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Intel Core i7 7820HK Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£320
  • Avg. price in US: ~$380
  • PassMark benchmark result: 7405
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.9 GHz

Intel Core i7 7820HK review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.2

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%

4.2

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.2

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%

3.3

Performance

18.0%

4.9

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.1

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.6

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.5

Platform

1.0%

6.9

Integrated Graphics

Poor
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 3.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    3.2

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    3.6

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    4.3

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    2.1

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 2.4
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    2.5

    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

  • No image
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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £320

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-7820HK is a high-performance quad-core laptop processor based on the 14nm Kaby Lake architecture, featuring 4 cores, 8 threads via Hyper-Threading, and an 8 MB L3 cache. It operates at a base frequency of 2.9 GHz with a turbo boost up to 3.9 GHz and includes integrated Intel HD Graphics 630. A primary advantage is its unlocked multiplier, allowing for overclocking to achieve higher frequencies (up to 4.3 GHz in some configurations), providing performance comparable to desktop quad-core CPUs for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. However, significant cons include its high 45W TDP, which can lead to high power consumption and temperatures reaching 90°C under load, alongside a lack of official support for Windows 11 due to its 7th-generation architecture.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 7820HK

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%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

4.2
Intel Core i7 7820HK has a technical score of 4.22 points, which is lower than that of 74.4% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Intel Core i7 7820HK has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% 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%

4.2

Overall score

40.0%

8.8

Price

5.6
Intel Core i7 7820HK has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.6 points, which is lower than 82.6% 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

mobile
Intel Core i7 7820HK belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% 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

FCBGA1440
Intel Core i7 7820HK uses the FCBGA1440 CPU socket, which is older than that of 81.4% of processors and equal to that of 4.8% 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

?
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 7820HK 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 7820HK 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 7820HK 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 7820HK 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

3.9 GHz
Intel Core i7 7820HK reaches a boost clock of 3.9 GHz which is lower than that of 65% of processors and equal to that of 3.5% 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 2.9 GHz
Intel Core i7 7820HK has a base clock of 4x2.9 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 7820HK 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 7820HK 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 7820HK 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 7820HK 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 7820HK 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

DDR3L/DDR4/LPDDR3
Intel Core i7 7820HK supports DDR DDR3L/DDR4/LPDDR3, which is older than that of 74.3% of processors and equal to that of 3.3% 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

2,400 MHz
Intel Core i7 7820HK supports memory speeds up to 2400 MHz, which is lower than that of 63.2% of processors and equal to 12.4% 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

DDR4-2400 MHz
Intel Core i7 7820HK supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2400 MHz, which is lower than that of 63.4% of processors and equal to 10.6% 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

N/A
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 7820HK 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

yes
Intel Core i7 7820HK includes 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

Intel HD Graphics 630
Intel Core i7 7820HK uses the Intel HD Graphics 630 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 73.9% of processors and equal to that in 2.9% of processors.
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

24
Intel Core i7 7820HK has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% of processors.
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

350 MHz
Intel Core i7 7820HK has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% of processors.
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

?
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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

45 W
Intel Core i7 7820HK has a TDP of 45 W which is lower than that of 39.9% of processors and equal to that of 11.4% 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

45 W
Intel Core i7 7820HK has a base power of 45 W which is lower than that of 39.7% of processors and equal to that of 11.6% 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

56.25 W
Intel Core i7 7820HK has a boost power of 56.25 W which is lower than that of 56.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.4% of processors.
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

8 seconds
Intel Core i7 7820HK has a turbo duration of 8 seconds which is longer than that of 89.1% of processors and equal to that of 7.1% of processors.
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

yes
Intel Core i7 7820HK supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
cTDP: 35 W
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Intel Core i7 7820HK vs the average processor

  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i7 7820HK 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 7820HK has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i7 7820HK 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 7820HK supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 29.2% smaller die size
    Intel Core i7 7820HK has a lower die size than the average processor (126 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core i7 7820HK has a lower die size than the average processor (126 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².126 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 7820HK 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.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core i7 7820HK 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.2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i7 7820HK has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 29.2% smaller die size
    Intel Core i7 7820HK has a lower die size than the average processor (126 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 7820HK 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 7820HK supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.

Total
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i7 7820HK supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i7 7820HK uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,440 vs FP2).
  • 3 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i7 7820HK has an older release date than the average processor (2,017 vs 2,020).
    March 2017
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i7 7820HK does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 7820HK has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 19.8% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i7 7820HK has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (388 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 9.3% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i7 7820HK has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.9 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 35.3% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 7820HK has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,801 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 15% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 7820HK has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,110 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 13.3% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i7 7820HK has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,275 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 29.7% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i7 7820HK has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (7,405 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 12.2% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 7820HK has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (4,209 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 7820HK 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 7820HK 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 7820HK 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 7820HK has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 18.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i7 7820HK has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (37.5 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 18.2% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i7 7820HK has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i7 7820HK supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3L/DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    Intel Core i7 7820HK uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 630 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • 20 seconds shorter turbo duration
    Intel Core i7 7820HK has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (8 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 7820HK 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 7820HK has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • 19.8% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i7 7820HK has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (388 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about lighter workloads, interface responsiveness, or software that still depends heavily on one fast core.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >600

    Intel Core i7 7820HK has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (388 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.388 vs 484
  • 9.3% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i7 7820HK has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.9 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 7820HK has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.9 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.9 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 35.3% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 7820HK has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,801 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core i7 7820HK has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,801 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.1,801 vs 2,783
  • 15% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 7820HK has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,110 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i7 7820HK has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,110 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.2,110 vs 2,483
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 7820HK 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 7820HK 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 7820HK 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 7820HK 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 7820HK 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 7820HK 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
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 7820HK and other processors

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7 7820HK?

  • Overclocking Capability: Features an unlocked multiplier ('K' SKU), allowing enthusiasts to push clock speeds beyond the standard 3.9GHz boost.
  • Strong Performance for its Era: At launch, it was a top-tier mobile quad-core processor that handled demanding gaming and multitasking with ease.
  • Larger Cache: Includes an 8MB L3 cache, which provides a noticeable performance bump over mainstream models like the i7-7700HQ.
  • Good Single-Threaded Speed: Offers high per-core performance, making it effective for older software and games that don't utilize many cores.

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 7820HK?

  • High Thermal Output: Users frequently report high operating temperatures (often reaching 90°C+), necessitating high-end cooling or aftermarket repasting.
  • Outdated Core Count: As a 4-core/8-thread chip, it struggles with modern multi-threaded games and applications compared to newer 6- or 8-core processors.
  • Windows 11 Compatibility: Not officially supported for Windows 11 upgrades, which is a major point of frustration for long-term owners.
  • High Power Consumption: Its 45W TDP and overclocking potential can lead to significant battery drain and require beefy power supplies.

Expert reviews

N
notebookcheck.net
20/10/2017
Aorus X7 v7 - Notebookcheck.net External Reviews Would you like to see gaming benchmarks or overclocking results specifically for this processor in a...

The Aorus X7 v7 is a high-performance 17.3-inch gaming laptop packed into a thin, 25mm brushed aluminium chassis, featuring an updated Intel Core i7-7820HK CPU and GTX 1070 GPU. It boasts a 120Hz QHD panel with G-Sync, excellent upgradeability with four RAM slots, and a stable, revised keyboard, according to Notebookcheck. Key drawbacks noted include very high fan noise under load,...Read more

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cpu.userbenchmark.com
29/03/2026
Intel Core i7-7820HK - CPU UserBenchmarks

The Intel Core i7-7820HK is a high-end 2017 quad-core Kaby Lake laptop processor with a 2.9 GHz base clock, 3.9 GHz boost, and Hyper-Threading. Designed for heavy workloads like video rendering and gaming, it offered top-tier performance for its time, including support for H.265/HEVC and VP9 video decoding. A key advantage is its unlocked multiplier, which allows for overclocking,...Read more

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cpubenchmark.net
29/03/2026
Intel Core i7-7820HK @ 2.90GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i7-7820HK is a 2017 high-performance, 14nm Kaby Lake quad-core mobile processor with a 2.90 GHz base clock and unlocked multiplier, ideal for heavy, older workloads. It offers excellent overclocking capabilities, with tests showing it can hit 5.0 GHz with proper cooling. The CPU delivers strong, desktop-like performance for 2017 standards, supported by AVX and...Read more

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browser.geekbench.com
29/03/2026
Intel Core i7-7820HK Benchmarks - Geekbench Browser

The Intel Core i7-7820HK is a Kaby Lake-era quad-core mobile processor, boasting 4 cores and 8 threads with a base frequency of 2.9 GHz, boosting up to 3.9 GHz, with Geekbench 6 scores of approximately 1,288 single-core and 4,202 multi-core. A key advantage is its unlocked multiplier, which allows enthusiasts to overclock the chip to 5.0 GHz on well-cooled systems, coupled with an...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
14/08/2017
All our articles with Core i7-7820HK tag | LaptopMedia UK

The Intel Core i7-7820HK is a high-end, Kaby Lake quad-core processor featuring an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, reaching stable speeds of 4.3 GHz to 4.5 GHz. It offers 4 cores, 8 threads, and an 8 MB L3 cache, providing superior performance in 3D rendering and video editing compared to the i7-7700HQ. The chip operates exceptionally well in heavy tasks, though gaming gains...Read more

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ultrabookreview.com
06/01/2023
Alienware 17 R4 review - Core i7-7820HK CPU, Nvidia GTX...

The Alienware 17 R4 is a high-performance desktop replacement praised by UltraBookReview for its exceptional build quality, featuring anodized aluminum and magnesium alloy, though its substantial rear cooling design severely limits portability. Powered by an overclockable Intel Core i7-7820HK and a full-power Nvidia GTX 1080, it delivers top-tier gaming performance, further enhanced...Read more

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hardwareluxx.de
13/05/2017
Alienware 17 (2017): Massive gaming laptop with high-end specs (i7-7820HK) in review

The 2017 Alienware 17 is a heavy, "tank-like" desktop replacement featuring top-tier performance via an Intel Core i7-7820HK and NVIDIA GTX 1080, highlighted by high-end gaming, a 120Hz G-Sync display, and robust AlienFX RGB lighting. Despite the power, the 4.4kg, highly unportable unit suffers from loud fan noise and a 120Hz TN panel with limited viewing angles. Ultimately, this...Read more

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notebooks-und-mobiles.de
12/12/2017
Kaby Lake - Intel Core i7-7820HK Review

The Intel Core i7-7820HK is a high-performance, quad-core Kaby Lake processor for laptops, featuring a 2.9 GHz base clock, 3.9 GHz boost, and an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. It supports Hyper-Threading and utilizes a refined 14nm+ process to deliver exceptional single and multi-core performance, coupled with improved Speed Shift technology for faster frequency adjustments....Read more

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computerbase.de
04/01/2017
Core i7-7700HQ & i7-7820HK Review: Kaby Lake-H for Laptops with and without Unlocked Multipliers

The ComputerBase review of the Intel Core i7-7700HQ and i7-7820HK highlights the 2017 transition to the Kaby Lake-H architecture, which focuses on refined efficiency and higher clock speeds, offering a new video engine with hardware acceleration for 10-bit HEVC and VP9 codecs as a key advantage. However, the per-MHz performance remains largely unchanged, with speed gains relying on...Read more

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hardwareluxx.de
12/04/2018
HP Omen X 17 Review: A True Battleship with GTX 1080 and i7-7820HK

The HP Omen X 17 is a high-performance, 17.3-inch gaming laptop dubbed a "battleship" for its massive, 4.9 kg frame and desktop-level performance driven by an Intel Core i7-7820HK and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080. It features a high-refresh-rate IPS panel with G-Sync and offers excellent upgradability via a single-panel access design. Notable pros include the fast performance,...Read more

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laptopspirit.fr
07/04/2018
First benchmarks of Hexa-Core i7-8750H & Core i9 processors (compared to i7-7820HK)

Intel's 2018 Coffee Lake mobile processors, the Core i7-8750H and Core i9-8950HK, introduced six cores to laptops, offering a nearly 50% performance increase in multi-threaded tasks over previous quad-core models. The i7-8750H provides high value for performance, while the i9-8950HK features an unlocked multiplier and Thermal Velocity Boost reaching 4.8 GHz for top-tier performance....Read more

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digitec.ch
21/07/2017
Acer Predator 21x: Yes, it really is a laptop and I love it

The Acer Predator 21X, reviewed on Digitec, is described as a "rule-breaking" desktop replacement, featuring an unparalleled 21-inch curved display, a full mechanical keyboard, and a unique reversible numeric keypad. Powered by an overclockable Intel Core i7-7820HK and dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 GPUs, it delivers exceptional 3D performance, supported by advanced cooling and...Read more

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tomshardware.fr
14/02/2017
MSI GT72VR Review: 120Hz and Full HD for Gaming Without Compromise

The MSI GT72VR Dominator Pro is a robust gaming laptop featuring an Intel Core i7-7820HK and NVIDIA GTX 1070, delivering high-performance 1080p gaming and VR capabilities. It boasts a 17.3-inch Full HD 120Hz display with G-Sync for fluid visuals and features an effective Cooler Boost 4 system to prevent throttling, alongside a quality SteelSeries keyboard and strong audio. While...Read more

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geeknetic.es
10/10/2017
AORUS X5 V7 [Full Review]

The Aorus X5 v7 is a high-end 15.6-inch gaming laptop featuring an overclockable Intel Core i7-7820HK processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 GPU in a relatively thin 2.5 kg chassis. Key strengths include a 94.24 Wh battery, versatile storage options with dual M.2 slots, a 2.5-inch bay, and a high-accuracy, X-Rite Pantone-certified display. However, the high price point and thermal...Read more

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geeknetic.es
20/11/2017
MSI GT75VR Titan Pro [Full Review]

The MSI GT75VR Titan Pro, reviewed by Geeknetic, is a desktop-replacement laptop designed for raw power, featuring an Intel Core i7-7820HK and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 to drive its 17.3-inch 4K display. Weighing nearly 5 kg and measuring 6 cm thick, the chassis utilizes an advanced cooling system with ten heat pipes to manage high thermal output. Performance highlights include a...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
14/08/2017
Intel Core i7-7820HK vs. Core i7-7700HQ: Which is the best high-end CPU?

LaptopMedia compares the Intel Core i7-7820HK and Core i7-7700HQ, identifying them as high-end Kaby Lake processors with similar 4-core/8-thread architectures. The i7-7820HK boasts a 100 MHz higher base clock, a larger 8MB cache, and an unlocked multiplier for overclocking (a key pro), while both share a 45W TDP. While synthetic benchmarks show marginal differences, the i7-7820HK...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
01/03/2017
Intel Core i7-7820HK | LaptopMedia - Specs and Benchmarks

The Intel Core i7-7820HK is a high-end, Kaby Lake quad-core processor featuring an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, which allows speeds up to 4.3 GHz in high-performance laptops like the ASUS ROG G752 OC. Designed for heavy tasks like video editing and 3D rendering, it offers a 2.90 GHz base clock, a 3.90 GHz boost, and a larger 8 MB L3 cache compared to the i7-7700HQ, though...Read more

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hardware.info
06/01/2018
Omen X by HP review: the top tier for chic gamers - Conclusion

The HP Omen X Desktop (model 900-010nl) is a high-end, 45-degree tilted cube-chassis PC featuring a tri-chamber thermal management system that physically isolates the GPU, power supply, and hard drives to minimize heat soak and noise. It offers excellent 4K/VR performance powered by an Intel Core i7-6700K and NVIDIA GTX 1080, along with convenient, hot-swappable external drive bays...Read more

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hardware.info
10/01/2018
MSI GT75VR review: the ultimate gaming laptop?

According to the Hardware.info review, the MSI GT75VR Titan is a massive desktop replacement prioritizing raw power, featuring an overclockable Intel Core i7-7820HK and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 to rival high-end desktop performance. The machine is optimized for heavy duty with a unique Super RAID 4 setup and an advanced Cooler Boost Titan system, though this results in significant...Read more

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