CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-7800X vs Intel Core i7-7820X
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-7800X is a 6-core, 12-thread high-end desktop processor from the Skylake-X family, delivering quad-channel DDR4 memory and 28 PCIe 3.0 lanes via the LGA2066 socket, aimed at enthusiasts and workstation-class workloads.
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.
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
Adequate for 1080p and 1440p with a strong GPU, but modern gaming CPUs deliver higher frame rates and better efficiency.
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
Quad-channel memory and 12 threads suit multiple VMs and developer workloads.
PCIe and memory bandwidth are helpful for multiple VMs, but core count is moderate for modern heavy virtualization needs.
Efficiency
High power draw relative to performance makes it less efficient than current-generation chips.
High 140 W TDP and 14 nm process lead to greater power consumption versus newer 7 nm and smaller nodes.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- AVX-512 accelerates some inference workloads on CPU
- No dedicated NPU or matrix engines
- Suitable only for light or experimental AI workloads
- 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
- Supports high-refresh gaming with capable GPUs
- Lacks the single-thread uplift of newer architectures
- Requires discrete graphics
- 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
- 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
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 i7-7800X
- 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
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
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 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 i7-7800X 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 is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-7800X or Intel Core i7-7820X?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-7820X leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Intel Core i7-7800X and Intel Core i7-7820X.
Do Intel Core i7-7800X 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 i7-7800X (6 cores), Intel Core i7-7820X (8 cores).