A8-6600K vs Core i7-940
A8-6600K
Core i7-940
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. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The A8-6600K is positioned at rank 426 and the Core i7-940 is on rank 1071, so the A8-6600K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A8-6600K
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-940
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A8-6600K | Core i7-940 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($90) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Richland (2013−2014) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Bloomfield (2008−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A8-6600K | Core i7-940 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($90) |
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 A8-6600K and Core i7-940
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.
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 |
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 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-6600K supports up to 64 of RAM compared to 24 GB — 90.9% 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+62100% | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 | 24 GB+39321500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 3+50% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 36+125% |
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.
| Feature | A8-6600K | Core i7-940 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 8570D | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
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