CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-7740X vs Intel Core i7-7820X
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-7740X is a quad-core, eight-thread desktop processor from the Kaby Lake-X family, designed for the LGA2066 (X299) platform with 14 nm manufacturing, a base clock of 4.30 GHz, and a max turbo of 4.50 GHz.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Quad-core limits performance in heavily parallelized applications compared to higher core-count alternatives.
Strong multi-threaded throughput in CINEBENCH, HandBrake, and similar workloads at launch; still competent for many content creation tasks compared to modern mainstream parts.
Gaming
Paired with a strong discrete GPU, the high clocks enable smooth high-refresh gaming, though newer platforms offer better efficiency and future-proofing.
Delivers high frame rates in 2017-era titles and remains adequate for modern gaming, but newer gaming-focused CPUs with higher clocks and improved IPC pull ahead.
Virtualization
Adequate for light VM workloads, but limited core count and memory channels make it less suitable for heavy virtualization.
PCIe and memory bandwidth are helpful for multiple VMs, but core count is moderate for modern heavy virtualization needs.
Efficiency
112 W TDP for a quad-core results in higher power draw per core than many modern designs.
High 140 W TDP and 14 nm process lead to greater power consumption versus newer 7 nm and smaller nodes.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- Suited only for CPU-bound inference and older ML frameworks
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- AVX-512 can help certain CPU-bound inference tasks
- Most modern AI workloads are better served by GPUs
Content Creation
Gaming
- Strong single-threaded core performance keeps frame rates competitive in many titles
- Best paired with mid-to-high-end discrete GPUs
- Modern gaming CPUs with more cores and faster memory often deliver better 1% lows
- Capable of high-refresh gaming with a strong GPU
- Single-core boost reaches up to 4.5 GHz on favored cores
- Modern CPUs offer better gaming efficiency and higher IPC
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- High out-of-box clocks
- Unlocked for overclocking
- X299 platform offers flexible chipset PCIe lanes and storage options
- Strong single-threaded performance for its era
- Can breathe life into idle LGA2066 boards
Cons
- Quad core count limits multi-threaded performance
- Only 16 CPU PCIe lanes
- No integrated graphics
- 112 W TDP for four cores is relatively power-hungry
- Platform is discontinued with limited future upgrade options
Pros
- 8 cores and 16 threads for multi-threaded workloads
- Quad-channel DDR4 memory increases bandwidth
- 28 PCIe 3.0 lanes plus chipset lanes for expansion
- Turbo Boost Max 3.0 for higher single-core boosts
- AVX-512 support for optimized workloads
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
Cons
- High 140 W TDP and power consumption
- No integrated graphics
- Only 28 CPU PCIe lanes, limiting multi-GPU configurations
- Discontinued platform with limited future upgrades
- Older 14 nm process versus modern smaller nodes
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-7740X
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600XRival
Gaming & Productivity
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700Rival
Creator
- Intel Core i7-7700KRival
Gaming
- Intel Core i5-7640XRival
Gaming
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-7820XRival
Workstation
More cores and better value for gaming and productivity.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 2700XAlt
Higher multi-threaded performance and efficiency.
Strong all-round performance on mainstream platforms.
Compare head-to-headMore cores and newer platform features.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Much better performance per watt and platform longevity.
Intel Core i7-7820X
- AMD Ryzen 7 1800XRival
Creator/Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700XRival
Creator/Gaming
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920XRival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950XRival
Workstation
- RivalCompare head-to-head
More cores, higher efficiency, and DDR5 on a modern mainstream platform.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 7900Alt
Strong multi-threaded performance with excellent efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900XAlt
12-core AM4 option with strong gaming and creator performance.
High-performance mainstream platform with good upgrade path.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X (used)Alt
Higher core and lane count for workstation-class workloads.
Our Verdict on Each
A niche, high-clock quad-core for X299 that delivers strong single-threaded performance but lacks the PCIe and memory bandwidth of Skylake-X siblings, making sense only at low prices for specific reuse scenarios.
Best for: Reusing an existing LGA2066 board for gaming or general tasks when the CPU is acquired at very low cost.
Read the full reviewA competent eight-core HEDT chip with strong multi-threaded performance and platform expansion, though high power draw and limited PCIe lanes compared to higher-tier X299 CPUs make it a niche choice today.
Best for: Used-market upgrade for an existing X299 build with quad-channel DDR4 and a need for more cores than mainstream.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-7740X or Intel Core i7-7820X?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-7820X comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-7740X has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-7740X (112 W), Intel Core i7-7820X (140 W).
Do Intel Core i7-7740X and Intel Core i7-7820X use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA2066 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-7820X has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-7740X (4 cores), Intel Core i7-7820X (8 cores).