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Intel Core i7 7820X Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price:~£110PassMark benchmark result:17172N. of physical cores:8CPU boost clock speed:4.5 GHzCPU socket:LGA2066TDP (Thermal design power):140 W

Intel Core i7 7820X Review: Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

6.0

▲Better than 54% of processors

5.9

▲Better than 54% of processors

6.8

▼Worse than 98% of processors

4.5
Gaming
Gaming
4.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Measures single-core benchmark performance, peak boost clock speeds, and fast L3 cache sizing critical for high frame rates.
When it matters
When you want to play demanding mobile games, 3D titles, or run graphics-intensive apps smoothly.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
30.0%
4.6
PassMark single-core benchmark score
25.0%
4.2
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
20.0%
6.5
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
2.0
L3 cache
8.0%
4.9
N. of physical cores
6.0
Video editing
Video editing
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Assesses multi-core benchmark throughput, total physical core and thread count, and cache bandwidth for rapid video rendering.
When it matters
When evaluating how effectively this processors meets your specific video editing needs.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
45.0%
6.5
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
20.0%
4.9
N. of physical cores
20.0%
8.9
CPU threads
15.0%
2.0
L3 cache

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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 7820X

6.0

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Platform

8.0

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Brand name

Intel

Processor type

CPU socket

Chipset

CPU architecture

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Performance

5.9

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N. of physical cores

CPU threads

Threads per core

CPU boost clock speed

CPU base clock speed

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Cache & Architecture

5.7

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Semiconductor size

Foundry

L3 cache

L2 cache

L1 cache

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Memory & PCIe

7.3

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DDR memory version

Maximum memory speed

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

?

Maximum memory capacity

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Integrated Graphics

4.0

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Integrated graphics

Integrated GPU model

N/A

Integrated GPU execution units

N/A

Integrated GPU base frequency

N/A

Integrated media encoders/decoders

N/A

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Power & Thermal

4.0

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TDP (Thermal design power)

Base power (PL1)

Boost power (PL2)

Tau (power duration limit)

?

Configurable TDP

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Intel Core i7 7820X vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i7 7820X better than the average processor?

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12 more PCIe lanes
PCIe lane count
28
★ Better than 90% of models
Market range: <10 – >30
This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (28 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
28 vs 16
8 more CPU threads
CPU threads
16
▲ Better than 71% of models
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
16 vs 8
84.7% better multi-core performance
Cinebench R20 multi-core benchmark score
5,155
▲ Better than 74% of models
Market range: <702 – >10.8k
This processor has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (5,155 vs 2,791). The average processor scores 2,791 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
5,155 vs 2,791
Unlocked for overclocking
Unlocked multiplier
yes
▲ Better than 78% of models
This processor has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not. 21.7% of processors have an unlocked multiplier.
61.6% higher multi-core score
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
7,806
▲ Better than 67% of models
Market range: <763 – >14k
This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (7,806 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
7,806 vs 4,829
62.4% higher PassMark score
PassMark benchmark result
17,172
▲ Better than 65% of models
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (17,172 vs 10,572.5). The average processor scores 10,572.5 in PassMark benchmark.
17,172 vs 10,572.5
Higher base clock
CPU base clock speed
8 x 3.6 GHz
▲ Better than 83% of models
This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (8x3.6 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).
8x3.6 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz
3.2x larger L2 cache
L2 cache
8 MB
▲ Better than 74% of models
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (8 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
8 MB vs 2.5 MB

3.55x more popular
Intel Core i7 7820X is more popular than the average processor (3.55 vs 1).
3.55 vs 1

Modern CPU socket
CPU socket
LGA2066
▲ Better than 75% of models
This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA2066 vs FP4).
LGA2066 vs FP4
Higher-end processor class
Processor type
workstation
★ Better than 95% of models
This processor belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (workstation vs mobile).
workstation vs mobile

8 more CPU threads
CPU threads
16
▲ Better than 71% of models
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
16 vs 8
84.7% better multi-core performance
Cinebench R20 multi-core benchmark score
5,155
▲ Better than 74% of models
Market range: <702 – >10.8k
This processor has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (5,155 vs 2,791). The average processor scores 2,791 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
5,155 vs 2,791
Unlocked for overclocking
Unlocked multiplier
yes
▲ Better than 78% of models
This processor has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not. 21.7% of processors have an unlocked multiplier.
61.6% higher multi-core score
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
7,806
▲ Better than 67% of models
Market range: <763 – >14k
This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (7,806 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
7,806 vs 4,829
62.4% higher PassMark score
PassMark benchmark result
17,172
▲ Better than 65% of models
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (17,172 vs 10,572.5). The average processor scores 10,572.5 in PassMark benchmark.
17,172 vs 10,572.5
Higher base clock
CPU base clock speed
8 x 3.6 GHz
▲ Better than 83% of models
This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (8x3.6 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).
8x3.6 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz
2 more CPU cores
N. of physical cores
8
▲ Better than 63% of models
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
8 vs 6
4.7% higher boost clock
CPU boost clock speed
4.5 GHz
▲ Better than 57% of models
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor 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
Supports Turbo Core
Turbo Core version
3.0
▲ Better than 85% of models
This processor supports Turbo Core, the average processor does not. 1.00% of processors support Turbo Core.
Turbo Core
3.0 vs 2.0

3.2x larger L2 cache
L2 cache
8 MB
▲ Better than 74% of models
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (8 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
8 MB vs 2.5 MB
2x more L2 per core
L2 per core
1 MB/core
▲ Better than 63% of models
Market range: <0.25 MB/core – >2 MB/core
This processor has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
33.3% larger L1 cache
L1 cache
512 KB
▲ Better than 63% of models
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (512 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
512 KB vs 384 KB

12 more PCIe lanes
PCIe lane count
28
★ Better than 90% of models
Market range: <10 – >30
This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (28 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
28 vs 16
85.6% higher memory bandwidth
Maximum memory bandwidth
85 GB/s
▲ Better than 79% of models
Market range: <25 GB/s – >100 GB/s
This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (85 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
85 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s
Supports memory overclocking
Memory overclocking
yes
▲ Better than 56% of models
This processor supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not. 43.6% of processors support memory overclocking.
2x more memory capacity
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
▲ Better than 62% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
128 GB vs 64 GB

1 °C lower CPU temperature
CPU temperature
99 °C
▲ Better than 71% of models
Market range: <95 °C – >105 °C
This processor has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (99 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
99 °C vs 100 °C

Why is Intel Core i7 7820X worse than the average processor?

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No configurable TDP
Configurable TDP
no
▼ Worse than 53% of models
This processor does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
3.11x higher base power
Base power (PL1)
140 W
▼ Worse than 95% of models
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
140 W vs 45 W
2.33x higher boost power
Boost power (PL2)
140 W
▼ Worse than 83% of models
Market range: <25 W – >150 W
This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 60 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 60 W.
140 W vs 60 W
83.6% larger die size
Die size
325 mm²
▼ Worse than 96% of models
Market range: <99 mm² – >257 mm²
This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (325 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
325 mm² vs 177 mm²
16.7% larger process node
Semiconductor size
14 nm
▼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
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
19.8% less L3 per core
L3 per core
1.375 MB/core
▼ Worse than 76% of models
Market range: <1 MB/core – >3 MB/core
This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.4 MB/core vs 1.7 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
1.375 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
3.11x higher TDP
TDP (Thermal design power)
140 W
▼ Worse than 95% of models
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (140 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
140 W vs 45 W
No integrated graphics
Integrated graphics
no
▼ Worse than 88% of models
This processor does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.

17.6% lower user score
User score
6.8/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Intel Core i7 7820X
the average processor
Intel Core i7 7820X has a lower user score than the average processor (6.81 vs 8.000).
6.81 vs 8

No crypto acceleration
Cryptographic acceleration
AES
▼ Worse than 65% of models
This processor does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does. 0.00% of processors include crypto acceleration.
AES vs AES, SHA
3 years older release date
Release date
2017
▼ Worse than 69% of models
Market range: <2k – >2k
This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2017 vs 2020).
June 2017
2017 vs 2020
Narrower instruction support
Instruction sets
MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3, AES
▼ Worse than 53% of models
This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA

5.5% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
Cinebench R20 single-core benchmark score
462
▼ Worse than 56% of models
Market range: <282 – >775
This processor has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (462 vs 489). The average processor scores 489 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
462 vs 489
12.3% slower Blender rendering
Blender (bmw27) benchmark result
339.99
▼ Worse than 56% of models
Market range: <97 – >1.3k
This processor has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (340 vs 387.66). The average processor needs 387.66 for the Blender BMW27 test.
339.99 vs 387.66
16.2% slower classroom rendering
Blender (bmw27) benchmark result
280
▼ Worse than 56% of models
Market range: <97 – >1.3k
This processor has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (280 vs 334.1). The average processor needs 334.1 for the Blender Classroom test.
280 vs 334.1

83.6% larger die size
Die size
325 mm²
▼ Worse than 96% of models
Market range: <99 mm² – >257 mm²
This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (325 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
325 mm² vs 177 mm²
16.7% larger process node
Semiconductor size
14 nm
▼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
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
19.8% less L3 per core
L3 per core
1.375 MB/core
▼ Worse than 76% of models
Market range: <1 MB/core – >3 MB/core
This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.4 MB/core vs 1.7 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
1.375 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
Less advanced microarchitecture
Microarchitecture codename
Skylake
▼ Worse than 62% of models
This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Skylake vs Kaby Lake).
Skylake vs Kaby Lake

2 fewer memory channels
Memory channels
4
★ Better than 93% of models
Market range: <1 – >6
This processor has fewer memory channels than the average processor (4 vs 2). The average processor supports 2 memory channels.
4 vs 2
Lower JEDEC memory speed
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-2666 MHz
▼ Worse than 58% of models
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
9.1% lower memory speed
Maximum memory speed
2,666 MHz
▼ Worse than 55% of models
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2666 MHz vs 2933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2933 MHz.
2,666 MHz vs 2,933 MHz

No integrated graphics
Integrated graphics
no
▼ Worse than 88% of models
This processor does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.

No configurable TDP
Configurable TDP
no
▼ Worse than 53% of models
This processor does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
3.11x higher base power
Base power (PL1)
140 W
▼ Worse than 95% of models
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
140 W vs 45 W
2.33x higher boost power
Boost power (PL2)
140 W
▼ Worse than 83% of models
Market range: <25 W – >150 W
This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 60 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 60 W.
140 W vs 60 W
3.11x higher TDP
TDP (Thermal design power)
140 W
▼ Worse than 95% of models
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (140 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
140 W vs 45 W
1 °C lower TJ Max
Maximum operating temperature (TJ Max)
99 °C
▼ Worse than 73% of models
Market range: <95 °C – >105 °C
This processor has a lower TJ Max than the average processor (99 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
99 °C vs 100 °C

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

overclockers.com

28/09/2017

Summary of the review

Intel Skylake-X Core i7-7820X CPU Review(thinkcomputers.org) | September 07, 2017 | Intel Core i7-7820X 8-Core Processor Review(www.guru3d.com) | June...

The Intel Core i7-7820X review by Overclockers.com highlights the processor as a value-driven 8-core/16-thread option at $599, featuring impressive overclocking headroom, strong single-threaded performance, and a significantly improved Integrated Memory Controller (IMC) enabling stable, high-speed quad-channel memory. While offering a strong performance-per-dollar ratio, the CPU is plagued by high power consumption—drawing up to 440W overclocked—and, critically, excessive thermal issues stemming from Intel's use of thermal paste under the heat spreader instead of solder. Despite the thermal limitations, which caused 100°C temperatures under load, the 7820X represents a highly responsive, competitive alternative for users needing high multi-core performance, according to the review.

pcmag.com

13/09/2017

Summary of the review

Intel Core i7-7820X Review - PCMag

The PCMag review highlights the Intel Core i7-7820X as a powerful 8-core, 16-thread processor offering a more affordable entry into the HEDT X-series with exceptional single- and multi-core performance. A key pro includes its ability to be easily overclocked to 4.7GHz, providing significant speed improvements in rendering and compression tasks. PCMagHowever, the review cites cons related to high total platform costs, as it requires a pricey X299 motherboard, making it roughly $300 more expensive than competing AMD Ryzen systems. Furthermore, the processor is limited to 28 PCI Express lanes, which may hinder power users relying on multiple GPUs or NVMe drives. PCMagUltimately, the i7-7820X delivers high performance in tasks like 7-Zip compression, outperforming competitors in lightly threaded scenarios. The review suggests that while it excels in productivity, the high cost of the X299 platform may not be justified for average users.

tomshardware.com

26/07/2017

Summary of the review

Intel Core i7-7820X Skylake-X Review - Tom's Hardware

The Intel Core i7-7820X delivers top-tier, eight-core multi-threaded performance, utilizing a mesh topology and enhanced cache structure to improve efficiency and responsiveness. Key advantages include superior performance over previous HEDT generations, support for AVX-512 instructions, and a more competitive price point, though it requires robust liquid cooling to handle high power consumption and thermal output. Despite its strengths, the processor faces performance regressions in specific lightly-threaded tasks compared to quad-core chips, along with criticisms regarding its 28-lane PCIe limitation and additional costs for full RAID support.

m.hexus.net

18/07/2017

Summary of the review

Review: Intel Core i7-7820X (14nm Skylake-X) - HEXUS

The Intel Core i7-7820X (Skylake-X) is an 8-core, 16-thread processor priced at £550 ($599), offering a more accessible high-end desktop (HEDT) option with strong performance across rendering and transcoding tasks. The 14nm chip boasts high clock speeds, a 4.0GHz all-core turbo (up to 4.5GHz), and good overclocking potential, often reaching 4.8GHz, while maintaining compatibility with X99 cooler mounts. However, the platform is limited by 28 PCIe lanes, and while the CPU is competitively priced, it requires expensive X299 motherboards, with some gaming performance lagging behind cheaper mainstream chips. Copy

eteknix.com

16/10/2017

Summary of the review

Intel Core i7-7820X 8-Core 16-Thread Processor Review

The Intel Core i7-7820X serves as a balanced, high-performance 8-core, 16-thread CPU for the X299 platform, offering competitive multi-threaded performance in workstations for tasks like video rendering and encoding. The processor delivers excellent value compared to its predecessors and boasts high overclocking potential, often reaching 4.7 GHz or higher on air cooling, while supporting fast quad-channel DDR4 memory. However, key limitations include a reduced 28-lane PCIe count that restricts multi-GPU setups, alongside high power consumption and thermals that require robust cooling, particularly due to the use of thermal paste under the heat spreader. Copy

video.golem.de

07/07/2017

Summary of the review

Intel Core i7-7800X and 7820X (Skylake-X) - Conclusion

The Intel Core i7-7800X and i7-7820X adopt the Skylake-X architecture, utilizing a new mesh interconnect and enhanced L2 cache for improved efficiency. The 8-core i7-7820X provides high performance with Turbo Boost Max 3.0 up to 4.5 GHz, while the 6-core i7-7800X acts as an entry-level X299 option with good overclocking headroom. Both CPUs support quad-channel memory and AVX-512 instructions, boosting professional application performance. Pros include excellent multi-threaded performance in rendering and encoding, making them strong contenders against older HEDT parts, with the i7-7820X offering a significant leap over previous generations. The platform supports advanced overclocking, and the i7-7800X offers an accessible entry into the X299 ecosystem. Cons are primarily associated with high power consumption and thermal output, necessitating high-end cooling. A significant drawback is the restriction to 28 PCIe lanes on both models, limiting expansion capabilities compared to higher-end options. Finally, strong competition from AMD's Ryzen series makes the price-to-performance ratio of these processors less competitive.

gamestar.de

25/08/2017

Summary of the review

Intel Core i7-7820X Review: Eight Cores Compared to AMD Ryzen Processors

The GameStar review highlights the Intel Core i7-7820X as a powerful eight-core "Skylake-X" processor that outperformed the AMD Ryzen 7 1800X by 11-16% in gaming benchmarks, while offering high boost speeds of up to 4.5 GHz. Despite its strong performance and quad-channel memory support, the CPU is plagued by high thermal output requiring premium cooling, high power consumption (up to 374W), and a costly X299 platform requirement. Ultimately, while offering exceptional multi-tasking and overclocking potential, the review suggests this CPU is best suited for professionals, as high costs and platform limitations make it less compelling than alternatives for pure gaming.

computerbild.de

13/09/2017

Summary of the review

Intel Core i7-7820X: Eight-core processor review - Computer Bild

The Computer Bild review rates the Intel Core i7-7820X "satisfactory" (2.5), highlighting it as a high-performance, 16-thread Skylake-X processor that delivers significant power for demanding tasks, nearly matching more expensive ten-core models. Operating at 3.6 GHz base and up to 4.5 GHz boost, it is positioned for enthusiasts, though it faces stiff competition, according to the analysis. Pros include top-tier multi-threaded and single-core performance suitable for creative, professional applications and gaming, alongside support for quad-channel DDR4 memory. It features advanced AVX-512 support, a rebalanced cache architecture, and, as an unlocked CPU, offers significant overclocking potential toward 4.7 GHz or higher. Cons include a high 140W TDP leading to intense heat generation, requiring high-end 240mm or 360mm AIO cooling for stability, say the review notes. Additionally, the processor is limited to 28 PCIe lanes compared to higher-tier models and faced criticism regarding its value proposition against AMD Ryzen alternatives at the time of release.

hardware-mag.de

26/10/2017

Summary of the review

8 Cores: Intel Core i7-7820X Review - Hardware-Mag

The Intel Core i7-7820X, reviewed by Hardware-Mag, is a Skylake-X processor for the X299 platform offering high 8-core/16-thread performance and Turbo Boost Max 3.0 up to 4.5 GHz. It serves as a more affordable, high-performance alternative to the i9-7900X, featuring excellent multi-threaded capabilities for rendering and transcoding, along with strong overclocking potential reaching 4.7 GHz or higher. However, the processor is limited to 28 PCI Express lanes and requires robust cooling to manage high heat output, which is exacerbated by the use of thermal paste under the heat spreader instead of solder.

hardwareinside.de

10/09/2017

Summary of the review

Intel Core i7-7820X Review - Hardware-Inside

The Intel Core i7-7820X is an 8-core, 16-thread Skylake-X processor for the X299 platform, offering a strong balance of workstation performance and high-speed gaming via Turbo Boost Max 3.0 at 4.5 GHz. HardwareInside's review highlights excellent multi-threaded performance in rendering and video editing, along with an improved memory controller supporting fast quad-channel DDR4 and a competitive price point compared to its predecessor. Key, however, are significant drawbacks, including high operating temperatures caused by thermal paste under the heat spreader and substantial power consumption requiring robust cooling. Additionally, the chip is limited to 28 PCIe lanes, which restricts high-end multi-device configurations on the X299 platform.

hardware.fr

12/09/2017

Summary of the review

Core i7-7820X: A better-positioned Skylake-X?

The Intel Core i7-7820X, a Skylake-X 8-core/16-thread CPU on the X299 platform, offers improved value by reducing the HEDT entry price compared to previous generations, boasting a 3.6 GHz base and 4.5 GHz boost. It features a new mesh architecture and rebalanced cache, excelling in gaming and lightly-threaded tasks with high clock speeds and solid overclocking headroom (up to 4.7 GHz+). However, the chip faces stiff competition from AMD's Ryzen 7 1800X, exhibits high power consumption, produces significant heat, and is restricted to only 28 PCIe lanes, often requiring high-end cooling.

profesionalreview.com

27/09/2017

Summary of the review

Intel Core i7-7820X Review: Complete Spanish Analysis

The Intel Core i7-7820X, reviewed by Profesional Review on the X299 platform, is an 8-core, 16-thread processor based on the Skylake-X architecture, featuring a 3.6 GHz base clock and 4.5 GHz boost. It excels as a high-end workstation and gaming chip, offering strong multi-threaded performance and high overclocking potential, often reaching 4.7 GHz. However, it suffers from high thermal output due to the use of thermal paste under the heat spreader, requiring robust liquid cooling, alongside high platform costs and a restricted 28-lane PCIe count. The review highlights it as a competitive offering against AMD, bridging the gap between mainstream and enthusiast HEDT processors.

hwupgrade.it

29/08/2017

Summary of the review

Intel Core i7-7820X: an eight-core with a Skylake-X twist

The Intel Core i7-7820X, reviewed by Hardware Upgrade, is an 8-core, 16-thread Skylake-X processor for the LGA 2066 socket, utilizing a mesh interconnect and higher L2 cache to target professional content creation. It offers strong multi-threaded performance and competitive pricing for the HEDT market, while introducing high power consumption and requiring expensive X299 motherboards. Key advantages include exceptional multi-core productivity and high overclocking potential, though it faces cons regarding intense thermal output and reduced PCIe lanes compared to higher-tier models.

tweakers.net

19/06/2017

Summary of the review

Intel's Skylake-X and Kaby Lake-X: X299 Platform and Kaby Lake-X Tested

The 2017 Tweakers review of Intel’s X299 platform analyzes the introduction of high-core-count Skylake-X processors alongside mainstream Kaby Lake-X chips on the LGA 2066 socket, which aims to compete with AMD's Threadripper. Skylake-X, specifically the 10-core i9-7900X, provides superior multi-threaded performance and AVX-512 support, while the Kaby Lake-X (i7-7740X) offers high clock speeds by omitting an integrated GPU. However, the platform suffers from high power consumption, elevated heat production, and a confusing value proposition, as Kaby Lake-X lacks quad-channel memory and limits PCIe lanes despite requiring expensive motherboards.

hardware.info

03/07/2017

Summary of the review

Intel Core i7 7820X and 7800X review: Intel Core i7 7800X/7820X vs. AMD Ryzen 7 1800X

The Hardware.info review highlights the Intel Core i7-7820X and i7-7800X as, respectively, high-performance and entry-level options for the X299 platform designed to rival the AMD Ryzen 7 1800X. The 8-core 7820X excels in multi-threaded performance with superior clock speeds, though it carries a high price, high power consumption, and requires an expensive platform, say the reviewers. Conversely, the 6-core 7800X offers entry-level X299 access with strong single-core speeds but struggles to justify its platform cost against competitive 8-core alternatives, often underperforming in multi-threaded tasks, note the reviewers. Compared to the Ryzen 7 1800X, which offers better value, lower power consumption, and a larger cache, the Intel chips provide superior raw performance but at a significant premium, according to the review.

hardware.info

03/07/2017

Summary of the review

Intel Core i7 7820X and 7800X review: affordable Skylake-X CPUs tested

The Hardware.info review identifies the Intel Core i7-7820X and i7-7800X as more affordable entry points into the Skylake-X HEDT platform, with the 8-core 7820X offering strong multi-threaded performance that rivals the previous 10-core i7-6950X via higher clock speeds and new cache architecture. A significant advantage, or "pro," is the lower price point compared to previous HEDT generations, alongside architectural improvements like AVX-512 support. However, a major "con" is high power consumption and thermal output, necessitating robust cooling solutions. Performance-wise, the 7820X is a capable workstation processor, but the review notes it is limited to 28 PCIe lanes, which may constrain heavy multi-GPU or storage configurations. While the 7800X serves as a budget option, it lacks Turbo Boost Max 3.0, restricting its single-core performance. Ultimately, while these chips are strong contenders for professional tasks, they face stiff competition from AMD's Ryzen lineup, and gamers are advised to stick with cheaper mainstream platforms. Copy

Third-party reviews

Based on 6 buyer reviews from online shops.

Reviews last updated: May 2026 · How we calculate this

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What we like about Intel Core i7 7820X

High multi-threaded performance making it excellent for content creation and workstation tasks.
Strong single-core performance compared to previous generations, resulting in a 'snappier' user experience.
Impressive overclocking headroom, with many users easily reaching 4.5 GHz to 4.7 GHz on all cores.
Competitive pricing relative to its predecessors, offering eight cores at a significantly lower MSRP than previous Extreme series models.
Efficient memory performance with strong support for high-speed quad-channel DDR4 memory overclocking.
Feature-rich X299 platform support, including Intel Optane and improved I/O capabilities.

What we don't like about Intel Core i7 7820X

High power consumption and thermal output, especially under heavy overclocking or AVX workloads, requiring robust cooling solutions.
The use of thermal paste instead of solder between the die and heat spreader limits thermal efficiency and overclocking potential.
Artificial segmentation of PCIe lanes, providing only 28 lanes compared to the 44 available on higher-end i9 models.
Gaming performance can be inconsistent due to the mesh topology and cache restructuring, sometimes lagging behind cheaper mainstream chips like the i7-7700K.
Expensive total platform cost when accounting for the required X299 motherboards and high-end cooling.
AVX-512 capabilities are partially disabled on this i7 model compared to the i9 series.

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-7820X is a high-end desktop (HEDT) processor based on the Skylake-X architecture, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads with a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz and a Max Turbo frequency of 4.3 GHz, reaching up to 4.5 GHz via Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0. It includes 11 MB of L3 cache, supports quad-channel DDR4-2666 memory, and offers 28 PCI Express lanes on the LGA 2066 socket with a 140W TDP. Key advantages include exceptional multi-threaded performance for content creation, a significant price reduction compared to its 8-core predecessors, and high overclocking potential. However, it suffers from high power consumption and thermal output under load, a reduction in PCIe lanes compared to higher-tier X-series models, and the use of thermal paste instead of solder under the integrated heat spreader, which can limit cooling efficiency.

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