CPU Comparison
Core i7-7820HK vs Intel Core i7-8750H
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-7820HK is an enthusiast-grade mobile processor launched in January 2017. Based on the Kaby Lake-H architecture, this 14nm quad-core CPU features Hyper-Threading, delivering 8 concurrent threads. The K suffix denotes an unlocked multiplier, a rare feature in mobile processors, allowing users to overclock the chip beyond its stock 2.9 GHz base and 3.9 GHz turbo frequencies. With a 45W TDP, it requires robust laptop cooling solutions to handle the additional thermal output from overclocking. The processor includes 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR4-2400 or LPDDR3 memory. It features Intel HD Graphics 630, providing basic display capabilities and Quick Sync media acceleration. Soldered to the BGA 1440 socket, it cannot be upgraded. The i7-7820HK was heavily marketed towards extreme gaming laptops, offering enthusiasts the ability to tune their mobile CPU for maximum performance, assuming their laptop's cooling solution was adequate for the task.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
12 threads make quick work of rendering and compiling.
Gaming
Handles modern mid-range GPUs (up to RTX 2070) without bottlenecking.
Virtualization
Good for running VMs on a laptop.
Efficiency
45W TDP can get hot and loud in thin laptops.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
No data
- No AI hardware
- 12 threads provide decent CPU inference
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
No data
- Pairs perfectly with GTX 1660 Ti to RTX 2070
- Can struggle to maintain 4.1 GHz in poorly cooled laptops
- Excellent for 1080p high-refresh gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Unlocked for overclocking
- Full 8MB L3 cache
- Good single-core performance for 2017
- Configurable TDP
Cons
- Only 4 cores
- Overclocking limited by laptop thermals
- Soldered to motherboard
- High power draw reduces battery life
Pros
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- Excellent gaming performance
- Good multi-threaded capability
- Widely supported in laptops
Cons
- Runs hot in thin laptops
- Soldered to motherboard
- 45W TDP limits battery life
- Older 14nm process
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-7820HK
- Intel Core i7-7820HQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7920HQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7700HQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD FX-9830PRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i7-6820HKRival
High-Performance Mobile
Next-gen 6-core mobile upgrade.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 3750HAlt
Newer alternative with similar performance.
Intel Core i7-8750H
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700HRival
Mobile High Performance
- AMD Ryzen 7 2800HRival
Mobile High Performance
- Intel Core i5-8300HRival
Mobile High Performance
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-8950HKRival
Mobile High Performance
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600HRival
Mobile High Performance
- Intel Core i7-9750HAlt
Successor with higher clocks and better optimization.
- Intel Core i7-10750HAlt
10th Gen alternative with similar core count.
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800HAlt
Vastly superior efficiency and 8 cores.
Slightly slower but runs cooler in budget laptops.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 4600HAlt
Better budget alternative with modern architecture.
Our Verdict on Each
A unique unlocked mobile CPU that allowed laptop overclocking, though thermal limits heavily restricted how far it could be pushed.
Best for: Buying a used extreme gaming laptop cheaply
Read the full reviewA legendary mobile CPU that brought real desktop-class hexa-core performance to laptops, remaining viable for modern gaming.
Best for: Buying a budget used gaming laptop for 1080p gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-7820HK or Intel Core i7-8750H?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8750H comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-7820HK or Intel Core i7-8750H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8750H leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Core i7-7820HK and Intel Core i7-8750H.
Do Core i7-7820HK and Intel Core i7-8750H use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1440 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-8750H has the most cores. Core counts: Core i7-7820HK (4 cores), Intel Core i7-8750H (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8750H posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-7820HK (0), Intel Core i7-8750H (13,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.