CPU Comparison
Intel Core i9-7920X vs Intel Core i9-9900X
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i9-7920X is a 12-core, 24-thread high-end desktop processor from the Skylake-X generation on LGA2066, featuring 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes, quad-channel DDR4-2666, and AVX-512 support. It launched in August 2017 at $1,199 and is now discontinued, positioning it as a legacy option for multi-threaded workloads and enthusiast platforms that need abundant I/O. Despite its age, it retains value for specific upgrade scenarios where the X299 platform and expansion are priorities, though modern CPUs deliver far better efficiency and per-thread performance.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Strong multi-threaded performance for its era; still usable for rendering and encoding if power and platform age are acceptable.
Strong multi-threaded performance for rendering, compilation, and content creation, though newer 10–12 core desktop CPUs deliver better efficiency.
Gaming
Acceptable frame rates in many titles, but modern gaming CPUs with higher clocks and newer architectures will outpace it.
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
Plenty of cores, threads, and PCIe lanes make it a solid choice for multiple VMs and storage devices.
Excellent for running multiple VMs thanks to 10 cores, quad-channel memory, and VT-x/VT-d support.
Efficiency
At 14 nm and 140 W base TDP, the 7920X draws significantly more power per unit of performance than newer parts.
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 accelerators; AI workloads rely on AVX-512 and general-purpose compute.
- Useful for small-scale inference prototyping or running traditional ML workloads on CPU.
- No dedicated AI or matrix hardware acceleration.
- Suitable only for CPU-based inference and light ML workloads.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Single-core Turbo Boost Max 3.0 up to 4.4 GHz helps in CPU-limited titles.
- Lacks the high clocks and IPC gains of newer CPUs, so GPU-heavy games at high resolutions are the best fit.
- PCIe 3.0 is adequate for current GPUs, though Gen4/Gen5 offer more headroom for fast NVMe and future cards.
- 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
- 12 cores and 24 threads for heavily threaded workloads.
- 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes for multi-GPU and NVMe configurations.
- Quad-channel DDR4-2666 with up to 128 GB capacity.
- AVX-512 support with 2 FMA units for vectorized compute.
- Unlocked multiplier for enthusiast tuning.
Cons
- Discontinued platform with no upgrade path beyond Cascade Lake-X refresh.
- Higher power consumption and heat compared to newer architectures.
- Base clock is modest at 2.9 GHz; all-core boost is 4.3 GHz.
- No integrated graphics; requires a discrete GPU.
- Lacks modern platform features (DDR5, PCIe 4.0+).
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 i9-7920X
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920XRival
HEDT
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900XRival
Mainstream Enthusiast
- Compare head-to-headAMD Ryzen 9 7900XRival
Mainstream Enthusiast
- RivalCompare head-to-head
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-14700KRival
Mainstream Enthusiast
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 capable 12-core HEDT chip with strong multi-threaded throughput and excellent I/O, but high power draw, an aging platform, and discontinued status make it relevant mainly for used-market upgrades or extending existing X299 builds.
Best for: Upgrading an existing X299 system at low cost (used CPU) to gain cores and PCIe lanes without replacing motherboard and memory.
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 i9-7920X 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 is faster for gaming, Intel Core i9-7920X or Intel Core i9-9900X?
For gaming, the Intel Core i9-9900X leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Intel Core i9-7920X and Intel Core i9-9900X.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i9-7920X has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i9-7920X (140 W), Intel Core i9-9900X (165 W).
Do Intel Core i9-7920X and Intel Core i9-9900X use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i9-7920X: LGA2066 (FCLGA2066), Intel Core i9-9900X: FCLGA2066), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i9-7920X has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i9-7920X (12 cores), Intel Core i9-9900X (10 cores).