Core i7-6900K vs Core i7-9700K
Core i7-6900K
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. 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 i7-6900K
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-6900K | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,089) | ✅ More affordable ($200) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell-E (2016) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-6900K | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+434%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,089) | ✅ More affordable ($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 Core i7-6900K and Core i7-9700K
Core i7-6900K
The Core i7-6900K 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 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 20 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: 14,682 points. Launch price was $1,020.
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 Core i7-6900K packs 8 cores / 16 threads, matching the Core i7-9700K's 8 cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i7-6900K versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 20.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-6900K uses the Broadwell-E (2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6900K scores 14,682 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 2% lead for the Core i7-6900K. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i7-6900K vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.
| Feature | Core i7-6900K | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 8 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz | 4.9 GHz+23% |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.6 GHz+12% |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total)+67% | 12 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 | 14,682+2% | 14,397 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,273 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 7,591 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-6900K uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-9700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2400 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 4 (Core i7-6900K) vs 2 (Core i7-9700K). PCIe lanes: 40 (Core i7-6900K) vs 16 (Core i7-9700K) — the Core i7-6900K offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X99 (Core i7-6900K) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).
| Feature | Core i7-6900K | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40+150% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-6900K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-6900K targets High-End Desktop, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i7-6900K | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | High-End Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-6900K launched at $1089 MSRP, while the Core i7-9700K debuted at $385. At current prices ($1089 vs $200), the Core i7-9700K is $889 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-6900K delivers 13.5 pts/$ vs 72.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i7-9700K the 136.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-6900K | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1089 | $385-65% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1089 | $200-82% |
| Performance per Dollar | 13.5 | 72.0+433% |
| Release Date | 2016 | 2018 |
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