Intel Core I7-6700, 4 Cores & 8 Threads Unlocked Desktop Processor with Intel HD Graphics 530

It's fast. Of course it is, but it's also super cool.The 3.4GHz version only uses 75 watts, while the faster i7-6700 uses over 100, and I wanted the least fan noise possible. So I chose this as more than fast enough, with the ability to cool it passively, or nearly so. I have my case fans set to not turn on unless the CPU is over 45 degrees and I put the ginormous Noctua D15 heat sink on it. I ended up pulling the second fan off and running it with one fan at idle until 40 degrees (it idles at about 640 RPM and you cannot hear it with the case closed up). then putting a pair of 120mm fans in the case vents for when I make the machine work.I'm also running the EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB FTW, which doesn't run its fans at idle, either.This was an excellent choice. When recording music, even when I have a boatload of effects like 20 convolution reverbs and compressors on a dozen channels, the fans almost never have to speed up. Even then, its usually the CPU fan speeding up first and the case fans are still turned off. The CPU spends most of its time at around 40 degrees. When at idle, it is 28-30 degrees, depending on ambient temperature.Speedwise, nothing I own or run slows down. I ran some CPU Burner tests to see what would happen and it gets fantastic performance and never comes close to getting too hot, even with the case fans only spinning 700 RPM so they can barely be heard. I'm very pleased with this CPU.

A high-performance quad-core processor with turbo-boost possible up to 4GHZ.This version of the Core i7 is the top end of the mainstream (consumer) portion of Intel's 6th generation desktop processors. I used mine on a Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 7 board, where it worked without any problems or BIOS updates needed.Considering 7th gen i7s (i7-7700) were available as of my purchase date, here's why I picked the older model:Pros:* Broader compatibility with older boards than 7th gen. Some older boards will support 7th gen after a BIOS update, but need a 6th-gen CPU to boot from in the first place.* The older boards are notably cheaper still. (compare Z170 and Z270 boards)* Reports of heat issues and thermal throttling with the 7th gen version of this CPU. As of this writing, that means the i7-7700 may have worse performance under load.* CPU cooler is included. (not included with i7-7700 boxed)* Slightly cheaper than i7-7700.* Runs cool (low powered) when idle, compared to older gen i7.Cons:* Slightly slower (200MHZ slower than i7-7700)* Peak turboboost is a little better on i7-7700 (higher clock when boosting multiple cores)* Stock cooler is so-so. The fan is sort of loud (whiney) if cranked up at all, and very loud at max speed. Under load, the fan cranks up almost immediately.If it's been more than two months since I wrote this review, consider researching the heat issue on the i7-7700 to see if that concern still applies. But in the short-term, the 6th gen CPUs like this one, and the matching boards, may still be a better value and better choice than the 7th gen.

I am very happy with this processor. I bought it for my linux workstation build. My old one was a very powerful processor a generation or two behind this one. That one got bumped down to be a gaming computer.This processor significantly outperforms my last one and uses very little power. I wanted something that sips power a little because this workstation is often on 24/7. Also, it comes with a stock cooler, unlike the 6700K. I mean, it's not a great cooler or anything, but this is a reasonably cool processor and I can always replace it later with an aftermarket cooler. If you don't plan on overclocking, this is a great solution.I have no regrets and am glad I bought this instead of the 6700K. The only downside? This price doesn't *really* seem reasonable, especially given the prices of processors that are slightly faster and slower. I guess that's what you get when the whole market is effectively owned by a single company.

Nice Core i7 six generation processor and the Intel HD 530 graphics capability works well with my Gigabyte H270 motherboard. I deducted one star due to the price for this 2015 vintage locked processor. However, its a great processor for those that can do without overclocking but want a fast and feature rich processor. Strongly recommended if you are planning to run Windows 10, 8 or 7 and/or are planning to use the Intel HD 530 graphics rather than buying a high-end GPU to start with. Otherwise, you may want to consider another processor like AMD's new processor.However, for me Intel has served me well for many years now.