Core i7-6800K vs Core i5-9600K
Core i7-6800K
Core i5-9600K
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 Core i7-6800K is positioned at rank #691 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 Core i7-6800K
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-9600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-6800K | Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($120) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($178) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell-E (2016) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-6800K | Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+49%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($120) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($178) |
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 Core i7-6800K and Core i5-9600K
Core i7-6800K
The Core i7-6800K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 31 May 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-E (2016) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 10,715 points. Launch price was $345.
Core i5-9600K
The Core i5-9600K 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 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 10,645 points. Launch price was $262.
Processing Power
The Core i7-6800K packs 6 cores / 12 threads, matching the Core i5-9600K's 6 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-6800K versus 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-9600K — a 19% clock advantage for the Core i5-9600K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i7-6800K uses the Broadwell-E (2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-9600K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6800K scores 10,715 against the Core i5-9600K's 10,645 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-6800K. L3 cache: 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-6800K vs 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-9600K.
| Feature | Core i7-6800K | Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 6 |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz | 4.6 GHz+21% |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz | 3.7 GHz+9% |
| L3 Cache | 15 MB (total)+67% | 9 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Broadwell-E (2016) | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 10,715 | 10,645 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-6800K uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-9600K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-6800K | Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | 2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 128 |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-6800K) / true (Core i5-9600K). The Core i5-9600K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-6800K requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Core i7-6800K | Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-6800K launched at $434 MSRP, while the Core i5-9600K debuted at $263. At current prices ($120 vs $178), the Core i7-6800K is $58 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-6800K delivers 89.3 pts/$ vs 59.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-9600K — making the Core i7-6800K the 39.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-6800K | Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $434 | $263-39% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $120-33% | $178 |
| Performance per Dollar | 89.3+49% | 59.8 |
| Release Date | 2016 | 2018 |
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