CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-9800X vs Intel Core i9-7920X X-series
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-9800X is an 8-core, 16-thread high-end desktop processor based on the Skylake-X refresh, designed for content creators and enthusiasts who need quad-channel memory and substantial PCIe connectivity on the LGA2066 platform.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Gaming
Virtualization
Efficiency
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI or deep learning acceleration hardware.
- Suitable for CPU-based inference and light experimentation only.
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware.
- Suitable for CPU-based inference or traditional machine learning preprocessing.
- Workloads heavily dependent on modern AI accelerators will run much slower.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Strong single-core clocks up to 4.5 GHz help gaming performance.
- Quad-channel memory can benefit some CPU-limited titles.
- Modern gaming-optimized CPUs often surpass it in 1% low fps and efficiency.
- Sufficient for high-refresh gaming when paired with a strong GPU.
- Turbo Boost Max 3.0 can elevate single-core performance for less threaded titles.
- Modern gaming CPUs tend to offer better efficiency and higher sustained clocks.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 8 cores and 16 threads handle multi-threaded workloads well
- 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes for multi-GPU and NVMe setups
- Quad-channel DDR4-2666 with 128 GB capacity
- Unlocked multiplier for flexible overclocking
- Solder TIM for improved thermals under load
- AVX-512 support for floating-point-intensive tasks
Cons
- High 165 W TDP and relatively low efficiency vs newer CPUs
- Older 14 nm process with no DDR5 or PCIe 4.0+
- No integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU
- Discontinued platform with limited long-term upgrade options
- Newer mainstream 8-core CPUs often match or beat it in gaming and efficiency
Pros
- 12 cores and 24 threads
- Quad-channel DDR4-2666 memory support
- Up to 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes for expansion
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
- Turbo Boost Max 3.0 for lightly threaded tasks
- AVX-512 instruction support
- Strong multi-threaded performance for its time
Cons
- High power consumption under load
- No integrated graphics
- Platform (X299/LGA2066) is discontinued
- Newer platforms offer better efficiency and value
- PCIe 3.0 instead of newer generations
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-9800X
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700XRival
Mainstream 8-core
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920XRival
HEDT 12-core
- Intel Core i9-9900KRival
Mainstream 8-core Gaming
- Intel Core i7-7820XRival
Previous-gen HEDT 8-core
- AMD Ryzen 9 3900XRival
High-Performance 12-core
Same platform with two more cores and slightly better performance if you stay on X299.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 7900Alt
Much more efficient modern platform with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 if you are building new.
- Intel Core i7-14700KAlt
Far better gaming and efficiency on a mainstream platform with some creator workload capability.
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900XAlt
Strong multi-threaded performance with better efficiency and a more modern platform.
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950XAlt
Much higher core count for heavily multi-threaded workstation workloads, though power is higher.
Intel Core i9-7920X X-series
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920XRival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950XRival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen 9 3900XRival
Creator
- AMD Ryzen 9 3950XRival
Creator
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-10920XRival
Workstation
Cascade Lake-X refresh with improved features and clocks on X299.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 5900XAlt
Stronger efficiency and gaming performance on AM4 platform.
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900Alt
Modern AM5 platform with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 for new builds.
- AMD Threadripper 3000/4000 seriesAlt
Higher core counts and more I/O for professional workstations.
- Intel Core i7-14700KAlt
Good mainstream alternative for gaming and content creation with lower power.
Our Verdict on Each
A solid HEDT processor for users who need quad-channel memory and 44 PCIe lanes, but outclassed in efficiency and single-thread performance by newer mainstream and HEDT parts.
Best for: Used or discounted X299 workstation build where quad-channel memory and 44 PCIe lanes are critical and platform cost is low.
Read the full reviewA capable HEDT chip with strong multi-threaded performance and ample I/O, but power-hungry by modern standards and best pursued used or for legacy X299 builds.
Best for: Upgrading or completing an existing LGA2066/X299 build at a low used price
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-9800X or Intel Core i9-7920X X-series?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-9800X 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 i9-7920X X-series has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-9800X (165 W), Intel Core i9-7920X X-series (140 W).
Do Intel Core i7-9800X and Intel Core i9-7920X X-series use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-9800X: FCLGA2066, Intel Core i9-7920X X-series: LGA2066), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i9-7920X X-series has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-9800X (8 cores), Intel Core i9-7920X X-series (12 cores).