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AMD Ryzen 9 9900X vs Intel Core i7-6700K

Buy the Ryzen 9 9900X for any new build. It is a current Zen 5 12-core, 24-thread chip on AM5 with DDR5, PCIe 5.0 and an upgrade path. The i7-6700K is a 2015 quad-core for old LGA1151 boards only. The Ryzen's lowest recent price was $350.82 on November 3, 2026, against $384.99 on November 1.

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AMD
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X 12-Core Processor

AMD Ryzen 9 9900X

AMD Ryzen 9 9900X 12-Core Processor

4.9(459 ratings)
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Choose the Ryzen 9 9900X if you are building or upgrading an AM5 system and want modern multi-core performance, DDR5 and a platform with future CPU upgrades.

Pros
  • 12 cores and 24 threads handle gaming plus streaming, rendering and compiling at once
  • 5.6 GHz boost and 4.4 GHz base on Zen 5
  • AM5 board takes future Ryzen generations
  • DDR5-5600 with ECC support and up to 192 GB
  • Integrated Radeon graphics, so no GPU needed to boot
Cons
  • 120 W TDP needs a real cooler, sold separately
  • Requires a new AM5 motherboard and DDR5 memory
  • $350.82 lowest price is far above a used Skylake chip
Intel
Intel Core i7-6700K

Intel Core i7-6700K

4.6(14 ratings)
See all prices and details

Choose the Core i7-6700K if you already own a working LGA1151 board and need a cheap drop-in replacement for a dead or slower Skylake-era chip.

Pros
  • Runs in existing LGA1151 boards, often without a BIOS update
  • Easy overclocking, even on a budget air cooler
  • 91 W TDP is easier to cool
  • Cheap as a used part for reviving an old build
Cons
  • Only 4 cores and 8 threads; weak for modern multitasking
  • DDR4 only, PCIe 3.0, no upgrade path
  • No cooler included
  • Old platform with no security or feature updates ahead

What separates them

AMD Ryzen 9 9900XIntel Core i7-6700K
Cores / threads12 cores, 24 threads4 cores, 8 threads
Architecture and ageZen 5, current generationSkylake, launched 2015
Socket and platformAM5, DDR5, PCIe 5.0LGA1151 (original), DDR4, PCIe 3.0
Boost clock5.6 GHz4.2 GHz
Base clock4.4 GHz4.0 GHz
TDP120 W91 W
Memory supportDDR5-5600, up to 192 GB, ECCDDR4-2133 (official), up to 64 GB, no ECC
Included coolerNone in the boxNone; processor only

Price history

$384.99$194.04
Nov 1Nov 3
  • AMD Ryzen 9 9900X: lowest $350.82 on Nov 3 at Grooves-Inc.com.
  • Intel Core i7-6700K: lowest $194.04 on Nov 2 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

AMD Ryzen 9 9900X

  • Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
  • B&H Photo-Video-AudioCheck price at B&H Photo-Video-Audio
  • Central ComputersCheck price at Central Computers
Prices and history →

Intel Core i7-6700K

  • AmazonCheck price at Amazon
  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • itcreations.comCheck price at itcreations.com
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecAMD Ryzen 9 9900XIntel Core i7-6700K
Socket TypeAM5Socket LGA1151
Clock Speed4.4 GHz4 GHz
Number Of Cores12Quad-core
Supports OverclockingYesYes
RAM TypeDDR5—
ManufacturerAMD—
Discrete GraphicsNo—
Integrated GraphicsYes—
GPU TypeIntegrated—
Boost Clock Speed5.6 GHz—
Number Of Threads24—
Thermal Design Power (TDP)120 W—
Show all 29 specsShow fewer specs
SpecAMD Ryzen 9 9900XIntel Core i7-6700K
FSB Speed2200 MHz—
Memory TypeDDR5—
Max Memory Capacity192 GB—
Memory SpeedDDR5-5600—
ECC SupportYes—
Memory Channel SupportDual Channel—
CPU ModelRyzen 9 9900X—
CPU SeriesRyzen 9—
CPU GenerationZen 5—
CPU For Use WithDesktop

What reviewers say

AMD Ryzen 9 9900X

  • 4.9 / 5459 ratings

Owners rate it highly, calling it a fast, efficient all-rounder for gaming and creative work. Complaints center on heat under sustained all-core loads and the need for a BIOS update on older boards.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say it handles gaming, streaming and rendering at once without slowing down.
  • HeatCriticisedSustained all-core loads push temperatures high, so a strong cooler is needed.
  • Power drawPraisedReviewers note it draws less power than the previous 12-core generation.
  • SetupMixedIt works on AM5 boards, but older ones need a BIOS update before it boots.

Intel Core i7-6700K

  • 4.6 / 514 ratings

Buyers rate it 4.6 out of 5 and describe it as a strong, responsive upgrade that noticeably improves gaming and everyday performance. Several say it worked immediately in their existing builds.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say it is a clear step up from older CPUs and keeps games smooth without stuttering.
  • CompatibilityPraisedSeveral report it dropped into their existing LGA1151 boards and booted without BIOS changes.
  • OverclockingPraisedBuyers find it easy to overclock, even on a cheap air cooler.
  • CoolerCriticised

Questions and answers

Which is better for gaming?
The Ryzen 9 9900X, clearly. Its 5.6 GHz boost and 12 Zen 5 cores beat a 4-core Skylake chip in every modern game, especially those that use more than four threads.
Can I put the 9900X in my old LGA1151 board?
No. The 9900X needs an AM5 socket and DDR5 memory. The i7-6700K fits only original LGA1151 boards, so the two are not interchangeable.
Is the i7-6700K still worth buying?
Only to replace a failed chip in a working LGA1151 system. For a new build it is a dead end: 4 cores, DDR4 and PCIe 3.0.
Do either come with a cooler?
No. The i7-6700K ships as processor only, and the 9900X box does not include a cooler. Budget for one, and a stronger cooler for the 120 W Ryzen.
Which lasts longer?
The Ryzen 9 9900X. AM5 is an active platform with future CPU upgrades, while LGA1151 original ended with 7th-gen chips in 2017.
Is the Ryzen worth the extra money?
Yes for a new PC. At $350.82 it is a current 12-core platform; a used i7-6700K is only sensible as a cheap repair part.

More comparisons

  • Intel Core i7-7700K vs Intel Core i7-6700K
  • Intel Core i7-7700 vs Intel Core i7-6700K
  • AMD Ryzen 9 9900X 12-Core Processor vs Intel i7-7700K (Renewed)
—
CPU Release DateNow launched—
Integrated Graphics ModelRadeon Graphics—
Cores—4 Cores / 8 Threads
Base—4.00 GHz
Socket—LGA1151 (Original)
Cache Memory—8 MB cache memory
TDP—91 watts
It ships as the processor only, so a heatsink has to be bought separately.