CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-7800X vs Intel Core i9-9820X
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
Gaming
Virtualization
Efficiency
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 or matrix acceleration hardware.
- Can handle CPU‑based inference and small models, but not competitive with modern NPUs or GPUs for serious AI workloads.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Supports high-refresh gaming with capable GPUs
- Lacks the single-thread uplift of newer architectures
- Requires discrete graphics
- Solid 60+ FPS experience in most AAA games at 1440p with a modern GPU.
- High single‑core boost helps with CPU‑bound titles and high‑refresh gaming.
- Newer mainstream and HEDT CPUs often deliver better 1% lows and efficiency.
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
- 10 cores and 20 threads for multi‑threaded workloads.
- 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes for multi‑GPU and NVMe arrays.
- Quad‑channel DDR4‑2666 up to 128 GB.
- Unlocked multiplier with granular overclocking controls.
- Turbo Boost Max 3.0 favors best cores for lightly‑threaded tasks.
- Good used‑market value for I/O‑heavy builds.
Cons
- High 165 W TDP and relatively low efficiency versus modern CPUs.
- 14 nm process shows its age in power and clock scaling.
- No integrated graphics; discrete GPU required.
- Discontinued platform with no upgrade path beyond LGA2066/X299.
- Newer mainstream and HEDT CPUs often outperform it per dollar and per watt.
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
- Intel Core i7-7820XRival
HEDT
- Intel Core i7-9700KAlt
Higher gaming performance on mainstream platform with lower power draw.
- AMD Ryzen 9 3900XAlt
More cores, higher efficiency, and newer platform with PCIe 4.0 support.
- Intel Core i9-9900KAlt
Strong single-thread performance suitable for gaming and productivity.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XAlt
Modern Zen 3 architecture with excellent single and multi-threaded performance.
- Intel Core i7-13700KAlt
Current-gen hybrid architecture with high core counts and PCIe 5.0.
Intel Core i9-9820X
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950XRival
HEDT
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920XRival
HEDT
- RivalCompare head-to-head
- RivalCompare head-to-head
- AMD Ryzen 9 3900XRival
High-End Desktop
Same LGA2066 platform with 12 cores and slightly better multi‑threaded performance if you’re already on X299.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950XAlt
Much higher core count and memory bandwidth for serious workstation use, though more expensive and power‑hungry.
Better gaming and single‑thread performance on a mainstream platform, but fewer PCIe lanes and memory channels.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-14700KAlt
Modern hybrid architecture with strong gaming and creator performance, but again with fewer I/O lanes than X299.
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 capable 10‑core HEDT processor with strong I/O and multi‑threaded performance, but outclassed in efficiency and value by newer mainstream and HEDT platforms.
Best for: Used or clearance HEDT builds where 44 PCIe lanes and quad‑channel memory are critical and platform cost is very low.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-7800X or Intel Core i9-9820X?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i9-9820X 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, Intel Core i7-7800X or Intel Core i9-9820X?
For gaming, the Intel Core i9-9820X leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Intel Core i7-7800X and Intel Core i9-9820X.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-7800X has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-7800X (140 W), Intel Core i9-9820X (165 W).
Do Intel Core i7-7800X and Intel Core i9-9820X use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-7800X: LGA2066, Intel Core i9-9820X: FCLGA2066), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i9-9820X has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-7800X (6 cores), Intel Core i9-9820X (10 cores).