Ryzen 9 9900X vs i7-6850K

Aggregate performance score

Core i7-6850K
2016
6 cores / 12 threads, 140 Watt
7.35
Ryzen 9 9900X
2024
12 cores / 24 threads, 120 Watt
35.24
+379%

Ryzen 9 9900X outperforms Core i7-6850K by a whopping 379% based on our aggregate benchmark results.

Primary details

Comparing Core i7-6850K and Ryzen 9 9900X processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.

Place in the ranking983108
Place by popularitynot in top-100not in top-100
Cost-effectiveness evaluation1.2863.62
Market segmentDesktop processorDesktop processor
Power efficiency4.8827.28
Architecture codenameBroadwell-E (2016)Granite Ridge (2024)
Release date31 May 2016 (8 years ago)15 August 2024 (less than a year ago)
Launch price (MSRP)$475$499

Cost-effectiveness evaluation

Performance per price, higher is better.

Ryzen 9 9900X has 4870% better value for money than i7-6850K.

Detailed specifications

Core i7-6850K and Ryzen 9 9900X basic parameters such as number of cores, number of threads, base frequency and turbo boost clock, lithography, cache size and multiplier lock state. These parameters indirectly say of CPU speed, though for more precise assessment you have to consider their test results.

Physical cores6 (Hexa-Core)12 (Dodeca-Core)
Threads1224
Base clock speed3.6 GHz4.4 GHz
Boost clock speed4 GHz5.6 GHz
L1 cache32 KB (per core)80 KB (per core)
L2 cache256 KB (per core)1 MB (per core)
L3 cache15 MB (shared)64 MB (shared)
Chip lithography14 nm4 nm
Die sizeno data2x 70.6 mm2
Maximum core temperatureno data95 °C
Maximum case temperature (TCase)72 °Cno data
Number of transistorsno data16,630 million
64 bit support++
Windows 11 compatibility-no data
Unlocked multiplier++

Compatibility

Information on Core i7-6850K and Ryzen 9 9900X compatibility with other computer components: motherboard (look for socket type), power supply unit (look for power consumption) etc. Useful when planning a future computer configuration or upgrading an existing one. Note that power consumption of some processors can well exceed their nominal TDP, even without overclocking. Some can even double their declared thermals given that the motherboard allows to tune the CPU power parameters.

Number of CPUs in a configuration11
SocketFCLGA2011AM5
Power consumption (TDP)140 Watt120 Watt

Technologies and extensions

Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Core i7-6850K and Ryzen 9 9900X. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.

Instruction set extensionsno dataSMT, AES, AVX, AVX2, AVX512, FMA3, MMX (+), SHA, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, SSE4A
AES-NI++
AVX++
Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST)+no data
Turbo Boost Technology2.0no data
Hyper-Threading Technology+no data
Idle States+no data
Smart Response+no data
Turbo Boost Max 3.0+no data
Precision Boost 2no data+

Security technologies

Core i7-6850K and Ryzen 9 9900X technologies aimed at improving security, for example, by protecting against hacks.

TXT+no data
EDB+no data

Virtualization technologies

Virtual machine speed-up technologies supported by Core i7-6850K and Ryzen 9 9900X are enumerated here.

AMD-V-+
VT-d+no data
VT-x+no data
EPT+no data

Memory specs

Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Core i7-6850K and Ryzen 9 9900X. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.

Supported memory typesDDR4DDR5
Maximum memory size128 GBno data
Max memory channels4no data

Graphics specifications

General parameters of integrated GPUs, if any.

Integrated graphics cardno dataAMD Radeon Graphics

Peripherals

Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Core i7-6850K and Ryzen 9 9900X.

PCIe version3.05.0
PCI Express lanes4024

Synthetic benchmark performance

Various benchmark results of the processors in comparison. Overall score is measured in points in 0-100 range, higher is better.


Combined synthetic benchmark score

This is our combined benchmark performance rating. We are regularly improving our combining algorithms, but if you find some perceived inconsistencies, feel free to speak up in comments section, we usually fix problems quickly.

i7-6850K 7.35
Ryzen 9 9900X 35.24
+379%

Passmark

Passmark CPU Mark is a widespread benchmark, consisting of 8 different types of workload, including integer and floating point math, extended instructions, compression, encryption and physics calculation. There is also one separate single-threaded scenario measuring single-core performance.

i7-6850K 11459
Ryzen 9 9900X 54932
+379%

Gaming performance

Pros & cons summary


Performance score 7.35 35.24
Recency 31 May 2016 15 August 2024
Physical cores 6 12
Threads 12 24
Chip lithography 14 nm 4 nm
Power consumption (TDP) 140 Watt 120 Watt

Ryzen 9 9900X has a 379.5% higher aggregate performance score, an age advantage of 8 years, 100% more physical cores and 100% more threads, a 250% more advanced lithography process, and 16.7% lower power consumption.

The Ryzen 9 9900X is our recommended choice as it beats the Core i7-6850K in performance tests.


Should you still have questions on choice between Core i7-6850K and Ryzen 9 9900X, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.

Vote for your favorite

Do you think we are right or mistaken in our choice? Vote by clicking "Like" button near your favorite CPU.


Intel Core i7-6850K
Core i7-6850K
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
Ryzen 9 9900X

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Community ratings

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Questions & comments

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