CPU Comparison
Core i7-7820X vs Intel Core i7-9800X
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-7820X is a high-end desktop processor launched in June 2017, occupying the sweet spot in Intel's Skylake-X lineup. Built on the 14nm process for the LGA 2066 socket, it features 8 cores and 16 threads, providing substantial multi-threaded horsepower for professional workloads. It operates at a base clock of 3.6 GHz and utilizes Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0 to reach up to 4.5 GHz on its fastest core, delivering excellent single-threaded bursts. With a 140W TDP, it demands robust cooling and a high-quality X299 motherboard. The processor features 11MB of L3 cache and 1MB of L2 cache per core. It supports quad-channel DDR4-2666 memory, offering massive bandwidth, and includes 28 PCIe 3.0 lanes for extensive expansion. Lacking integrated graphics, it targets content creators, 3D artists, and enthusiasts who require significant parallel processing power and platform expansion for rendering, compilation, and virtualization tasks.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Excellent multi-core performance for creator applications and heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Good gaming performance, though newer mainstream CPUs often outperform it in single-core.
Virtualization
44 PCIe lanes and 16 threads make it ideal for complex virtualization setups.
Efficiency
165W TDP and 14nm process result in high power consumption and heat.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
No data
- AVX-512 instructions accelerate certain AI workloads
- High core count aids CPU-based inference
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
No data
- Strong frequency for gaming
- PCIe lanes allow for multiple GPUs
- Not the best choice for purely gaming due to HEDT latency
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Strong 8-core multi-threaded performance
- Turbo Boost Max 3.0 for high single-core bursts
- Quad-channel memory support
- AVX-512 support
Cons
- High 140W TDP
- Runs very hot (uses thermal paste)
- Lacks integrated graphics
- Expensive X299 platform
Pros
- 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes
- Quad-channel memory support
- Unlocked for overclocking
- Strong multi-threaded performance
Cons
- High 165W TDP
- 14nm process is inefficient
- No integrated graphics
- Expensive platform (X299)
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-7820X
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1900XRival
High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-7900XRival
High-End Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 1800XRival
High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-6900KRival
High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-7800XRival
High-End Desktop
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920XAlt
12 cores and 64 PCIe lanes for similar money.
Better gaming performance on mainstream platform.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 3900XAlt
12 cores, much more efficient and modern.
Intel Core i7-9800X
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700XRival
Desktop
- AMD Threadripper 2920XRival
High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-7820XRival
High-End Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 9 3900XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-7900XRival
High-End Desktop
10th Gen refresh with slightly better performance and thermals.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 5950XAlt
Vastly superior efficiency and multi-core performance on a modern platform.
Modern mainstream CPU that outperforms it in almost every metric.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Threadripper 3960XAlt
Much higher core count for professional HEDT workloads.
Better gaming performance and efficiency at a lower price.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
An excellent 8-core HEDT processor for 2017, offering a great balance of frequency and core count, though it suffers from high thermals.
Best for: Used budget workstation build
Read the full reviewA powerful HEDT processor offering excellent PCIe expansion and quad-channel memory, though its high TDP and older 14nm process make it less efficient than modern alternatives.
Best for: If you are considering the Intel Core i7-9800X today, it should strictly be viewed as a budget option for a used workstation build. Its 8 cores, 44 PCIe lanes, and quad-channel memory support make it highly capable for 3D rendering, complex virtualization, and heavy multitasking. However, the 165W TDP means you will need a robust power supply and high-end cooling solution. Avoid this processor if your primary goal is gaming, as mainstream CPUs offer better single-core performance and efficiency at a lower price point. It is best suited for creators who need massive PCIe expansion on a budget and are comfortable building on a refurbished X299 platform. For new builds, modern platforms offer significantly better performance per watt.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-7820X or Intel Core i7-9800X?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-9800X leads with a gaming performance score of 80/100 among Core i7-7820X and Intel Core i7-9800X.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-7820X has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-7820X (140 W), Intel Core i7-9800X (165 W).
Do Core i7-7820X and Intel Core i7-9800X use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-7820X: LGA 2066, Intel Core i7-9800X: Intel Socket 2066), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-7820X posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-7820X (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.