No, Intel 6th generation cores are still relevant and can perform well for many tasks.
No, Intel 6th generation cores are still relevant and can perform well for many tasks.
They're focusing only on fake performance in low resolution without high-res settings, right? Someone using 1440p will need to boost their GPU first before these cores shine. Even with hyperthreaded quad workloads, Windows handles them as a single thread, so your browser might just jump to thread 7. Threads 0, 1, 2 and possibly 3 could be struggling, but threads 4 through 7 aren't that demanding, so adding background tasks there shouldn't hurt the frame rate. Skylake remains quicker than Zen 1, and Zen 1 still works well with GPUs at 1440p or above.
It's clear you're pointing out some challenges in modern gaming. Many AAA titles are packed with complexity, making it tough for even a smooth 30fps to run smoothly if the CPU struggles under the GPU load. The shift from 4-core/4-thread CPUs to 8-core/8-thread models is pushing hardware limits, and while some 6-core/6-thread systems still hold on, their lifespan is limited. The transition to 8th generation consoles marks a turning point where multi-threaded CPUs become more prevalent than their threaded predecessors.
They seem outdated, but they’re still functional. Performance varies with the job. For demanding tasks like modern games, you’ll need a powerful i7 for both core and threads. Most modern games can handle 6-8 threads easily. Unless your graphics card is very old, you won’t be limited by the CPU. A 4-core or 8-core processor should suffice for longer, especially paired with good hardware. From my experience, a 4th-gen i7 will keep up with a 1080Ti in current games and still handle new titles at high settings. I wouldn’t force a 6th-gen CPU with a 3080 just to push its limits.
Really, which titles? Locate a polished project from the past five years that’s designed to hit a 6700k maximum before reaching a 2080ti at 1440p. So much activity? Absolutely. The graphics card handles everything. What does ‘PhysX’ mean? GPU APIs are the interfaces developers use. And coffee lake i5s? Outdated. Forget the Haswell systems still working great in 4K—just bad rumors. You’re just repeating what you heard before.
The 6700k is an 8-thread component that works well at the moment. Issues with 4c and 6c setups have been noticeable in most AAA titles over the past few years without using SMT. Choose your scenes, scripts, mods, fanfics, cyberpunk, Horizon Zero Dawn,... and more.
Depends heavily on the configuration and desired frame rate. If you're comfortable at 60fps, even the slower i5 8400 will perform well. The older 4c/4t models can also hit that speed, though you might notice occasional stutters. Not the best experience, but the games remain playable. The main challenge comes with multiplayer titles like Battlefield 2042 at high player counts, which strains the 4c/8t chips—except for the newer 12th generation i3s.
At 1080p, Steam data shows a 4-core CPU is usually insufficient for most recent AAA games, especially when running at low/medium settings without other applications. Many players now use Discord, Spotify, or a browser while gaming instead. Even with an 8-core/16-core setup, performance can still suffer, causing stuttering or frame drops in certain titles.
I’m sure you’re aware that running a 6700k with an 2080ti at 1440p in Monster Hunter World’s highest graphical mode with HD textures pushes the CPU to its limits. Even with a 3900x resolution, the single-threaded performance drops noticeably, often below 80fps on certain maps. The 2070S model adds to the strain.