CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-9800X vs Intel Core i9-7940X
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
Strong multi-threaded performance for rendering, encoding, and other creator workloads, especially when lots of I/O is involved.
Solid multi-threaded performance for its era, though surpassed by modern 12 to 14-core mainstream parts.
Gaming
Capable of high-refresh-rate gaming at 1440p with a modern GPU, but newer mainstream CPUs often deliver better minimums and efficiency.
Capable of high-refresh 1080p gaming, but newer mainstream CPUs deliver better frame rates and 1% lows.
Virtualization
Good for running several VMs thanks to 8 cores, 16 threads and quad-channel memory, though platform is now aging.
Great for home labs and multiple VMs thanks to 14 cores and quad-channel memory.
Efficiency
High 165 W TDP and 14 nm process result in notably higher power draw than modern 8-core alternatives for similar or better performance.
Very poor efficiency compared to modern architectures, running hot and drawing significant power under load.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI or deep learning acceleration hardware.
- Suitable for CPU-based inference and light experimentation only.
- AVX-512 helps with some vector calculations
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- CPU-based inference is significantly slower than modern NPUs or GPUs
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.
- High clock speeds help push frames in CPU-bound scenarios
- Mesh architecture adds slight latency compared to ring bus designs
- Lacks the cache size and IPC of modern gaming CPUs
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
- 14 cores and 28 threads
- 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes for expansive I/O
- Quad-channel DDR4 memory support
- AVX-512 instruction support
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
Cons
- Runs extremely hot under heavy loads
- High power consumption for the performance delivered
- Lacks integrated graphics
- Discontinued and outdated platform
- Outpaced by modern mainstream CPUs in efficiency and IPC
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-9800X
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700XRival
Mainstream 8-core
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920XRival
HEDT 12-core
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-9900KRival
Mainstream 8-core Gaming
- Compare head-to-headIntel 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.
Far better gaming and efficiency on a mainstream platform with some creator workload capability.
Compare head-to-head- 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 i9-7940X
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950XRival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920XRival
Workstation
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-7960XRival
High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-7900XRival
High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-7820XRival
High-End Desktop
Newer Cascade Lake-X alternative on the same platform with better value and refined behavior.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 5900XAlt
Much more efficient, faster single-core, and relies on a modern AM4 platform.
Massively faster single-core and multi-core performance with modern features at a lower power draw.
Compare head-to-headModern platform with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, offering vastly superior efficiency.
Compare head-to-headTop-tier modern performance for any workload, leaving the 7940X far behind.
Compare head-to-head
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 potent HEDT processor for its time, the i9-7940X offers strong multi-core capabilities but suffers from high heat output and is outpaced by modern mainstream chips.
Best for: Upgrading an existing LGA 2066 workstation on a tight budget.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-9800X or Intel Core i9-7940X?
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 is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-9800X or Intel Core i9-7940X?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-9800X leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Intel Core i7-9800X and Intel Core i9-7940X.
Do Intel Core i7-9800X and Intel Core i9-7940X use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-9800X: FCLGA2066, Intel Core i9-7940X: LGA 2066), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i9-7940X has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-9800X (8 cores), Intel Core i9-7940X (14 cores).