🚀 CPU Launch

Intel Core i9-12900KS vs Intel Core i7-6850K

Table of Contents



Overview:

Comparison between Intel Core i9-12900KS and Intel Core i7-6850K

Both CPUs are manufactured by Intel. Intel Core i7-6850K has a higher base speed of 3.6 GHz compared to Intel Core i9-12900KS's GHz. Intel Core i7-6850K has a higher turbo speed of 4.0 GHz compared to Intel Core i9-12900KS's GHz. Intel Core i9-12900KS has more cores (16) compared to Intel Core i7-6850K's 6 cores. Intel Core i7-6850K supports more threads (12) compared to Intel Core i9-12900KS's threads.

Both CPUs belong to the same class: Desktop. Intel Core i9-12900KS uses the LGA socket, while Intel Core i7-6850K uses the FCLGA2011-3 socket. Intel Core i9-12900KS was launched in Q2 2022, while Intel Core i7-6850K was launched in Q2 2016. Intel Core i9-12900KS has a larger L3 cache of 30 MB compared to Intel Core i7-6850K's 15 MB.

Specification Summary

The Intel Core i9-12900KS and Intel Core i7-6850K are two processors with distinct specifications. Below is a detailed comparison of their key features:

  • Manufacturer: Both processors are manufactured by Intel.
  • Speed: The Intel Core i9-12900KS has a base speed of GHz, while the Intel Core i7-6850K runs at 3.6 GHz.
  • Turbo Boost: The Intel Core i9-12900KS supports a turbo speed of GHz, compared to 4.0 GHz for the Intel Core i7-6850K.
  • Cores: The Intel Core i9-12900KS has 16 cores, while the Intel Core i7-6850K has 6 cores.
  • Threads: The Intel Core i9-12900KS supports threads, compared to 12 threads for the Intel Core i7-6850K.
  • Class: Both processors are designed for Desktop use.
  • Socket: The Intel Core i9-12900KS uses the LGA, while the Intel Core i7-6850K uses the FCLGA2011-3.
  • Launch Date: The Intel Core i9-12900KS was launched on Q2 2022, while the Intel Core i7-6850K was released on Q2 2016.
  • L3 Cache: The Intel Core i9-12900KS has 30 MB of L3 cache, compared to 15 MB for the Intel Core i7-6850K.

Detailed Specifications:

Specs Intel Core i9-12900KS Intel Core i7-6850K
Intel Intel
Manufacturer Intel Intel
Speed GHz 3.6 GHz
Turbo GHz 4.0 GHz
Cores 16 6
Threads 12
Class Desktop Desktop
Socket LGA FCLGA2011-3
Launched Q2 2022 Q2 2016
L3 Cache 30 MB 15 MB

Review:

Single Core Performance:


CPU Performance in single-threaded applications

Intel Core i9-12900KS:



72%
Intel Core i7-6850K:
40%
* More is Better

Multi Core Performance:


CPU Performance in multi-threaded applications

Intel Core i9-12900KS



63%
Intel Core i7-6850K:
16%
* More is Better

Power Efficiency:


Power Consumption of CPU under full load

Intel Core i9-12900KS: 150 watts



37.5%
Intel Core i7-6850K: 140 watts
35%
* Lower is Better

Launched Date:


Time when the CPU was launched


Intel Core i9-12900KS : Q2 2022 ✅

Intel Core i7-6850K : Q2 2016 ✅

* Newer is Better

CPU Launch FINAL SCORE:

CPU Final Rating Ratings

Intel Core i9-12900KS



Intel Core i7-6850K


Pro's and Con's

Intel Core i9-12900KS – Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Newer Release: The Intel Core i9-12900KS was launched more recently (Q2 2022) compared to the Intel Core i7-6850K (Q2 2016). This means it benefits from the latest advancements in technology, improved efficiency, and potentially better software optimization.
  • Faster Single-Core Performance: With a single-threaded performance score of 4340, the Intel Core i9-12900KS outperforms the Intel Core i7-6850K (score: 2403). This makes it better suited for tasks that rely on single-core performance, such as gaming or everyday productivity.
  • Larger L3 Cache: The Intel Core i9-12900KS features a larger L3 cache of 30MB compared to the Intel Core i7-6850K's 15MB. A larger cache improves performance in memory-intensive tasks, such as video editing or 3D rendering, by reducing latency and speeding up data access.
  • Higher CPU Mark Score: The Intel Core i9-12900KS has a higher CPU Mark score of 146.92 compared to the Intel Core i7-6850K's 96.15. This indicates better overall performance across a wide range of tasks.

Cons:

  • Fewer Threads: The Intel Core i9-12900KS has threads, which is fewer than the Intel Core i7-6850K's 12 threads. This may limit its ability to handle highly parallel workloads efficiently.
  • Higher Power Consumption: The Intel Core i9-12900KS has a higher TDP of 150W compared to the Intel Core i7-6850K's 140W. This means it may consume more power, leading to higher energy costs and potentially more heat generation, which could require better cooling solutions.

Intel Core i7-6850K – Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Higher Base Clock Speed: The Intel Core i7-6850K has a higher base clock speed of 3.6 GHz compared to the Intel Core i9-12900KS's GHz. This results in better performance for single-threaded tasks and general responsiveness.
  • Higher Turbo Boost Speed: The Intel Core i7-6850K supports a higher turbo boost speed of 4.0 GHz compared to the Intel Core i9-12900KS's GHz. This allows for better performance during peak workloads.

Cons:

  • Fewer Cores: The Intel Core i7-6850K has 6 cores, which is fewer than the Intel Core i9-12900KS's 16 cores. This could impact performance in multi-threaded workloads, such as rendering, compiling code, or running virtual machines.
  • Lower Multi-Core Performance: In multi-threaded tasks, the Intel Core i7-6850K scores 11442, which is lower than the Intel Core i9-12900KS's score of 43928. This makes the Intel Core i9-12900KS a better choice for heavy multitasking or parallel processing.


Productivity


Intel Core i9-12900KS
This cpu Handles Mid Level level office applications, web browsing, and media playback with ease. It can also be used for Mid Level level multitasking or CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.

Intel Core i7-6850K
This cpu Handles Mid Level level office applications, web browsing, and media playback with ease. It can also be used for Mid Level level multitasking or CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.


Gaming

Intel Core i9-12900KS
Ideal for Mid Level level gaming (when paired with a dedicated GPU) and Mid Level level computing.

Intel Core i7-6850K
Ideal for Mid Level level gaming (when paired with a dedicated GPU) and Mid Level level computing.



Verdict

Intel Core i9-12900KS

The Intel Core i9-12900KS is a reliable and Mid Level processor for your PC builds. It delivers excellent value for users with Mid Level computing needs or those building a New PC.

Intel Core i7-6850K

The Intel Core i7-6850K is a reliable and Mid Level processor for your PC builds. It delivers excellent value for users with Mid Level computing needs or those building a New PC.