A8-6600K vs Core i7-940

A8-6600K vs Core i7-940 Performance Spectrum

A8-6600K

4 / 4

3,002

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 1920

Ryzen AI Max 390

Ryzen 9 9955HX3D

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i7-940

4 / 8

3,029

+0.9%

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.

A8-6600K vs Core i7-940 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A8-6600K vs Core i7-940: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A8-6600K

2013

Why buy it

✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 8570D, while Core i7-940 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i7-940.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,002 vs 3,029).
❌9900% higher power demand at 100W vs 1W.

Core i7-940

2008

Why buy it

✅+0.9% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 1W instead of 100W, a 99W reduction.
✅125% more PCIe lanes (36 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $562 MSRP, while A8-6600K mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while A8-6600K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-6600K.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-940 better than A8-6600K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A8-6600K is ahead with a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-940 pulls ahead with 0.9% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-940 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-940 is the better buy right now. Core i7-940 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $562 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.9% better PassMark. The compromise is that A8-6600K is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (5.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

A8-6600K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-6600K vs Core i7-940 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

A8-6600K

The A8-6600K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Richland (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 3,002 points. Launch price was $142.

Core i7-940

The Core i7-940 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Novembro 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,029 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The A8-6600K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-940's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the A8-6600K versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-940 — a 27% clock advantage for the A8-6600K (base: 3.9 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The A8-6600K uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-940 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A8-6600K scores 3,002 against the Core i7-940's 3,029 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i7-940. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-6600K vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-940.

Feature	A8-6600K	Core i7-940
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+31%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.9 GHz+33%	2.93 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4096 kB+1500%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Richland (2013−2014)	Bloomfield (2008−2010)
PassMark	3,002	3,029

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Memory & Platform

The A8-6600K uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-940 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A8-6600K versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i7-940 — the A8-6600K supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-6600K supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 24 GB — 166.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (A8-6600K) vs 3 (Core i7-940). PCIe lanes: 16 (A8-6600K) vs 36 (Core i7-940) — the Core i7-940 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	A8-6600K	Core i7-940
Socket	FM2	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1866+75%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+167%	24 GB
RAM Channels	2	3+50%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	36+125%

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Advanced Features

Only the A8-6600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (A8-6600K) vs VT-x (Core i7-940). The A8-6600K includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 8570D), while the Core i7-940 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-940 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: A8-6600K rivals Core i3-4130.