CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-6800K vs Intel Core i7-9800X
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-6800K is a six-core, 12-thread HEDT processor on the X99 platform, offering quad-channel DDR4, 28 PCIe 3.0 lanes, and Turbo Boost Max 3.0 for creators and enthusiasts who need more I/O than mainstream desktops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Gaming
Virtualization
Efficiency
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated NPUs or matrix accelerators
- Suitable for CPU-bound inference workloads only
- AVX2 support helps in some compute-heavy tasks
- No dedicated AI or deep learning acceleration hardware.
- Suitable for CPU-based inference and light experimentation only.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Handles high-refresh gaming with a capable GPU
- Turbo Boost Max 3.0 can aid lightly threaded titles
- Modern CPUs typically deliver higher gaming efficiency
- Strong single-core clocks up to 4.5 GHz help gaming performance.
- Quad-channel memory can benefit some CPU-limited titles.
- Modern gaming-optimized CPUs often surpass it in 1% low fps and efficiency.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Six cores and 12 threads remain viable for productivity
- Quad-channel DDR4 provides strong memory bandwidth
- 28 PCIe 3.0 lanes enable multi-GPU and NVMe flexibility
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking enthusiasts
- Turbo Boost Max 3.0 improves lightly threaded performance
Cons
- 140 W TDP is high by modern standards
- No integrated graphics requires a discrete GPU
- X99 platform is legacy with limited future CPU options
- PCIe lane count lower than 40-lane Broadwell-E SKUs
- Launch price higher than newer, more efficient options
Pros
- 8 cores and 16 threads handle multi-threaded workloads well
- 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes for multi-GPU and NVMe setups
- Quad-channel DDR4-2666 with 128 GB capacity
- Unlocked multiplier for flexible overclocking
- Solder TIM for improved thermals under load
- AVX-512 support for floating-point-intensive tasks
Cons
- High 165 W TDP and relatively low efficiency vs newer CPUs
- Older 14 nm process with no DDR5 or PCIe 4.0+
- No integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU
- Discontinued platform with limited long-term upgrade options
- Newer mainstream 8-core CPUs often match or beat it in gaming and efficiency
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-6800K
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600XRival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700Rival
Creator
- AMD Ryzen 7 1800XRival
Enthusiast
- Intel Core i7-6700KRival
Mainstream Gaming
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-5820KRival
Previous-Gen HEDT
- Intel Core i7-7820XAlt
More cores and higher PCIe lane count on the newer X299 platform.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XAlt
Much higher single-thread performance and efficiency on AM4.
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900XAlt
12 cores and 24 threads with strong performance per watt.
- Intel Core i7-14700KAlt
Modern DDR5 platform with more cores and features for new builds.
- AMD Ryzen 9 7950XAlt
Cutting-edge multi-threaded performance and PCIe 5.0 support.
Intel Core i7-9800X
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700XRival
Mainstream 8-core
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920XRival
HEDT 12-core
- Intel Core i9-9900KRival
Mainstream 8-core Gaming
- Intel Core i7-7820XRival
Previous-gen HEDT 8-core
- AMD Ryzen 9 3900XRival
High-Performance 12-core
Same platform with two more cores and slightly better performance if you stay on X299.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 7900Alt
Much more efficient modern platform with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 if you are building new.
- Intel Core i7-14700KAlt
Far better gaming and efficiency on a mainstream platform with some creator workload capability.
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900XAlt
Strong multi-threaded performance with better efficiency and a more modern platform.
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950XAlt
Much higher core count for heavily multi-threaded workstation workloads, though power is higher.
Our Verdict on Each
A capable entry point into X99 HEDT with solid multi-threading and PCIe headroom, now best suited to budget used builds or specialized workloads rather than new gaming rigs.
Best for: Budget-conscious used HEDT build for multi-threaded workloads
Read the full reviewA solid HEDT processor for users who need quad-channel memory and 44 PCIe lanes, but outclassed in efficiency and single-thread performance by newer mainstream and HEDT parts.
Best for: Used or discounted X299 workstation build where quad-channel memory and 44 PCIe lanes are critical and platform cost is low.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-6800K has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-6800K (140 W), Intel Core i7-9800X (165 W).
Do Intel Core i7-6800K and Intel Core i7-9800X use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-6800K: LGA2011-v3, Intel Core i7-9800X: FCLGA2066), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-9800X has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-6800K (6 cores), Intel Core i7-9800X (8 cores).