CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-7820X vs Intel Core i9-9990XE
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.
Very strong multi-threaded performance for Adobe apps, rendering, and simulation workloads, competitive with or slightly ahead of the 18-core i9-9980XE in some tests.
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.
Capable of high-refresh-rate gaming thanks to strong single-core clocks, but modern gaming-focused CPUs often deliver better minimums and efficiency at far lower cost.
Virtualization
PCIe and memory bandwidth are helpful for multiple VMs, but core count is moderate for modern heavy virtualization needs.
Good for running several VMs thanks to 14 cores and quad-channel memory, but high power draw and lack of warranty are concerns for 24/7 use.
Efficiency
High 140 W TDP and 14 nm process lead to greater power consumption versus newer 7 nm and smaller nodes.
Extremely low efficiency; 255 W TDP at base frequency and much higher real power draw under all-core boost makes it one of the most power-hungry HEDT CPUs of its era.
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; AI workloads rely on AVX-512 and CPU-based inference.
- Suitable for small-scale CPU inference and prototyping, but not competitive with modern NPUs or GPUs.
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
- High clock speeds give strong single-threaded performance for high-refresh-rate gaming.
- 14 cores are underutilized in most games, which favor fewer faster cores.
- Modern gaming CPUs (e.g., 13th/14th Gen Core i9, Ryzen 7000) often deliver better gaming performance per watt and per dollar.
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
- 14 cores and 28 threads with strong multi-threaded throughput
- Up to 5.1 GHz single-core and 5.0 GHz all-core turbo for its generation
- 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes for multi-GPU and storage expansion
- Quad-channel DDR4-2666 with support for up to 128 GB RAM
- Unlocked multiplier for enthusiast overclocking
- Highly binned silicon with STIM for improved thermal transfer
Cons
- Extremely high 255 W TDP and real-world power draw far above that under load
- No warranty from Intel and no guaranteed availability
- Auction-only distribution makes it virtually unobtainable for normal users
- Old 14 nm process and platform with no upgrade path beyond X299
- Outperformed by newer CPUs in efficiency and often in raw performance per dollar
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 i9-9990XE
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-9980XERival
HEDT / Workstation
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-9940XRival
HEDT / Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920XRival
HEDT / Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950XRival
HEDT / Workstation
- Intel Xeon W-3175XRival
Workstation
Newer 18-core Cascade Lake-X CPU with better pricing, better efficiency, and a more standard distribution model.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 7900Alt
Modern 12-core AM5 CPU with much higher efficiency, DDR5, and strong gaming and creator performance at a lower price point.
Hybrid architecture with excellent gaming and creator performance, far better efficiency, and a mainstream platform with long-term support.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960XAlt
24-core HEDT CPU with quad-channel memory and more PCIe lanes, offering significantly more multi-threaded headroom for similar money.
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 reviewAn extraordinarily fast but impractical CPU: stellar clocks and multi-threaded performance for its era, but extreme power draw, no warranty, and near-zero availability make it a collector’s item rather than a practical purchase.
Best for: Boutique workstation integrator with existing X299 inventory and a specific need for the highest possible clocks on 14 cores, regardless of cost or warranty.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-7820X or Intel Core i9-9990XE?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i9-9990XE comes out ahead with a score of 7.8/10. 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 i7-7820X or Intel Core i9-9990XE?
For gaming, the Intel Core i9-9990XE leads with a gaming performance score of 81/100 among Intel Core i7-7820X and Intel Core i9-9990XE.
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 i9-9990XE (255 W).
Do Intel Core i7-7820X and Intel Core i9-9990XE 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 i9-9990XE has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-7820X (8 cores), Intel Core i9-9990XE (14 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i9-9990XE posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i9-9990XE (23,600). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.