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Intel Core i7-6870HQ vs Intel Core i7-6700HQ vs Intel Core i7-6560U

Intel Core i7-6870HQ

► remove from comparison Intel 6870HQ

The Intel Core i7-6870HQ is a fast quad-core processor for notebooks based on the Skylake architecture and was introduced in the beginning of 2016. Besides four CPU cores including Hyperthreading, which are clocked between 2.7-3.6 GHz (probable Turbo steps: 4 cores: up to 3.2 GHz, 2 cores: up to 3.4 GHz), the processor also includes a very fast graphics unit. The Iris Pro Graphics 580 (GT4e) has 72 EUs as well as 128 MB eDRAM cache, which can also be used by the CPU cores. It is manufactured using a 14 nm process with FinFET transistors.

Contrary to other models like the Core i7-6820HQ, the i7-6870HQ does have a much faster GPU, but neither supports the instruction set extensions TSX-NI nor vPro.

Architecture

Intel uses Skylake to replace both Broadwell as well as Haswell and therefore uses one core design for all TDP classes between 4.5-45 Watts. Several improvements of the Skylake architecture include bigger Out-to-Order-Buffer, optimizations for pre-fetching as well as bigger gains by Hyperthreading. However, the changes are small for a "Tock" – a new micro architecture – in general, so the per-MHz performance is only between 5-10 % (compared to Haswell) or less than 5 % higher (compared to Broadwell), respectively.

The i7-6870HQ also benefits from the additional eDRAM cache in some cases, which can accelerate memory-heavy applications in particular.

Performance

Thanks to the additional eDRAM cache, the i7-6870HQ should even compete with the similarly clocked i7-6820HQ and is therefore one of the fastest notebook processors in the beginning of 2016. Even the most demanding applications and excessive multi-tasking are no problem for the high-end CPU.

Graphics

The integrated GPU with the designation Iris Pro Graphics 580 (also known as "GT4e") represents the fastest version of the Skylake GPU (Intel Gen. 9). 72 Execution Units (EUs) run at 350 up to 1000 MHz and allow a performance comparable to a dedicated mainstream chip. The GPU might be able to compete with a GeForce 945M under perfect conditions and it is therefore the fastest iGPU on the market by a pretty big margin. Modern games from 2015/2016 can usually be played smoothly at medium settings. More information about the performance and the features is available on our dedicated page for the Iris Pro Graphics 580.

Power Consumption

According to its TDP of 45 Watts, the chip is primarily designed for bigger notebooks starting with 15-inch screens. The TDP can optionally be reduced to 35 Watts (cTDP down), but this would obviously affect the performance.

Intel Core i7-6700HQ

► remove from comparison Intel 6700HQ

The Intel Core i7-6700HQ is a quad-core processor based on the Skylake architecture, that has been launched in September 2015. In addition to four CPU cores with Hyper-Threading clocked at 2.6 - 3.5 GHz (4 cores: max. 3.1 GHz, 2 cores: max. 3.3 GHz), the chip also integrates an HD Graphics 530 GPU and a dual-channel DDR4-2133/DDR3L-1600 memory controller. The CPU is manufactured using a 14 nm process with FinFET transistors.

Architecture

Skylake replaces both Haswell and Broadwell and brings the same microarchitecture in every TDP class from 4.5 to 45 W. The extensive improvements of the Skylake design include increased out-of-order buffers, optimized prefetching and branch prediction as well as additional performance gains through Hyper-Threading. Overall, however, performance per clock has been increased by only 5 to 10 percent (compared to Haswell) respectively under 5 percent (compard to Broadwell), which is quite modest for a new architecture ("Tock").

Performance

According to the specified clock rates and the improved architecture, the Core i7-6700HQ performs roughly on par with the former, somewhat higher clocked Core i7-4900MQ or i7-4810MQ (Haswell). Under long-lasting full load, the Skylake chip will take the lead over Haswell-based predecessors, as the advanced 14 nm process leads to a higher energy efficiency and reduces throttling.

Even the most demanding applications and excessive multitasking are handled easily.

Graphics

The integrated graphics unit called HD Graphics 530 represents the "GT2" version of the Skylake GPU (Intel Gen. 9). The 24 Execution Units, also called EUs, are clocked at 350 - 1050 MHz and offer a performance about 20 percent above the old HD Graphics 4600. Games of 2015 can thus be played smoothly in low or medium settings. For more information about performance and features, check our page for HD Graphics 530.

Power Consumption

Specified at a TDP of 45 W (including CPU, GPU and memory controller), the CPU is best suited for bigger notebooks 15-inches in size and above. Optionally, the TDP can be lowered to 35 watts (cTDP down), reducing both heat dissipation and performance.

Intel Core i7-6560U

► remove from comparison Intel 6560U

The Intel Core i7-6560U is an ULV (ultra low voltage) dual-core SoC based on the Skylake architecture and has been launched in September 2015. The CPU can be found in ultrabooks as well as normal notebooks.. In addition to two CPU cores with Hyper-Threading clocked at 2.2 - 3.2 GHz (2 cores: max. 3.1 GHz), the chip also integrates an Iris Graphics 540 GPU with 64 MB of dedicated eDRAM memory and a dual-channel DDR4-2133/DDR3L-1600 memory controller. The SoC is manufactured using a 14 nm process with FinFET transistors.

Architecture

Skylake replaces both Haswell and Broadwell and brings the same microarchitecture in every TDP class from 4.5 to 45 W. The extensive improvements of the Skylake design include increased out-of-order buffers, optimized prefetching and branch prediction as well as additional performance gains through Hyper-Threading. Overall, however, performance per clock has been increased by only 5 to 10 percent (compared to Haswell) respectively under 5 percent (compard to Broadwell), which is quite modest for a new architecture ("Tock").

Furthermore, the organisation of the eDRAM cache has been modified. Instead of acting like a victim cache, which has to be adressed via the L3/LLC, the eDRAM can now be adressed directly by programms just like the main memory. The size is still 128 MB for the quad-core models (4C + GT4e), while the dual-core chips (2C + GT3e) only offer 64 MB.

Performance

According to the specified clock rates and the improved architecture, the Core i7-6560U should perform similar to a Core i5-4300M (Haswell, 37 W) and slightly beat the Core i7-5600U (Broadwell, 15 W). Thus, the CPU has sufficient power for office and multimedia purposes as well as more demanding applications and multitasking.

Graphics

The integrated graphics unit called Iris Graphics 540 represents the "GT3e" version of the Skylake GPU (Intel Gen. 9). The 48 Execution Units, also called EUs, are clocked at 300 - 1050 MHz and offer (thanks to the fast eDRAM cache) a performance sligthly above a dedicated GeForce 920M. Games of 2015 can thus be played smoothly in low or medium settings. For more information about performance and features, check our page for the Iris Graphics 540.

Power Consumption

Specified at a TDP of 15 W (including CPU, GPU and memory controller), the CPU is best suited for small notebooks and ultrabooks (11-inches and above). Optionally, the TDP can be lowered to 9.5 watts (cTDP down), reducing both heat dissipation and performance and allowing even more compact designs.

ModelIntel Core i7-6870HQIntel Core i7-6700HQIntel Core i7-6560U
SeriesIntel Core i7Intel Core i7Intel Core i7
CodenameSkylakeSkylakeSkylake
Series: Core i7 Skylake
Intel Core i7-6920HQ2.9 - 3.8 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6970HQ2.8 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6870HQ « 2.7 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6820HK2.7 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6820HQ2.7 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6770HQ2.6 - 3.5 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6700HQ2.6 - 3.5 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6567U3.3 - 3.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6600U2.6 - 3.4 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6650U2.2 - 3.4 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6560U2.2 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6500U2.5 - 3.1 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6920HQ2.9 - 3.8 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6970HQ2.8 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6870HQ2.7 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6820HK2.7 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6820HQ2.7 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6770HQ2.6 - 3.5 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6700HQ « 2.6 - 3.5 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6567U3.3 - 3.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6600U2.6 - 3.4 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6650U2.2 - 3.4 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6560U2.2 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6500U2.5 - 3.1 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6920HQ2.9 - 3.8 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6970HQ2.8 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6870HQ2.7 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6820HK2.7 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6820HQ2.7 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6770HQ2.6 - 3.5 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6700HQ2.6 - 3.5 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6567U3.3 - 3.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6600U2.6 - 3.4 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6650U2.2 - 3.4 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6560U « 2.2 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-6500U2.5 - 3.1 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Clock2700 - 3600 MHz2600 - 3500 MHz2200 - 3200 MHz
L1 Cache256 KB256 KB128 KB
L2 Cache1 MB1 MB512 KB
L3 Cache8 MB6 MB4 MB
Cores / Threads4 / 84 / 82 / 4
TDP45 Watt45 Watt15 Watt
Technology14 nm14 nm14 nm
max. Temp.100 °C100 °C100 °C
SocketBGABGABGA
FeaturesDual-Channel DDR3L-1600/DDR4-2133 Memory Controller, AVX, AVX2, Quick Sync, Virtualization, AES-NI, TXTDual-Channel DDR3L-1600/DDR4-2133 Memory Controller, AVX, AVX2, Quick Sync, Virtualization, AES-NIDual-Channel DDR3L-1600/DDR4-2133 Memory Controller, HyperThreading, AVX, AVX2, Quick Sync, Virtualization, AES-NI
iGPUIntel Iris Pro Graphics 580 (350 - 1000 MHz)Intel HD Graphics 530 (350 - 1050 MHz)Intel Iris Graphics 540 (300 - 1050 MHz)
Architecturex86x86x86
$434 U.S.$378 U.S.
Announced
Manufacturerark.intel.comark.intel.comark.intel.com
Die Size122 mm2

Benchmarks

Cinebench R15 - Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64 Bit
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 586     avg: 671     median: 676 (4%)     max: 689 Points
46%
1 6560U +
min: 303     avg: 311.7     median: 314 (2%)     max: 318 Points
Cinebench R15 - Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64 Bit
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 113     avg: 142.2     median: 144 (43%)     max: 150 Points
92%
1 6560U +
min: 130     avg: 131.7     median: 132 (40%)     max: 133 Points
Cinebench R11.5 - Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64 Bit
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 6.56     avg: 7.4     median: 7.4 (10%)     max: 7.52 Points
46%
1 6560U +
3.5 Points (4%)
Cinebench R11.5 - Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64 Bit
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 1.2     avg: 1.6     median: 1.6 (41%)     max: 1.7 Points
93%
1 6560U +
1.5 Points (38%)
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Single (32bit)
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 4104     avg: 5328     median: 5419 (33%)     max: 5550 Points
93%
1 6560U +
5054 Points (31%)
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Multi (32bit)
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 18994     avg: 20191     median: 20190 (15%)     max: 20639 Points
55%
1 6560U +
11205 Points (8%)
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Multi (64bit)
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 20383     avg: 26108     median: 26393 (18%)     max: 26950 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Single (64bit)
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 5208     avg: 6814     median: 6997.5 (9%)     max: 7206 Points
wPrime 2.10 - wPrime 2.0 1024m *
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 229.3     avg: 261     median: 233.1 (3%)     max: 382 s
97%
1 6560U +
482.9 s (6%)
wPrime 2.10 - wPrime 2.0 32m *
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 7.473     avg: 8.4     median: 7.7 (2%)     max: 11.9 s
99%
1 6560U +
14.6 s (3%)
wPrime 1.55 - wPrime 1.55 1024m *
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 229.7     avg: 231.9     median: 232.8 (1%)     max: 233.1 s
wPrime 1.55 - wPrime 1.55 32m *
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 7.555     avg: 7.8     median: 7.8 (4%)     max: 8.202 s
WinRAR - WinRAR 4.0
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 3695     avg: 4457     median: 4618 (7%)     max: 4950 Points
7-Zip 18.03 - 7-Zip 18.03 Multli Thread 4 runs
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 22392     avg: 22734     median: 22733.5 (13%)     max: 23075 MIPS
39%
1 6560U +
8885 MIPS (5%)
7-Zip 18.03 - 7-Zip 18.03 Single Thread 4 runs
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 5040     avg: 5114     median: 5113.5 (61%)     max: 5187 MIPS
66%
1 6560U +
3396 MIPS (41%)
X264 HD Benchmark 4.0 - x264 Pass 2
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 35.9     avg: 41.9     median: 42 (15%)     max: 43 fps
48%
1 6560U +
20.3 fps (7%)
X264 HD Benchmark 4.0 - x264 Pass 1
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 137.6     avg: 155.7     median: 157.5 (36%)     max: 162.4 fps
70%
1 6560U +
110 fps (25%)
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2 - HWBOT x265 4k Preset
100%
1 6700HQ +
5.4 fps (10%)
46%
1 6560U +
2.5 fps (4%)
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt Serpent
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 0.319     avg: 0.4     median: 0.4 (0%)     max: 0.393 GB/s
50%
1 6560U +
0.2 GB/s (0%)
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt Twofish
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 0.543     avg: 0.6     median: 0.7 (11%)     max: 0.667 GB/s
50%
1 6560U +
0.3 GB/s (6%)
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt AES
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 2.9     avg: 3.7     median: 3.8 (10%)     max: 3.8 GB/s
50%
1 6560U +
1.9 GB/s (5%)
Blender - Blender 2.79 BMW27 CPU *
100%
1 6700HQ +
674 Seconds (5%)
94%
1 6560U +
1505 Seconds (11%)
3DMark 06 - CPU - 3DMark 06 - CPU
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 5373     avg: 6975     median: 7092 (15%)     max: 7205 Points
Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 1M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 1M *
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 10     avg: 11.1     median: 10.9 (2%)     max: 12.81 s
100%
1 6560U +
11.8 s (3%)
Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 2M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 2M *
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 23.84     avg: 24.8     median: 24.2 (1%)     max: 28.07 s
100%
1 6560U +
26.8 s (1%)
Super Pi Mod 1.5 XS 32M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 32M *
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 545     avg: 578     median: 565 (3%)     max: 658 s
100%
1 6560U +
618 s (3%)
3DMark Vantage - 3DM Vant. Perf. CPU no Physx
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 23076     avg: 24458     median: 24728.5 (22%)     max: 25285 Points
3DMark 11 - 3DM11 Performance Physics
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 6170     avg: 8251     median: 8508 (23%)     max: 9176 Points
52%
1 6560U +
min: 4255     avg: 4408     median: 4399 (12%)     max: 4570 Points
3DMark - 3DMark Ice Storm Physics
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 23589     avg: 40950     median: 41481 (34%)     max: 46650 Points
98%
1 6560U +
min: 36243     avg: 39493     median: 40569 (33%)     max: 41667 Points
3DMark - 3DMark Ice Storm Extreme Physics
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 25914     avg: 40703     median: 41224 (33%)     max: 46052 Points
89%
1 6560U +
36774 Points (30%)
3DMark - 3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited Physics
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 37657     avg: 45098     median: 45682 (38%)     max: 48010 Points
97%
1 6560U +
44124 Points (37%)
3DMark - 3DMark Cloud Gate Physics
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 3465     avg: 6810     median: 6916 (17%)     max: 7202 Points
49%
1 6560U +
min: 3351     avg: 3413     median: 3379 (9%)     max: 3509 Points
3DMark - 3DMark Fire Strike Standard Physics
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 5271     avg: 9540     median: 9633 (17%)     max: 9917 Points
52%
1 6560U +
min: 5007     avg: 5036     median: 5035.5 (9%)     max: 5064 Points
3DMark - 3DMark Time Spy CPU
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 3246     avg: 3715     median: 3791.5 (16%)     max: 3965 Points
Geekbench 4.4 - Geekbench 4.1 - 4.4 64 Bit Single-Core
100%
1 6560U +
3903 Points (39%)
Geekbench 4.4 - Geekbench 4.1 - 4.4 64 Bit Multi-Core
100%
1 6560U +
7776 Points (9%)
Geekbench 4.0 - Geekbench 4.0 64 Bit Single-Core
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 3663     avg: 4114     median: 4234 (58%)     max: 4326 Points
Geekbench 4.0 - Geekbench 4.0 64 Bit Multi-Core
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 11033     avg: 12421     median: 12796.5 (31%)     max: 13058 Points
Geekbench 3 - Geekbench 3 32 Bit Multi-Core
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 10698     avg: 12432     median: 12733.5 (23%)     max: 13065 Points
Geekbench 3 - Geekbench 3 32 Bit Single-Core
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 2853     avg: 3352     median: 3422 (67%)     max: 3696 Points
Geekbench 3 - Geekbench 3 64 Bit Multi-Core
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 12486     avg: 13197     median: 13122.5 (21%)     max: 14057 Points
Geekbench 3 - Geekbench 3 64 Bit Single-Core
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 3291     avg: 3611     median: 3623 (54%)     max: 3906 Points
Geekbench 2 - 32 Bit - Geekbench Stream
100%
1 6700HQ +
8575 Points (69%)
Geekbench 2 - 32 Bit - Geekbench Memory
100%
1 6700HQ +
8107 Points (74%)
Geekbench 2 - 32 Bit - Geekbench Floating Point
100%
1 6700HQ +
18111 Points (35%)
Geekbench 2 - 32 Bit - Geekbench Integer
100%
1 6700HQ +
10046 Points (20%)
Geekbench 2 - 32 Bit - Geekbench Total Score
100%
1 6700HQ +
12333 Points (32%)
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Kraken 1.1 Total Score *
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 899     avg: 1088     median: 1009.5 (1%)     max: 1904 ms
Sunspider - Sunspider 1.0 Total Score *
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 71.8     avg: 84.8     median: 77.8 (1%)     max: 160.5 ms
Octane V2 - Octane V2 Total Score
100%
1 6700HQ +
min: 18466     avg: 34918     median: 36290 (33%)     max: 39235 Points
Power Consumption - Prime95 Power Consumption - external Monitor *
100%
1 6700HQ +
67.1 Watt (12%)
Power Consumption - Cinebench R15 Multi Power Consumption - external Monitor *
100%
1 6700HQ +
52.5 Watt (10%)

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-6700HQ → 0% n=

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-6560U → 0% n=

- Range of benchmark values for this graphics card
- Average benchmark values for this graphics card
* Smaller numbers mean a higher performance
1 This benchmark is not used for the average calculation

v1.26
log 28. 11:02:50

#0 checking url part for id 8018 +0s ... 0s

#1 checking url part for id 6973 +0s ... 0s

#2 checking url part for id 7044 +0s ... 0s

#3 not redirecting to Ajax server +0s ... 0s

#4 did not recreate cache, as it is less than 5 days old! Created at Thu, 28 Mar 2024 05:35:32 +0100 +0.001s ... 0.001s

#5 composed specs +0.053s ... 0.054s

#6 did output specs +0s ... 0.054s

#7 getting avg benchmarks for device 8018 +0.003s ... 0.056s

#8 got single benchmarks 8018 +0s ... 0.057s

#9 getting avg benchmarks for device 6973 +0.004s ... 0.061s

#10 got single benchmarks 6973 +0.378s ... 0.439s

#11 getting avg benchmarks for device 7044 +0.003s ... 0.442s

#12 got single benchmarks 7044 +0.021s ... 0.463s

#13 got avg benchmarks for devices +0s ... 0.463s

#14 min, max, avg, median took s +0.286s ... 0.748s

#15 return log +0s ... 0.749s

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Benchmarks / Tech > Processor Comparison - Head 2 Head
Redaktion, 2017-09- 8 (Update: 2023-07- 1)