPUs are both powerful desktop processors. They share some similarities in terms of core specifications, but there are also significant differences between them. In this article, we will delve into the details of these CPUs and analyze their performance in various benchmarks.

Similarities between Intel Skylake 6700K and Kabylake 7700K CPUs

Before we dive into the differences, let's first acknowledge the similarities between the Skylake 6700K and Kabylake 7700K CPUs. Both processors feature 4 CPU cores with 8 Threads and are based on a 14nm manufacturing process. They also have the same 91W TDP (thermal design power) and come with 8MB of cache. Additionally, both CPUs support up to 64GB of RAM with 2 memory channels, as well as provide 16 PCI Express lanes.

Differences between Intel Skylake 6700K and Kabylake 7700K CPUs

The main difference between the Skylake 6700K and Kabylake 7700K CPUs lies in their clock speeds. The older 6700K is clocked slightly lower, at 4.0GHz, with the ability to turbo up to 4.2GHz. On the other HAND, the newer 7700K is clocked at 4.2GHz, with a turbo boost frequency of up to 4.5GHz. This disparity in clock speeds may account for performance variations between the two CPUs.

Performance Comparison: Cinebench

To gauge the performance difference between the Skylake 6700K and Kabylake 7700K CPUs, we conducted several benchmark tests on laptops equipped with these processors. In the Cinebench benchmark, the Skylake 6700K achieved a CPU score of 836, while the Kabylake 7700K scored 894. Although the improvement is modest, it is still noteworthy.

Performance Comparison: PassMark CPU Benchmark

Next, we assessed the CPUs' performance using the PassMark CPU Benchmark. Surprisingly, the Skylake 6700K received a higher CPU score of 11,108, while the Kabylake 7700K scored slightly lower at 10,667. These results suggest that the overall score metric in this particular benchmark may not accurately reflect the performance capabilities of the Kabylake chips.

Performance Comparison: GeekBench 4

In the GeekBench 4 benchmark, the single-core score for the Skylake 6700K was 5,081, whereas the Kabylake 7700K scored 5,265. Although the Kabylake CPU exhibited better single-core performance, the multi-core scores were quite similar. This discrepancy indicates a potential disparity in how different benchmarks can prioritize single-core or multi-core performance.

Performance Comparison: 7-Zip Benchmark

Moving on, we analyzed the CPUs' performance using the 7-Zip benchmark. The Skylake 6700K achieved a total rating of 24,548 MIPS, while the Kabylake 7700K scored slightly higher at 25,044 MIPS. The difference in compression tasks was minimal, with the Kabylake CPU demonstrating only a slight advantage.

Performance Comparison: Handbrake Encoding Test

To evaluate the CPUs' performance in video encoding, we employed Handbrake to encode a 500MB MP4 video file from 1080p to 720p. The Skylake 6700K completed the encoding process at an average speed of 43.7 FPS, while the Kabylake 7700K completed the same task at 45.3 FPS. The Kabylake CPU only displayed a marginal improvement in this encoding test.

Overclocking Potential

While both CPUs offer potential for overclocking, it is important to consider the impact on power draw and heat generation. Overclocking may be more viable in a desktop PC where cooling solutions can be efficiently managed. In laptops, however, the cooling systems may not be capable of handling the increased power draw and heat, making overclocking less appealing.

Conclusion

Based on our comprehensive performance tests, it is evident that the Kabylake 7700K CPU offers only marginal Incremental improvements compared to its predecessor, the Skylake 6700K. The average performance increase observed across all benchmarks was approximately 2.1% for the Kabylake CPU at stock clock speeds. Therefore, upgrading from a 6700K to a 7700K CPU may not be necessary unless you have other reasons to purchase a new laptop or have specific requirements for Kabylake features.

Ultimately, if you are in the market for a new laptop and have the option to choose between the two CPUs, the Kabylake 7700K would be the preferable choice due to its slight performance advantage. However, if you are considering a laptop with a Skylake 6700K CPU, rest assured that it is still a competitive option, potentially at a lower cost since it is from the previous generation.

💡 Highlights:

• The Intel Skylake 6700K and Kabylake 7700K CPUs have similar core specifications.
• The main difference between the two CPUs is their clock speeds.
• Performance benchmark tests showed marginal improvements with the Kabylake 7700K CPU.
• Overclocking potential may be limited in laptops due to heat and power limitations.

FAQ:

Q: Is the Skylake 6700K still a viable option for a new laptop? A: Yes, the Skylake 6700K remains a competitive choice, especially considering its potentially lower cost compared to newer CPUs.

Q: Should I upgrade from a Skylake 6700K to a Kabylake 7700K CPU? A: Unless you have specific requirements for Kabylake features or need to purchase a new laptop, there is no incentive to upgrade from a Skylake 6700K to a Kabylake 7700K.

Q: Which CPU offers better single-core performance? A: The Kabylake 7700K CPU exhibits better single-core performance compared to the Skylake 6700K.

Q: Are there any significant differences in multi-core performance? A: The multi-core performance of the Skylake 6700K and Kabylake 7700K CPUs is very similar, with no significant differences observed in our tests.

Resources:

• Cinebench

• PassMark CPU Benchmark

• GeekBench 4

• 7-Zip

• Handbrake