A6-6420K vs Core i7-9700K
A6-6420K
Core i7-9700K
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The A6-6420K is positioned at rank #656 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A6-6420K
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A6-6420K | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Richland (2013−2014) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A6-6420K | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of A6-6420K and Core i7-9700K
A6-6420K
The A6-6420K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Richland (2013−2014) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,571 points. Launch price was $70.
Core i7-9700K
The Core i7-9700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,397 points. Launch price was $374.
Processing Power
The A6-6420K packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-9700K has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the A6-6420K versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 4 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The A6-6420K uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the A6-6420K scores 1,571 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 160.6% lead for the Core i7-9700K.
| Feature | A6-6420K | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 8 / 8+300% |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz | 4.9 GHz+17% |
| Base Clock | 4 GHz+11% | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1024 kB+300% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Richland (2013−2014) | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 1,571 | 14,397+816% |
Memory & Platform
The A6-6420K uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-9700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A6-6420K versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the A6-6420K supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-9700K supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: FM2 (A6-6420K) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).
| Feature | A6-6420K | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FM2 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1866+46550% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 128 GB+419430300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: true (A6-6420K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 8470D (A6-6420K) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: A6-6420K rivals Pentium G3258.
| Feature | A6-6420K | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 8470D | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
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