Intel Core i7 7740X Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£540
  • PassMark benchmark result: 9689
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.5 GHz

Intel Core i7 7740X review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

5.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.9

Technical Score

10.0%

7.6

User score

Good
4.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

4.6

Performance

18.0%

4.8

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.5

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

4.2

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.2

Platform

1.0%

2.8

Integrated Graphics

Poor
7.6

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

6.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(109)
amazon
5.0
(2)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Very good
  • 4.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.6

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    4.6

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    6.1

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    2.1

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 2.5
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    2.9

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    2.8

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    2.1

    L3 cache

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

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.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 7740X

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

4.6

Performance

18.0%

4.8

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.5

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

4.2

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.2

Platform

1.0%

2.8

Integrated Graphics

4.9
Intel Core i7 7740X has a technical score of 4.85 points, which is lower than that of 57% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

6.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(109)
amazon
5.0
(2)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

7.6
Intel Core i7 7740X has a user score of 7.58 points, which is lower than that of 89.2% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
6.0
Intel Core i7 7740X has a popularity of 6 points, which is higher than 83.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

5.1

Overall score

40.0%

7.7

Price

5.9
Intel Core i7 7740X has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.9 points, which is lower than 69.8% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

workstation
Intel Core i7 7740X belongs to the workstation processor class, which is more advanced than that of 95.1% of processors and equal to that of 4.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA2066
Intel Core i7 7740X uses the LGA2066 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 74.4% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

X299
Intel Core i7 7740X supports X299 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 95.3% of processors and equal to that of 1.6% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i7 7740X uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

4
Intel Core i7 7740X has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

8
Intel Core i7 7740X offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 35.3% of processors and equal to 19% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i7 7740X offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

4.5 GHz
Intel Core i7 7740X reaches a boost clock of 4.5 GHz which is higher than that of 56.5% of processors and equal to that of 5.4% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 x 4.3 GHz
Intel Core i7 7740X has a base clock of 4x4.3 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core i7 7740X uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i7 7740X is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

8 MB
Intel Core i7 7740X has an L3 cache of 8 MB which is larger than that of 39.7% of processors and equal to that of 11.8% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

1 MB
Intel Core i7 7740X has an L2 cache of 1 MB which is smaller than that of 67.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.6% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

256 KB
Intel Core i7 7740X has an L1 cache of 256 KB which is smaller than that of 59.4% of processors and equal to that of 18.5% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
Intel Core i7 7740X supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 26.3% of processors and equal to that of 31.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,666 MHz
Intel Core i7 7740X supports memory speeds up to 2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-2666 MHz
Intel Core i7 7740X supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55.3% of processors and equal to 7.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

4,400 MHz
Intel Core i7 7740X supports XMP/EXPO memory speeds up to 4400 MHz, which is higher than that of 93.4% of processors and equal to 0.3% of processors.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

64 GB
Intel Core i7 7740X supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is more than 28.4% of processors and equal to 27.6% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

no
Intel Core i7 7740X does not include integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

N/A
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

N/A
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

N/A
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

112 W
Intel Core i7 7740X has a TDP of 112 W which is higher than that of 92.1% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

112 W
Intel Core i7 7740X has a base power of 112 W which is higher than that of 92.3% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

?
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

?
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i7 7740X does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i7 7740X vs the average processor

  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i7 7740X has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Has an unlocked CPU multiplier, which makes manual CPU overclocking much easier on supported platforms.
    When it matters: When you plan to push clock speeds beyond stock settings instead of leaving the processor completely at default behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i7 7740X has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 2.13x faster classroom rendering
    Intel Core i7 7740X has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,687.9 vs 791.745). The average processor needs 791.745 for the Blender Classroom test.
    What it is: A Blender render result based on the Classroom scene, used to show how quickly the processor can complete a demanding rendering workload.
    When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >1500

    Intel Core i7 7740X has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,687.9 vs 791.745). The average processor needs 791.745 for the Blender Classroom test.1,687.85 vs 791.745
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i7 7740X supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
    When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i7 7740X supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i7 7740X uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA2,066 vs FP2).
    What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i7 7740X uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA2,066 vs FP2).LGA2066 vs FP2
  • Higher-end processor class
    Intel Core i7 7740X belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (workstation vs mobile).
    What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
    When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i7 7740X belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (workstation vs mobile).workstation vs mobile
  • 6.05x more popular
    Intel Core i7 7740X is more popular than the average processor (6.05 vs 1.000).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    Intel Core i7 7740X is more popular than the average processor (6.05 vs 1.000).6.05 vs 1
  • Supports HMP
    Intel Core i7 7740X supports HMP, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Uses heterogeneous multi-processing to coordinate different core types together.
    When it matters: When hybrid-core scheduling behavior matters for efficiency, workload balancing, or lower-level software behavior.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i7 7740X supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • 4.7% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i7 7740X has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Intel Core i7 7740X has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.4.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i7 7740X uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA2,066 vs FP2).
  • Higher-end processor class
    Intel Core i7 7740X belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (workstation vs mobile).
  • Supports HMP
    Intel Core i7 7740X supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i7 7740X has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 2.13x faster classroom rendering
    Intel Core i7 7740X has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,687.9 vs 791.745). The average processor needs 791.745 for the Blender Classroom test.
  • 4.7% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i7 7740X has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 8.8% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 7740X has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,701 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 15 higher clock multiplier
    Intel Core i7 7740X has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (43 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 10.3% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i7 7740X has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,623 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 7740X has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i7 7740X supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 3 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i7 7740X has an older release date than the average processor (2,017 vs 2,020).
    June 2017
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i7 7740X does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 7740X has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 7740X has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 7740X has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i7 7740X 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.
  • 33.3% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i7 7740X has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 9.1% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i7 7740X has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,666 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • No integrated graphics
    Intel Core i7 7740X does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
  • 2.49x higher base power
    Intel Core i7 7740X 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.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i7 7740X does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 2.49x higher TDP
    Intel Core i7 7740X has a higher TDP than the average processor (112 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 7740X has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i7 7740X has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • 2.49x higher base power
    Intel Core i7 7740X 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.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i7 7740X 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
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 7740X has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i7 7740X 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
    Intel Core i7 7740X 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.
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    Intel Core i7 7740X 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
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 7740X has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Core i7 7740X has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.1 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i7 7740X does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
    What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
    When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i7 7740X does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 2.49x higher TDP
    Intel Core i7 7740X has a higher TDP than the average processor (112 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
    When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i7 7740X 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
  • No integrated graphics
    Intel Core i7 7740X does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
    What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
    When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i7 7740X does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 7740X and other processors

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

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 dislike 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)

Expert reviews

H
hardwarezone.com.sg
29/07/2017

The Intel Core i7-7740X, reviewed by HardwareZone, is identified as a "fast but awkward" processor that places quad-core Kaby Lake architecture onto the HEDT X299 platform. Featuring a 4.3GHz base and 4.5GHz boost clock, it excels in single-threaded tasks, gaming, and responsiveness, while trailing in heavy multi-threaded workloads. Pros include high-speed performance and strong...Read more

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hardwarecanucks.com
28/09/2017

Hardware Canucks characterizes the Intel Core i7-7740X as a misplaced "orphan" in the HEDT lineup, essentially a die-transplant of the mainstream i7-7700K onto the LGA 2066 socket that lacks key X299 platform features. While offering a slight 100MHz clock speed boost, the four-core, eight-thread chip is deemed underwhelming for high-end, despite offering a lower entry cost into the...Read more

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tweaktown.com
05/07/2017

The TweakTown review identifies the Intel Core i7-7740X as a "transplanted" Kaby Lake CPU, offering a 4.3GHz base clock (100MHz over the i7-7700K) but moving to the X299 platform with a higher 112W TDP. Pros include exceptional overclocking (stable 5.1GHz at 1.3V), a "dream" for overclockers, and excellent single-threaded performance that excels in gaming. However, cons center on...Read more

K
kitguru.net
11/07/2017

KitGuru’s review characterises the Intel Core i7-7740X as a "re-packaged," high-frequency 4-core/8-thread chip for the X299 platform, offering a slight 4.3GHz base clock boost over the i7-7700K but lacking integrated graphics. While demonstrating "tremendous" overclocking potential to 5.1GHz, the CPU suffers from poor value due to high platform costs, with performance lagging...Read more

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guru3d.com
07/07/2017

The Guru3D review finds the Intel Core i7-7740X is a high-frequency, quad-core Kaby Lake-X processor offering exceptional overclocking capabilities up to 5.2 GHz, acting as an entry-level option for the X299 platform. While delivering strong gaming and single-threaded performance, the chip is hampered by high power consumption and significant heat output under load. The review notes...Read more

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tomshardware.com
12/07/2017

Tom's Hardware review finds the Intel Core i7-7740X is a 4-core, 8-thread "die transplant" on the HEDT X299 platform, offering high clock speeds and excellent overclocking capacity. However, it hamstrings the platform by offering only dual-channel memory support and limited PCIe lanes, while utilizing standard thermal paste that results in high temperature deltas. Lacking an...Read more

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pcmag.com
28/06/2017

The PCMag review characterizes the Intel Core i7-7740X as a high-clock-speed (4.3GHz base, 4.5GHz turbo) "Kaby Lake-X" processor that serves as an entry point into the enthusiast X299 platform, offering excellent 1080p gaming performance. While it provides a potential upgrade path to higher-core CPUs, it functions essentially as a repackaged, slightly faster Core i7-7700K. Key...Read more

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guru3d.com
07/07/2017

The Guru3D review of the Intel Core i7-7740X (Kaby Lake-X) processor on the X299 platform examines its position as a high-frequency, quad-core chip in the HEDT market. Pros include exceptional overclocking, with stability achieved at 5.2 GHz, and a solid upgrade path for the X299 platform. However, cons include high thermal output requiring premium cooling, and limitations on the...Read more

V
vortez.net
19/06/2017

The Intel Core i7-7740X is a quad-core Kaby Lake-X processor for the LGA 2066 platform, offering slightly higher clocks (4.3 GHz base, 4.5 GHz boost) than the i7-7700K but lacking an integrated GPU and restricting users to dual-channel memory. The review highlights excellent overclocking potential, reaching 5.2 GHz easily, along with better thermal management and lower operating...Read more

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hothardware.com
19/06/2017

HotHardware’s review of the Intel Core i9-7900X and Core i7-7740X features the Skylake-X flagship and Kaby Lake-X entry-level chip, launched to counter AMD's competition. The 10-core i9-7900X shines in multi-threaded tasks like rendering (Cinebench, Blender) with high clock speeds and quad-channel memory, though it requires heavy cooling due to high power consumption. Conversely,...Read more

K
kitguru.net
11/07/2017

The KitGuru review highlights the Intel Core i7-7740X as an ultra-fast gaming processor that essentially functions as a re-packaged 7700K for the X299 platform, offering exceptional single-core performance but lacking the benefits of quad-channel memory. While the chip demonstrates tremendous overclocking headroom, hitting a stable 5.1GHz across all cores, its high-power draw...Read more

C
chip.de
04/08/2017

The CHIP review highlights the Intel Core i7-7740X as a specialized "Kaby Lake-X" processor for the X299 platform, boasting high 4.3 GHz base/4.5 GHz boost clocks and strong overclocking potential, often reaching 5.0–5.1 GHz. It is noted for exceptional single-core performance and gaming prowess but suffers from significant limitations compared to true High-End Desktop (HEDT)...Read more

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computerbild.de
01/07/2017

The Intel Core i7-7740X is a quad-core processor that adapts the mainstream i7-7700K for the high-end X299 platform, offering slightly higher stock speeds of 4.3 GHz and superb gaming performance. It is a strong overclocker, often achieving 5.0–5.1 GHz easily due to the robust power delivery on X299 motherboards, making it suitable for frequency-sensitive tasks. However, the CPU...Read more

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gamestar.de
28/06/2017

The Intel Core i7-7740X ("Kaby Lake-X") acts as a hybrid, 4-core/8-thread processor attempting to bridge mainstream gaming and high-end desktop (HEDT) platforms, offering superior single-core performance over the 7700K but limited by X299 platform constraints. Pros include enhanced overclocking headroom (5.0-5.2 GHz), lower operating temperatures, and serving as an entry point to...Read more

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notebookcheck.com
06/07/2017

The Intel Core i7-7740X is a high-end desktop (HEDT) processor, effectively a repackaged, slightly faster Core i7-7700K adapted for the LGA 2066 socket, offering excellent single-core performance and gaming potential. While delivering exceptional overclocking headroom (up to 5.1 GHz), it suffers from high power consumption, thermal management issues using TIM instead of solder, and...Read more

C
chip.de
04/08/2017

The Intel Core i7-7740X is a Kaby Lake-X quad-core processor designed for the LGA 2066 X299 platform, offering a 100 MHz boost over the i7-7700K with excellent single-core performance, high overclocking headroom often exceeding 5.0 GHz, and improved thermals due to a larger heat spreader. However, the processor requires expensive X299 motherboards, lacks quad-channel memory support,...Read more

L
lesnumeriques.com
29/09/2017

The Intel Core i7-7740X is a 4-core/8-thread Kaby Lake-X processor offering high base clocks (4.3 GHz) on the LGA2066 X299 platform, aiming to be an affordable entry point for the HEDT market. It provides high single-threaded performance and strong overclocking capability, often surpassing the i7-7700K in raw speed due to higher thermal headroom. However, the chip suffers from...Read more

C
comptoir-hardware.com
25/07/2017

The review covers Intel's X299 platform, highlighting the 10-core Core i9-7900X (Skylake-X) and the Core i7-7740X (Kaby Lake-X). The i9-7900X introduces a new mesh architecture for high-end productivity, while the i7-7740X serves as a repurposed mainstream chip for the LGA 2066 socket. The i9-7900X offers massive multi-core throughput and 44 PCIe lanes as pros, but suffers from high...Read more

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ginjfo.com
21/07/2017

A July 2017 GinjFo review evaluates Intel's Core i9-7900X (Skylake-X) and Core i7-7740X (Kaby Lake-X) on the LGA 2066 platform, highlighting distinct performance characteristics for HEDT users. The 10-core Core i9-7900X is praised for extreme multi-threaded performance in rendering and encoding, offering strong value at its launch price, though it suffers from high power consumption...Read more

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tomshardware.fr
04/07/2017

Tom’s Hardware characterizes the Intel Core i5-7640X and i7-7740X (Kaby Lake-X) as confusing, high-priced additions to the HEDT market, offering performance nearly identical to mainstream Z270 counterparts. While featuring high clock speeds suitable for gaming, they lack integrated graphics and require expensive X299 motherboards, which fail to utilize the platform’s full feature...Read more

H
hardware.fr
29/06/2017

The Hardware.fr review of Intel's HEDT lineup introduces the Core i9-7900X (Skylake-X) with 10 cores and 20 threads, utilizing a new mesh architecture for improved core-to-core communication, while the Core i7-7740X (Kaby Lake-X) serves as a repackaged, non-GPU variant for the LGA 2066 socket. The i9-7900X dominates in multi-threaded tasks with high clock speeds and 13.75MB of L3...Read more

C
cowcotland.com
19/06/2017

The Intel Core i7-7740X, a 4-core/8-thread Kaby Lake-X processor running at 4.3–4.5 GHz, offers top-tier gaming and single-threaded performance on the LGA 2066 socket. While lacking integrated graphics, its standout feature is exceptional overclocking potential, easily achieving over 5.1 GHz on X299 motherboards while maintaining efficient power consumption. Despite its speed, the...Read more

P
profesionalreview.com
26/06/2017

The Intel Core i7-7740X is a quad-core Kaby Lake-X processor for the LGA 2066 platform, offering exceptional single-core speeds and acting as a high-frequency, niche entry point for enthusiasts. Pros include excellent overclocking potential (often 5.0+ GHz), improved thermal handling, and support for faster memory, making it a viable placeholder for future upgrades. However, it...Read more

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tech.everyeye.it
29/01/2018

The Intel Core i7-7740X is a quad-core Kaby Lake-X processor designed for the LGA 2066 socket, acting essentially as a 4.3GHz to 4.5GHz "die transplant" of the i7-7700K onto the X299 chipset. It serves as a high-frequency, overclockable entry point for the HEDT platform that delivers excellent single-core performance in gaming, with potential to reach stable speeds of 5.0GHz–5.2GHz....Read more

T
tomshw.it
12/07/2017

The Intel Core i7-7740X is a Kaby Lake-X processor that transplants the quad-core 7700K architecture onto the LGA 2066 X299 platform, offering slightly higher base frequencies of 4.3 GHz. While offering similar performance to the mainstream counterpart, it provides superior overclocking headroom, with many units reaching 5.1 GHz or higher on X299 motherboards. Pros include excellent...Read more

R
rehwolution.it
08/04/2018

The ASRock X299 Extreme4 is a high-value, entry-level HEDT motherboard designed for the Intel LGA 2066 platform, offering robust power delivery with an 11-phase VRM and dual 8-pin connectors capable of handling high-core-count CPUs. It features effective cooling via "XXL" heatsinks, supporting stable, overclocked performance at an affordable price point. Technical highlights include...Read more

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techpulse.be
23/03/2018

The MSI X299 SLI PLUS is a budget-friendly motherboard for Intel’s high-end X299 platform, offering a professional, all-black aesthetic suitable for workstations. It provides essential features like dual Intel Gigabit LAN, support for 128GB of quad-channel RAM, and two M.2 slots. Despite its lower price, the board includes useful diagnostic tools such as BIOS Flashback, Clear CMOS...Read more

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notebookcheck.nl
11/11/2017

The AMD Ryzen 3 1200 and 1300X brought native quad-core performance to the budget market, offering a 65W TDP and 8 MB of L3 cache, though they lack SMT. While the 1300X offers higher clock speeds, both CPUs provide strong multi-threaded efficiency, surpassing competitors like the i3-7100 by roughly 13% in multi-core tasks. A significant advantage is that both chips are unlocked for...Read more

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notebookcheck.nl
22/07/2017

The Intel Core i7-7740X serves as a "niche" processor, bringing the quad-core Kaby Lake architecture to the high-end LGA 2066 platform. It offers high stock frequencies of 4.3 GHz and an increased 112W TDP, acting largely as a placeholder for the X299 platform rather than a true HEDT powerhouse. Pros include excellent gaming performance, impressive overclocking potential, and an...Read more

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tweakers.net
19/06/2017

According to a Tweakers report, select Intel Core i7-7740X (Kaby Lake-X) processors can achieve a stable 5GHz overclock at just 1.2V, offering improved efficiency over the mainstream i7-7700K. This higher-quality silicon, combined with the larger LGA 2066 socket and lack of an integrated GPU, provides better thermal headroom for enthusiasts to reach high frequencies with less power....Read more

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