OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Intel Core i7-7740X review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£540PassMark multi-core score:9689N. of physical cores:4CPU boost clock speed:4.5 GHzCPU socket:LGA2066TDP (Thermal design power):112 W

Intel Core i7-7740X Review: Compare 74 technical specifications and 22 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i7-7740X
6.0/10

Overall score

Score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components

40%

5.3

Technical score

25%

5.3

Reviews score

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 73% of processors
6.5

Value for money

Value for money
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Score components

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

7.7

Price

â–¼Worse than 88%
5.3

Technical score

Technical score
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Score components

60%

5.3

Performance

18%

4.8

Architecture

10%

5.6

Memory & PCIe

7%

5.1

Power & Thermal

4%

8.2

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated graphics

â–¼Worse than 56%
5.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models

5.3

Mark 6.9 is below the typical mark 7.6 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

6.3

Average grade

20%

9.2

Popularity

Grades by review (22)
18 reviews: 9 with a printed score, 9 estimated from the review. 4 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 73%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • intel-core-i7-7740x
  • intel-core-i7-7740x
  • intel-core-i7-7740x
  • intel-core-i7-7740x
intel-core-i7-7740x
intel-core-i7-7740x
intel-core-i7-7740x
intel-core-i7-7740x
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Intel Core i7-7740X

Based on 10 · 4

Reviewers love its overclocking headroom and gaming speed, but call it poor value on a limited platform without usable integrated graphics.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7-7740X

Technical score
Technical score
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Score components:

60%

5.3

Performance

18%

4.8

Architecture

10%

5.6

Memory & PCIe

7%

5.1

Power & Thermal

4%

8.2

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated graphics

5.3
Reviews score
5.3
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Score components:

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

7.7

Price

6.5
Processor type
workstation
This processor belongs to the workstation processor class, which is more advanced than that of 95.4% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% of processors.
CPU socket
LGA2066
This processor uses the LGA2066 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 73.4% of processors and equal to that of 1.4% of processors.
Chipset
X299
This processor supports X299 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 95.5% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% of processors.
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
Instruction sets
MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, BMI1, BMI2
This processor supports MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, BMI1, BMI2 instruction sets, which is broader support than 52.1% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of physical cores
4
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 52.8% of processors and equal to 27.5% of processors.
CPU threads
8
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 33.4% of processors and equal to 18.8% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4.5 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4.5 GHz which is higher than that of 53.9% of processors and equal to that of 5.5% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
4x 4.3 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 4x4.3 GHz which is higher than that of 58.3% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
9,689
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 9,689 in PassMark, which is lower than 54% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Semiconductor size
14 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 52% of processors and equal to that of 32.9% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 14 nm
This processor is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.9% of processors and equal to that of 29% of processors.
L3 cache
8 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 8 MB which is smaller than that of 50.7% of processors and equal to that of 11.5% of processors.
L2 cache
1 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 1 MB which is smaller than that of 68.3% of processors and equal to that of 17% of processors.
L1 cache
256 KB
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 256 KB which is smaller than that of 60.4% of processors and equal to that of 18.1% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
This processor supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 25.2% of processors and equal to that of 31.1% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
2,666 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 2,666 MHz, which is lower than that of 56.7% of processors and equal to 7.9% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-2666 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 59.8% of processors and equal to 7.8% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
4,400 MHz
This processor supports XMP/EXPO memory speeds up to 4,400 MHz, which is higher than that of 93.7% of processors and equal to 0.3% of processors.
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is more than 27.2% of processors and equal to 26.1% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Integrated graphics
no
This processor does not include integrated graphics. 85.4% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
N/A
Integrated GPU execution units
N/A
Integrated GPU base frequency
N/A
Integrated media encoders/decoders
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
TDP (Thermal design power)
112 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 112 W which is higher than that of 90.8% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
112 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 112 W which is higher than that of 91% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
?
Tau (power duration limit)
?
Configurable TDP
no
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 53.7% of processors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say

Intel Core i7-7740X vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 4.96x faster classroom rendering
    This processor has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,687.9 vs 340.1). The average processor needs 340.075 for the Blender Classroom test.
    1,687.85 vs 340.075
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 28.8% smaller die size
    This processor has a lower die size than the average processor (126 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    126 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • Modern CPU socket
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA2066 vs FP5).
    LGA2066 vs FP5
  • Higher-end processor class
    This processor belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (workstation vs mobile).
    workstation vs mobile
  • Supports heterogeneous scheduling
    This processor uses heterogeneous multi-processing, while the average processor does not. 24.8% of processors use it.
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (4x4.3 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    4x4.3 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • Modern CPU socket
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA2066 vs FP5).
    LGA2066 vs FP5
  • Higher-end processor class
    This processor belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (workstation vs mobile).
    workstation vs mobile
  • Supports heterogeneous scheduling
    This processor uses heterogeneous multi-processing, while the average processor does not. 24.8% of processors use it.
  • 4.96x faster classroom rendering
    This processor has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,687.9 vs 340.1). The average processor needs 340.075 for the Blender Classroom test.
    1,687.85 vs 340.075
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (4x4.3 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    4x4.3 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 15 higher clock multiplier
    This processor has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (43 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    43 vs 28
  • 5.6% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,701 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    2,701 vs 2,558
  • 28.8% smaller die size
    This processor has a lower die size than the average processor (126 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    126 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 8.1% more L3 per core
    This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    2 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    4 vs 6
  • 20.9% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models

    5.3

    Mark 6.9 is below the typical mark 7.6 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    6.3

    Average grade

    20%

    9.2

    Popularity

    Grades by review (22)
    18 reviews: 9 with a printed score, 9 estimated from the review. 4 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.3 vs 6.7
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 2.49x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (112 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    112 W vs 45 W
  • 66.7% smaller L2 cache
    This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    1 MB vs 3 MB
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 50% less L2 per core
    This processor has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, TXT, MPX, OS Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, TXT, MPX, OS Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • 20.9% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models

    5.3

    Mark 6.9 is below the typical mark 7.6 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    6.3

    Average grade

    20%

    9.2

    Popularity

    Grades by review (22)
    18 reviews: 9 with a printed score, 9 estimated from the review. 4 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.3 vs 6.7
  • 2.16x more expensive
    Intel Core i7-7740X is more expensive than the average processor (£540 vs £250).
    £540 vs £250
  • 11.6% worse value for money
    Intel Core i7-7740X has worse value for money than the average processor (6.53 vs 7.3).
    6.53 vs 7.29
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, TXT, MPX, OS Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, TXT, MPX, OS Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • 3 years older release date
    This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2017 vs 2020).
    June 2017
    2017 vs 2020
  • More limited crypto acceleration
    This processor offers more limited crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES vs AES, SHA).
    AES vs AES, SHA
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, BMI1, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, BMI1, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    4 vs 6
  • 15.5% lower PassMark score
    This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (9,689 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    9,689 vs 11,469
  • 66.7% smaller L2 cache
    This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    1 MB vs 3 MB
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 50% less L2 per core
    This processor has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 33.3% smaller L1 cache
    This processor has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    256 KB vs 384 KB
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • 16.7% lower memory speed
    This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,666 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
    2,666 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • Lower JEDEC memory speed
    This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR4-2666 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    DDR4-2,666 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • No integrated graphics
    This processor does not include integrated graphics, while the average processor does. 85.4% of processors include integrated graphics.
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 2.49x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (112 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    112 W vs 45 W
  • 2.49x higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (112 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    112 W vs 45 W

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

4.0
BonTech Labs
≈ estimated
17/07/2017
Hands-on review · benchmarks against the 7700K
Verdict
Intel Core i7-7740X isn't worth buying: it performs the same as the 7700K but has fewer PCIe lanes and no integrated graphics.
5.0
KitGuruTech
≈ estimated
11/07/2017
Analysis · performance, overclocking and value review
Verdict
Intel Core i7-7740X offers strong performance and overclocking, but it's poor value on X299 compared with the 7700K.
3.0
Hardware Unboxed
≈ estimated
07/07/2017
Benchmark review · stock and power tests versus the 7700K
Verdict
Intel Core i7-7740X is slower than the 7700K and draws more power, with no clear reason to exist, so avoid it.
4.0
Gamers Nexus
≈ estimated
23/06/2017
Hands-on review · gaming benchmarks versus the 7700K
Verdict
Intel Core i7-7740X isn't worth buying, since the 7700K delivers the same gaming performance on a cheaper platform.
Brand video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded
Overview video
Overview video
Shop video
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
28/06/2017
Benchmark review · Kaby Lake-X
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-7740X is quick on single-core work, such as older software, but its multi-core results trail AMD's Ryzen 5 1600X and its lane count limits expansion.
5.0
tomshardware.com
≈ estimated
12/07/2017
Full review · HEDT platform
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-7740X offers Kaby Lake performance in lightly threaded tasks and better overclocking, but disabled graphics and limited X299 features make it hard to recommend.
10
guru3d.com
✓ explicit
07/07/2017
Overclocking test · Power draw
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-7740X overclocks to 5.2 GHz on normal cooling, but its power draw and heat are high, and it's no upgrade over a Core i7-7700K.
5.0
kitguru.net
✓ explicit
11/07/2017
Review · Upgrade and overclocking
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-7740X is a Core i7-7700K in a new socket, good for overclocking but a poor stopgap, since it drops integrated graphics and ties you to X299.
9.1
tweaktown.com
✓ explicit
05/07/2017
Benchmark review · Overclocking
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-7740X overclocks stably to 5.1GHz and matches the Core i7-7700K in most tests, but it trails higher core-count chips in multi-threaded work.
6.0
hardwarezone.com.sg
≈ estimated
29/07/2017
Gaming test · Overclocking results
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-7740X is fast in single-thread work and overclocks well, but X299 adds no features over Z270 and it lags in video encoding.
5.0
kitguru.net
✓ explicit
11/07/2017
Overclocking test · Kaby Lake-X
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-7740X is a Core i7-7700K on the X299 platform, a strong overclocker that reaches 5.1GHz but offers little extra at stock speeds.
8.0
guru3d.com
≈ estimated
07/07/2017
Short review · X299 platform
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-7740X is a four-core Kaby Lake chip for X299 that overclocks to 5.2GHz, but its dual-channel memory is a drawback.
4.0
techspot.com
≈ estimated
07/07/2017
Benchmark review · Mainstream vs HEDT
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-7740X matches the Core i7-7700K in many tests, but its dual-channel memory and X299 features make it hard to justify.
5.0
notebookcheck.com
≈ estimated
06/07/2017
Benchmark test · Quad-core CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-7740X performs close to the Core i7-7700K in benchmarks, but it needs an LGA 2066 motherboard to run.
6.2
computerbild.de
✓ explicit
01/07/2017
Lab test · Kaby Lake-X chip
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-7740X performs much like the Core i7-7700K, but its new socket and lack of built-in graphics make it hard to recommend over the 7700K.
5.0
chip.de
≈ estimated
04/08/2017
Test verdict · X299 platform
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-7740X does not really impress, since dual-channel memory limits X299 benefits; it mainly suits users who need virtual machine features or faster memory.
5.0
tomshardware.fr
≈ estimated
04/07/2017
Benchmark review · Kaby Lake-X vs Ryzen
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-7740X performs almost identically to the Core i7-7700K in games, so the X299 platform is hard to justify over the mainstream option.
7.6
ginjfo.com
✓ explicit
21/07/2017
Full review · Gaming and overclocking
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-7740X is strong in games and overclocks well, but it runs hot, and X299 only pays off through future upgrades to chips with up to 18 cores.
8.0
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
29/09/2017
Lab test · Quad-core CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-7740X is a Core i7-7700K on LGA 2066 that is strong in calculations and games and uses power efficiently, but gives no reason to buy it.
8.2
profesionalreview.com
✓ explicit
26/06/2017
Benchmark review · Gaming and overclocking
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-7740X suits gamers and overclockers who want strong single-core speed, but its high power draw and 16 PCIe lanes hold it back.
5.0
tomshw.it
≈ estimated
12/07/2017
Platform review · Kaby Lake-X chip
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-7740X is a Core i7-7700K in a larger socket that overclocks slightly better, but X299 limits and disabled graphics cancel out most of that gain.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7-7740X

  • High base clock speed of 4.3 GHz and excellent single-threaded performance
  • Superb gaming performance, often matching or beating higher core-count CPUs in frequency-dependent titles
  • Tremendous overclocking capacity, frequently reaching 5.0 GHz to 5.2 GHz with standard cooling
  • Provides an entry-level gateway to the enthusiast X299 platform and future high-core-count upgrade paths
  • Features a larger heat spreader (IHS) compared to the i7-7700K, which can lead to slightly better thermal conductivity

What customers don't like about Intel Core i7-7740X

  • Lacks an integrated GPU (iGPU), removing quick-sync support and a troubleshooting fallback
  • Requires more expensive X299 motherboards while disabling half of their key features, such as quad-channel memory and extra PCIe lanes
  • Restricted to only 16 PCIe lanes, making it unsuitable for high-end multi-GPU configurations
  • Poor value compared to the i7-7700K, which offers nearly identical performance on a much cheaper platform
  • Higher TDP (112W) compared to the i7-7700K (91W) without a significant corresponding boost in processing power
  • Underwhelming multi-threaded performance for a product marketed as 'High-End Desktop' (HEDT)

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-7740X is a Kaby Lake-X series processor designed for the enthusiast LGA 2066 socket (X299 chipset), featuring 4 cores and 8 threads with a base clock of 4.3 GHz and a max turbo frequency of 4.5 GHz. Built on a 14nm process with an 8MB L3 cache and a 112W TDP, its main characteristics include exceptional single-core performance and superior gaming results, often outperforming higher core-count CPUs in frequency-dependent tasks. Its primary pros are its immense overclocking headroom, often reaching 5.0–5.1 GHz easily, and serving as an entry point to the high-end desktop (HEDT) platform for future upgrades. However, notable cons include the lack of integrated graphics, restricted dual-channel memory and 16 PCIe lane support that underutilizes the X299 platform, and poor value due to high motherboard costs compared to the nearly identical but more efficient i7-7700K.

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