CPU Comparison
Core i7-7820X vs Intel Core i7-7800X
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
Handles multi-threaded productivity tasks reasonably well, though newer platforms overtake it in performance-per-watt.
Gaming
Adequate for 1080p and 1440p with a strong GPU, but modern gaming CPUs deliver higher frame rates and better efficiency.
Virtualization
Quad-channel memory and 12 threads suit multiple VMs and developer workloads.
Efficiency
High power draw relative to performance makes it less efficient than current-generation chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
No data
- AVX-512 accelerates some inference workloads on CPU
- No dedicated NPU or matrix engines
- Suitable only for light or experimental AI workloads
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
No data
- Supports high-refresh gaming with capable GPUs
- Lacks the single-thread uplift of newer architectures
- Requires discrete graphics
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
- Quad-channel DDR4 memory
- Unlocked for overclocking
- AVX-512 support
- 12 threads for multi-threaded workloads
- 28 PCIe 3.0 lanes from CPU
Cons
- No integrated graphics
- Higher power consumption relative to modern CPUs
- Only 28 PCIe lanes vs higher-tier X-series SKUs
- Discontinued platform with limited upgrade path
- Memory officially limited to DDR4-2400
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 i7-7800X
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700Rival
Creator
- AMD Ryzen 7 1800XRival
Creator
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920XRival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950XRival
Workstation
- RivalCompare head-to-head
Higher gaming performance on mainstream platform with lower power draw.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 3900XAlt
More cores, higher efficiency, and newer platform with PCIe 4.0 support.
Strong single-thread performance suitable for gaming and productivity.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XAlt
Modern Zen 3 architecture with excellent single and multi-threaded performance.
Current-gen hybrid architecture with high core counts and PCIe 5.0.
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 reviewThe i7-7800X offers quad-channel memory and decent multi-core performance for its era, but higher power draw and limited PCIe lanes make it a niche choice today versus modern mainstream platforms.
Best for: Budget upgrade on existing X299 platform with DDR4 investment
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-7820X or Intel Core i7-7800X?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-7820X 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.
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-7820X or Intel Core i7-7800X?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-7800X leads with a gaming performance score of 76/100 among Core i7-7820X and Intel Core i7-7800X.
Do Core i7-7820X and Intel Core i7-7800X use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-7820X: LGA 2066, Intel Core i7-7800X: LGA2066), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i7-7820X has the most cores. Core counts: Core i7-7820X (8 cores), Intel Core i7-7800X (6 cores).
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.