CPU Comparison
Core i7-7820HK vs Core i7-9750HF
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
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
- Same gaming performance as i7-9750H
- Slightly lower OEM cost
- Strong 6-core multi-threading
Cons
- No integrated graphics
- Discrete GPU must always be on, hurting battery life
- No Intel Quick Sync support
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.
Core i7-9750HF
- AMD Ryzen 7 3750HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-9750HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i5-9300HRival
Mainstream Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 3550HRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8750HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800HAlt
Much more efficient 8-core alternative.
- Intel Core i7-10750HAlt
Next-gen 6-core with better optimization.
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 reviewIdentical to the 9750H but cheaper for OEMs. Great for gaming laptops, though the lack of Quick Sync limits video battery life.
Best for: Buying a used budget gaming laptop
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-7820HK or Core i7-9750HF?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-9750HF comes out ahead with a score of 8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Do Core i7-7820HK and Core i7-9750HF 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 Core i7-9750HF has the most cores. Core counts: Core i7-7820HK (4 cores), Core i7-9750HF (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-7820HK posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-7820HK (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.