CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-7820X vs Intel Core i9-9900X
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-7820X is an 8-core, 16-thread high-end desktop processor on the X299 platform, offering quad-channel DDR4-2666, 28 PCIe 3.0 lanes, and AVX-512 support for workstation and creator workloads.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Strong multi-threaded throughput in CINEBENCH, HandBrake, and similar workloads at launch; still competent for many content creation tasks compared to modern mainstream parts.
Strong multi-threaded performance for rendering, compilation, and content creation, though newer 10–12 core desktop CPUs deliver better efficiency.
Gaming
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.
Smooth for high-refresh 1080p and 1440p gaming, but modern mainstream CPUs often match or beat it in lightly-threaded titles while using far less power.
Virtualization
PCIe and memory bandwidth are helpful for multiple VMs, but core count is moderate for modern heavy virtualization needs.
Excellent for running multiple VMs thanks to 10 cores, quad-channel memory, and VT-x/VT-d support.
Efficiency
High 140 W TDP and 14 nm process lead to greater power consumption versus newer 7 nm and smaller nodes.
High 165 W TDP and 14nm process result in notably higher power draw and heat compared to 7nm and 5nm era desktop and HEDT CPUs.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- AVX-512 can help certain CPU-bound inference tasks
- Most modern AI workloads are better served by GPUs
- No dedicated AI or matrix hardware acceleration.
- Suitable only for CPU-based inference and light ML workloads.
Content Creation
Gaming
- 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
- Capable of 1080p high-refresh and 1440p gaming with a modern GPU.
- Single-core performance is competitive but not class-leading versus newer mainstream CPUs.
- PCIe 3.0 x16 is sufficient for current GPUs, but PCIe 4.0/5.0 offer more headroom on newer platforms.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- 10 cores and 20 threads for multi-threaded workloads.
- 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes for multi-GPU and fast storage.
- Quad-channel DDR4-2666 with 128 GB capacity support.
- Unlocked multiplier for enthusiast overclocking.
- AVX-512 support for specialized floating-point and vector workloads.
Cons
- High 165 W TDP and 14nm process make it inefficient versus modern CPUs.
- No integrated graphics; discrete GPU required.
- Discontinued platform with limited long-term BIOS and support outlook.
- LGA2066 ecosystem is more expensive and less mainstream than LGA1700/AM5.
- Memory speed capped at DDR4-2666 officially.
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core i9-9900X
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920XRival
HEDT
- RivalCompare head-to-head
- AMD Ryzen 9 3900XRival
High-End Desktop
- RivalCompare head-to-head
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-9900KRival
Mainstream High-End
Much better gaming and efficiency, with a longer platform lifespan.
Compare head-to-headHybrid architecture with stronger single-thread and gaming performance plus DDR4/DDR5 flexibility.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA still-capable HEDT CPU for used builds needing PCIe lanes and memory channels, but outclassed in efficiency and value by newer mainstream and HEDT platforms.
Best for: Used or clearance LGA2066 workstation build where you explicitly need 44 PCIe lanes and quad-channel memory on a tight budget.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-7820X or Intel Core i9-9900X?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i9-9900X 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 uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-7820X has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-7820X (140 W), Intel Core i9-9900X (165 W).
Do Intel Core i7-7820X and Intel Core i9-9900X use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-7820X: LGA2066, Intel Core i9-9900X: FCLGA2066), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i9-9900X has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-7820X (8 cores), Intel Core i9-9900X (10 cores).