AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS vs Intel Core i7-11700KF Comparison

The Intel Core i7-11700KF and AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS are both 8-core, 16-thread processors, yet they occupy opposite ends of the computing spectrum. The Intel part is a desktop Rocket Lake chip with a 125 W TDP, while the AMD part is a mobile Rembrandt chip with a 35 W TDP. Benchmark data shows the Intel processor winning 19 of 23 head-to-head tests, but the AMD processor wins the four tests where it does, which points to a distinct division of labor rather than a simple overall victor.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-11700KF is the clear winner in raw single-threaded and multi-threaded throughput. Its most dominant result is a 83.6% lead over the Ryzen 9 6900HS in Cinebench R23 single-core, and a 50.3% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core. It also wins every 3DMark test, with margins ranging from 6.4% in the 4-thread test to 15.9% in the 16-thread test. The data shows this chip is built for sustained, high-intensity workloads where clock speed and power draw are not limiting factors.

The AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS wins a smaller, but distinctive, set of tests. Its biggest victory is a 16.8% lead in PassMark data encryption. It also wins Cinebench R15 multi-core by 5.7%, PassMark physics by 5.4%, and PassMark integer math by 1.2%. These wins suggest the AMD chip has a particular efficiency in specific algorithmic tasks, likely stemming from its newer 6 nm process and Zen 3+ architecture. Its wins are not about raw speed but about specialized instruction handling and power-constrained performance.

The score distribution makes the use-case split obvious. The Intel chip’s wins are in general-purpose compute, 3D rendering, and single-threaded responsiveness. The AMD chip’s wins are in encryption, physics simulation, and integer math, which are common in mobile workloads where battery life and thermal limits matter more than peak throughput. For a desktop user running Cinebench or 3DMark, the Intel part is superior. For a laptop user running encryption-heavy tasks or physics calculations, the AMD part holds its own.

Architecture Differences

The two chips come from different foundries and process nodes. The Intel Core i7-11700KF is built on Intel’s 14 nm process with a die size of 276 mm², while the AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS is built on TSMC’s 6 nm process with a die size of 208 mm². This is a significant architectural gap: the AMD chip packs similar core counts into a smaller die using a more advanced node, which explains its lower 35 W TDP compared to Intel’s 125 W.

Cache layouts differ in the L1 tier. Intel provides 80 KB of L1 cache per core, while AMD provides 64 KB per core. Both share 512 KB of L2 per core and 16 MB of L3 shared across all cores. The larger Intel L1 cache may contribute to its single-threaded wins, but the total L3 capacity is identical, so multi-threaded cache-sensitive workloads see no difference from that tier.

Memory support is another split. The Intel chip uses DDR4 memory with a dual-channel bus and 51.2 GB/s bandwidth. The AMD chip uses DDR5 memory with a dual-channel bus and 76.8 GB/s bandwidth. This is a substantial 50% bandwidth advantage for the AMD part, yet it does not translate into benchmark wins in most tests, suggesting that the Intel chip’s higher clock speeds compensate for the slower memory interface.

The integrated graphics situation is one-sided. The Intel chip has no integrated graphics, making it a "KF" part that requires a discrete GPU. The AMD chip includes a Radeon 680M integrated GPU. This is a critical feature for mobile systems, as it allows the AMD chip to function without a separate graphics card. The Intel chip’s lack of iGPU is a clear disadvantage for any system that does not plan to use a dedicated graphics card.

The Intel chip has an unlocked multiplier, while the AMD chip does not. This gives the Intel part overclocking headroom, which is relevant for desktop enthusiasts. The AMD part is locked, aligning with its mobile market segment where power draw and thermals are tightly managed. The Intel chip is end-of-life, while the AMD chip is active, which affects long-term availability.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher single-threaded benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i7-11700KF wins all single-threaded tests. It leads by 6.9% in 3DMark single-thread, 17.1% in Cinebench R15 single-core, 83.6% in Cinebench R23 single-core, 11.8% in Geekbench single-core, and 4% in PassMark single-thread.

Q: Does the AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS have integrated graphics?

A: Yes, the AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS includes a Radeon 680M integrated GPU. The Intel Core i7-11700KF has no integrated graphics, so it requires a separate discrete GPU for display output.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference between the two?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS supports DDR5 memory with a measured bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. The Intel Core i7-11700KF supports DDR4 memory with a measured bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s. The AMD part has a 50% higher memory bandwidth.

Q: Which processor wins in data encryption workloads?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS wins the PassMark data encryption test with a score of 18303, which is 16.8% higher than the Intel Core i7-11700KF’s score of 15229.

Q: Are the core and thread counts identical?

A: Yes, both processors have 8 cores and 16 threads. They also both have 512 KB of L2 cache per core and 16 MB of shared L3 cache. The only cache difference is in L1, where Intel has 80 KB per core and AMD has 64 KB per core.

Q: Which processor has a higher TDP?

A: The Intel Core i7-11700KF has a TDP of 125 W, while the AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS has a TDP of 35 W. The Intel part is designed for desktop power delivery, while the AMD part is designed for mobile power efficiency.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i7-11700KF | AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS |

|---|---|---|

| Base Clock | 3.60 GHz | 3.30 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.00 GHz | 4.90 GHz |

| TDP | 125 W | 35 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1200 | AMD Socket FP7 |

| Process Node | 14 nm | 6 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

| Die Size | 276 mm² | 208 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 64 KB (per core) |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR5 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 51.2 GB/s | 76.8 GB/s |

| Integrated Graphics | None | Radeon 680M |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Production Status | End-of-life | Active |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Launch MSRP | $374 | None |

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The largest single win for the Intel Core i7-11700KF is in Cinebench R23 single-core, where it scores 2853 against the AMD chip’s 1554, a 83.6% delta. This is an enormous margin that shows the Intel chip’s high boost clock of 5.00 GHz is highly effective in lightly-threaded workloads. The Intel chip’s 5.00 GHz boost clock is 0.10 GHz higher than the AMD chip’s 4.90 GHz, and that small clock advantage translates into a massive percentage difference in this specific test.

The second-largest Intel win is Cinebench R23 multi-core, with a score of 20214 versus 13445, a 50.3% delta. This is surprising given that both chips have the same core and thread counts, but the Intel chip’s higher base clock (3.60 GHz vs 3.30 GHz) and higher TDP allow it to sustain higher frequencies under load. The AMD chip’s 35 W TDP is a hard limit that prevents it from matching the Intel chip’s multi-threaded output.

The Intel chip also wins 3DMark 16-thread by 15.9% (8067 vs 6963) and 3DMark max-threads by 15.7% (8049 vs 6955). These tests simulate gaming and rendering workloads, confirming that the Intel chip’s performance advantage carries over to graphics-adjacent tasks. The Intel chip’s wins in PassMark random string sorting (18.9% delta) and Cinebench R15 single-core (17.1% delta) further cement its position as the faster all-around processor.

The AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS’s biggest win is PassMark data encryption, scoring 18303 against Intel’s 15229, a 16.8% delta. This is a clear algorithmic advantage for the AMD chip, likely due to the Zen 3+ architecture’s instruction set. The AMD chip also wins Cinebench R15 multi-core by 5.7% (2161 vs 2037), which is an interesting reversal of the Cinebench R23 result, suggesting the older R15 test favors the AMD chip’s memory bandwidth or scheduling.

The AMD chip wins PassMark physics by 5.4% (1041 vs 985) and PassMark integer math by 1.2% (86449 vs 85377). These are narrow margins, but they show that the AMD chip is not entirely outclassed. In integer math, the AMD chip’s score of 86449 is the highest single score in that test for either chip, indicating a specific strength in that area. The physics win is notable because it is a simulation workload that often benefits from memory bandwidth, where the AMD chip has a 50% advantage.

The Verdict

The data is clear on the overall performance hierarchy. The Intel Core i7-11700KF wins 19 of 23 benchmarks, including all 3DMark tests, all Geekbench tests, and both Cinebench R23 tests. Its average benchmark score is 25423, slightly above the AMD chip’s 25284, and both sit at the 77th percentile of all CPUs. The Intel chip is the faster processor for the vast majority of workloads, particularly those that are single-threaded or require sustained multi-threaded performance.

The AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS is the better choice for a specific set of use cases. Its 16.8% lead in data encryption makes it preferable for security-focused tasks. Its wins in integer math and physics suggest it handles certain simulation and calculation workloads with greater efficiency. Crucially, its 35 W TDP and integrated Radeon 680M GPU make it the only viable option for a thin-and-light laptop, where the Intel chip’s 125 W TDP and lack of iGPU are disqualifying.

The real verdict is about context, not raw speed. For a desktop system with a dedicated GPU, the Intel Core i7-11700KF is the superior processor. Its higher clock speeds, unlocked multiplier, and 50.3% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core make it a strong choice for content creation and gaming. For a mobile system that needs integrated graphics and power efficiency, the AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS is the only option that fits, and its specialized wins in encryption and integer math show it is not just a compromise. The Intel chip’s $374 launch MSRP reflects its desktop positioning, while the AMD chip’s lack of a listed MSRP and active production status reflect its role in OEM laptops. Choose the Intel chip for desktop performance, or the AMD chip for mobile efficiency and integrated graphics.