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.

Top pick
Intel · X-Series 7th Gen
Core i7-7820X
8C / 16T4.5 GHz140 W
8
Full review
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-7800X
6C / 12T4 GHz140 W
7
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Desktop
High-End Desktop (HEDT)
Segment
High-End Desktop
Generation
7th Gen X-Series
7th Gen Core X-Series
Launched
2017
2017
Status
End-of-life
Discontinued
Codename
Skylake-X
Skylake-X
Series
X-Series 7th Gen
Core i7
Family
Skylake-X
X-Series 7th Gen (Core i7)
Predecessor
Core i7-6900K
Intel Core i7-6850K
Successor
Core i9-9800X
Intel Core i7-9800X

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
8
6
Threads
16
12
Base Clock
3.6 GHz
3.5 GHz
Boost Clock
4.5 GHz
4 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
11 MB
8.25 MB
TDP
140 W
140 W
Architecture
Architecture
Skylake-X
Skylake-X
Process Node
14nm
14 nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR4
DDR4
Memory Speed
2666 MT/s
DDR4-2400
Memory Channels
Quad (4)
Quad (4)
Max Memory
128 GB
128 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
LGA 2066
LGA2066
PCIe Version
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
28
28
Integrated GPU
None
None
Unlocked
Yes
Yes

Performance Compared

Productivity

Core i7-7820X
Intel Core i7-7800X79

Handles multi-threaded productivity tasks reasonably well, though newer platforms overtake it in performance-per-watt.

Gaming

Core i7-7820X
Intel Core i7-7800X76

Adequate for 1080p and 1440p with a strong GPU, but modern gaming CPUs deliver higher frame rates and better efficiency.

Virtualization

Core i7-7820X
Intel Core i7-7800X83

Quad-channel memory and 12 threads suit multiple VMs and developer workloads.

Efficiency

Core i7-7820X
Intel Core i7-7800X60

High power draw relative to performance makes it less efficient than current-generation chips.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Core i7-7820X

No data

Intel Core i7-7800XLimited
  • AVX-512 accelerates some inference workloads on CPU
  • No dedicated NPU or matrix engines
  • Suitable only for light or experimental AI workloads

Content Creation

Core i7-7820X

No data

Intel Core i7-7800XVery Good
Adobe Premiere ProDaVinci ResolveBlenderCinema 4DAfter Effects

Gaming

Core i7-7820X

No data

Intel Core i7-7800XGood
  • Supports high-refresh gaming with capable GPUs
  • Lacks the single-thread uplift of newer architectures
  • Requires discrete graphics

Industry Impact

Gaming
Moderate
Low
Workstations
High
Medium
Content Creation
High
Medium
Virtualization
High
Medium

Best CPU by Use Case

4K Video Editing
Excellent
3D Rendering
Excellent
Good
Video Editing
Good
Software Development
Good
Gaming
Good
Virtualization
Very Good

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Targeted
Targeted
Streamers
Office / Productivity
Students

Strengths & Weaknesses

Core i7-7820X

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
Intel Core i7-7800X

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

Intel Core i7-7800X

Our Verdict on Each

Core i7-7820XSituational

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 review

The 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 review

Frequently 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.