Intel Core i7-6850K Processor

The Intel Core i7-6850K Processor — 6 cores and 12 threads, 3.6 GHz base rising to 3.8 GHz with Turbo Boost, 15 MB Intel Smart Cache, 140 W processor base power, LGA2011-3. Supplied from stock with a 1-year warranty.

Broadwell-E with 40 PCIe lanes

The i7-6850K is the middle Core X part of the Broadwell-E range: six cores with Hyper-Threading at 3.60 GHz with a 3.80 GHz Turbo, 15 MB of cache, a 140 W envelope and an unlocked multiplier, launched Q2 2016. Its distinguishing feature is the full 40 lanes of PCI Express 3.0 from the CPU.

Forty lanes make it the pick for multi-GPU and NVMe-array builds on X99 — where the 6800K carries only 28. Quad-channel DDR4-2400 provides the memory bandwidth, and there is no integrated graphics, so a discrete card is required.

Technical specifications

Instruction set extensions: Intel SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX and AVX2. Security and virtualisation: AES-NI, Intel VT-x with EPT and VT-d.

Which systems take this processor

Anything on the LGA 2011-3 socket with an Intel X99 chipset (or the C612 workstation variant). This is the HEDT platform of the Broadwell-E era: quad-channel DDR4 memory, 28 to 40 lanes of PCI Express 3.0 from the CPU and ATX or E-ATX boards.

• Workstations and compute boxes — ASUS X99-A / X99 Deluxe, MSI X99A RAIDER, Gigabyte X99-UD4, Supermicro X10SRA on C612. Four memory channels suit NVMe arrays and memory-bandwidth-hungry work.
• Upgrade path — an X99 board accepts the whole Core X (Broadwell-E) range up to 10 cores, and used X99 boards remain inexpensive.

One caveat: LGA 2011-3 is not interchangeable with LGA2011 (Sandy/Ivy Bridge-E) or LGA2066 — different pin layout, cooler mounting and memory. Broadwell-E also needs a board BIOS from 2016 or later. Tell us the board model when you enquire and we will confirm.

How it compares across the i7 line

The 6900K adds two cores (eight, sixteen threads) and 20 MB of cache; the 6950X completes the range at ten cores. For PCIe-hungry builds the 6850K is the value point of the lineup.

How each processor is tested before it ships

1. Visual inspection of the integrated heat spreader, substrate and contact pads; the sSpec laser marking (SR2PC on our i7-6850K stock) is verified against the Intel specification sheet.
2. Burn-in on a matched diagnostic board with four matched memory modules (all four channels must be populated to reach the rated bandwidth).
3. All populated memory channels and the primary PCIe lanes are validated, then the processor is identified in the BIOS and in the operating system.
4. A sustained multi-threaded load test at full core count, with the clock and thermal readings recorded.
5. Thermal paste cleaned off, final inspection, then packaging in an anti-static tray with foam — which is how it arrives to you.

Warranty and lead time

Every processor is covered by a 1-year warranty against defects in workmanship and function. If a part fails within the period we replace it or refund it, and we cover return shipping on a verified fault. Stock is held in our own warehouse and normally dispatches within three to seven working days; tracking is issued at dispatch.

Purchasing and volume enquiries

The minimum order quantity for this processor is 2 units. Price is quotation-based rather than listed, because CPU pricing moves with each incoming batch — send us the quantity you need and we will come back with a firm quote and the current lead time. Larger quantities ship from the same production batch so the sSpec and the stepping stay consistent across your order.