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Intel Core i9 7940X Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£1,060
  • PassMark benchmark result: 25407
  • N. of physical cores: 14
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.3 GHz

Intel Core i9 7940X review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

6.2

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%

6.1

Technical Score

10.0%

7.6

User score

Good
6.1

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%

5.9

Performance

18.0%

6.4

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

7.3

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

3.8

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.9

Platform

1.0%

3.4

Integrated Graphics

Good
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%

10

User reviews

30.0%

2.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
5.0
(8)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Very good
  • 4.4
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.1

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    3.9

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    5.5

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    3.7

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    5.9

    N. of physical cores

  • 5.6
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    4.8

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    5.9

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    8.8

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    3.7

    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 i9-7940X is a high-performance desktop processor from the Skylake-X series, featuring 14 cores and 28 threads with a base clock speed of 3.10 GHz and a max turbo frequency of 4.30 GHz (up to 4.40 GHz via Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0). Built on a 14nm process for the LGA 2066 socket, it includes 19.25 MB of L3 cache, 44 PCIe lanes, and support for quad-channel DDR4-2666 memory. Its main pros include exceptional multi-threaded performance for professional content creation, such as 4K video editing and 3D rendering, along with individual core overclocking capabilities. However, its significant cons are a high 165W TDP that requires robust cooling solutions and a premium price point compared to mainstream alternatives.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9 7940X

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%

5.9

Performance

18.0%

6.4

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

7.3

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

3.8

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.9

Platform

1.0%

3.4

Integrated Graphics

6.1
Intel Core i9 7940X has a technical score of 6.05 points, which is higher than that of 64.6% 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%

10

User reviews

30.0%

2.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
5.0
(8)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

7.6
Intel Core i9 7940X has a user score of 7.59 points, which is lower than that of 88.9% 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.
2.0
Intel Core i9 7940X has a popularity of 2 points, which is higher than 75.8% 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%

6.2

Overall score

40.0%

4.9

Price

5.8
Intel Core i9 7940X has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.8 points, which is lower than 73.6% 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

workstation
Intel Core i9 7940X 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 i9 7940X 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 i9 7940X 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 i9 7940X 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+

14
Intel Core i9 7940X has 14 CPU cores, which is more than 87.1% of processors and equal to 4.3% 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+

28
Intel Core i9 7940X offers 28 CPU threads, which is more than 94.4% of processors and equal to 0.5% 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 i9 7940X 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

4.3 GHz
Intel Core i9 7940X reaches a boost clock of 4.3 GHz which is higher than that of 48.2% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% 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

14 x 3.1 GHz
Intel Core i9 7940X has a base clock of 14x3.1 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 i9 7940X 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 i9 7940X 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

19.25 MB
Intel Core i9 7940X has an L3 cache of 19.25 MB which is larger than that of 79.3% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% 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

14 MB
Intel Core i9 7940X has an L2 cache of 14 MB which is larger than that of 87.5% of processors and equal to that of 2.2% 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

896 KB
Intel Core i9 7940X has an L1 cache of 896 KB which is larger than that of 82.7% of processors and equal to that of 0.7% 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 i9 7940X 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 i9 7940X 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 i9 7940X 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

?
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

128 GB
Intel Core i9 7940X supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% 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 i9 7940X 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

?
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

165 W
Intel Core i9 7940X has a TDP of 165 W which is higher than that of 95.9% of processors and equal to that of 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

165 W
Intel Core i9 7940X has a base power of 165 W which is higher than that of 95.9% of processors and equal to that of 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 i9 7940X does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i9 7940X vs the average processor

  • 20 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 7940X has more CPU threads than the average processor (28 vs 8). The average processor has 8 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+

    Intel Core i9 7940X has more CPU threads than the average processor (28 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.28 vs 8
  • 8 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 7940X has more CPU cores than the average processor (14 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 i9 7940X has more CPU cores than the average processor (14 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.14 vs 6
  • 5.6x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core i9 7940X has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (14 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 i9 7940X has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (14 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.14 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 28 more PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i9 7940X has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (44 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    What it is: The number of PCIe lanes provided directly by the processor.
    When it matters: When you connect fast GPUs, SSDs, or expansion cards.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=20

    Intel Core i9 7940X has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (44 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.44 vs 16
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 7940X 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 i9 7940X has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 2.41x higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 7940X has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (25,407 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Intel Core i9 7940X has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (25,407 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.25,407 vs 10,532.5
  • 2.07x higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 7940X has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (9,918 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i9 7940X has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (9,918 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.9,918 vs 4,793
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i9 7940X 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 i9 7940X supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i9 7940X uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA2,066 vs FP2).
  • Higher-end processor class
    Intel Core i9 7940X belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (workstation vs mobile).
  • 20 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 7940X has more CPU threads than the average processor (28 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 8 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 7940X has more CPU cores than the average processor (14 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 7940X has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 2.41x higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 7940X has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (25,407 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 2.07x higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 7940X has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (9,918 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 5.6x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core i9 7940X has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (14 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 2.41x larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i9 7940X has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (19.3 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 2.33x larger L1 cache
    Intel Core i9 7940X has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (896 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 2x more L2 per core
    Intel Core i9 7940X 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.
  • 28 more PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i9 7940X has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (44 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i9 7940X supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 85.6% higher memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i9 7940X 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.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i9 7940X has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • 2 °C higher TJ Max
    Intel Core i9 7940X has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (102 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.

Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • 3 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i9 7940X has an older release date than the average processor (2,017 vs 2,020).
    September 2017
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i9 7940X does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 7% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i9 7940X has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,368 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 2.72x larger die size
    Intel Core i9 7940X has a higher die size than the average processor (484 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i9 7940X has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 19.8% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i9 7940X has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.4 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i9 7940X uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Skylake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 2 fewer memory channels
    Intel Core i9 7940X has fewer memory channels than the average processor (4 vs 2). The average processor supports 2 memory channels.
  • 9.1% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i9 7940X 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 i9 7940X does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
  • 3.67x higher base power
    Intel Core i9 7940X has a higher base power draw than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 3.67x higher TDP
    Intel Core i9 7940X has a higher TDP than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i9 7940X does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 2 °C higher CPU temperature
    Intel Core i9 7940X has a higher CPU temperature than the average processor (102 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
  • 3.67x higher base power
    Intel Core i9 7940X has a higher base power draw than the average processor (165 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 i9 7940X has a higher base power draw than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.165 W vs 45 W
  • 2.72x larger die size
    Intel Core i9 7940X has a higher die size than the average processor (484 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 i9 7940X has a higher die size than the average processor (484 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².484 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i9 7940X 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 i9 7940X 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
    Intel Core i9 7940X has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.4 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 i9 7940X has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.4 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.1.375 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • 3.67x higher TDP
    Intel Core i9 7940X has a higher TDP than the average processor (165 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 i9 7940X has a higher TDP than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.165 W vs 45 W
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i9 7940X 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 i9 7940X does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 4.24x more expensive
    Intel Core i9 7940X is more expensive than the average processor (£1,060 vs £250).
    Intel Core i9 7940X is more expensive than the average processor (£1,060 vs £250).£1,060 vs £250
  • No integrated graphics
    Intel Core i9 7940X 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 i9 7940X does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i9 7940X and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
5.0
8 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i9 7940X?

  • Exceptional multi-threaded performance with 14 cores and 28 threads, ideal for heavy workloads like 3D rendering and video editing
  • Excellent live playback performance in professional software like Adobe Premiere Pro compared to other high-core-count CPUs
  • High overclocking potential, with many users successfully reaching speeds of 4.4 GHz to 4.6 GHz on multiple cores
  • Robust platform features including 44 PCIe lanes for multi-GPU setups and support for quad-channel memory up to 128GB
  • Effective Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 that prioritizes the two best-performing cores for single-threaded tasks

What customers dislike about Intel Core i9 7940X?

  • Extremely high power consumption, often exceeding its 165W TDP under heavy or overclocked loads
  • Runs very hot, requiring high-end custom water cooling or a 360mm AIO for stable operation
  • High initial launch price made it a difficult value proposition compared to AMD's Threadripper alternatives at the time
  • Dependency on the expensive X299 motherboard platform, which had early stability and VRM heating issues
  • Poor performance-per-dollar for pure gaming, as many titles cannot effectively utilize all 14 cores

Expert reviews

P
pugetsystems.com
25/09/2017
Premiere Pro CC 2017.1.2 CPU Performance: Core i9 7940X, 7960X, & 7980XE(www.pugetsystems.com) | September 25, 2017 | After Effects CC 2017.3 CPU Perf...

This Puget Systems review identifies the Intel Core i9 7940X (14 cores) as the optimal CPU for Premiere Pro CC 2017.1.2, offering superior live playback and performance over higher core-count models. While the i9 7960X and 7980XE provide more cores, diminishing returns are observed due to software scaling limits. The 14-core model delivers the best balance of speed, price, and...Read more

W
wccftech.com
25/09/2017
Intel Core-X, Core i9-7980XE, Core i9-7960X and 7940X Launch Review

The Intel Core-X series, highlighted by the 18-core i9-7980XE, 16-core i9-7960X, and 14-core i9-7940X, represents a major push into the high-end desktop market, with the 7980XE designed for heavy, multi-threaded content creation. The lineup offers superior multi-threaded performance, with the i9-7980XE showing strong gains over competitors in productivity benchmarks, complemented by...Read more

C
chip.de
25/04/2018
Intel Core i9-7940X Review

The Intel Core i9-7940X is a 14-core, 28-thread Skylake-X HEDT processor that, according to CHIP.de, delivers massive multi-threaded performance for applications like 4K editing and 3D rendering. Operating at 3.1 GHz to 4.4 GHz, it offers superior processing efficiency over its contemporaries, bolstered by a significant L2 cache, yet requires high-end water cooling to manage its...Read more

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T
tomshw.it
20/06/2017
Intel Core i9-7900X Review: Skylake-X Is Here

The Tom’s Hardware review highlights the Intel Core i9-7900X as a high-performance, 10-core/20-thread Skylake-X processor designed to counter AMD Ryzen, featuring Turbo Boost Max 3.0 up to 4.5 GHz. While delivering 15-25% better multi-threaded performance than its predecessor, the new mesh topology can introduce latency issues. The CPU excels in rendering and video encoding, though...Read more

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P
pugetsystems.com
25/09/2017
Premiere Pro CC 2017.1.2 CPU Performance: Core i9 7940X (Specific Video Workflow Test)

Puget Systems' review of Premiere Pro CC 2017.1.2 indicates that while high core-count CPUs improve performance, there is a diminishing return, with the Core i9-7940X (14 cores) offering the best balance of live playback and export speed. The 16 and 18-core processors (i9-7960X/7980XE) failed to provide proportional performance gains, often showing negligible improvements or, in...Read more

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tweakers.net
25/09/2017
Core i9-7960X and 7980XE Review (Including i9-7940X benchmarks)

The Intel Core i9-7980XE and 16-core i9-7960X mark a major shift in the HEDT market, using a 14nm Skylake-X architecture with a new mesh network and revised cache, specifically designed for extreme multi-threaded workloads. These processors offer unmatched performance in rendering and video editing, often outperforming AMD alternatives by 15-20%, with the 7960X appearing as the...Read more

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T
tweakers.net
22/11/2018
Intel Core i9-9980XE Review (Including benchmarks vs i9-7940X)

The Intel Core i9-9980XE, reviewed by Tweakers.net, is a 14nm++ "refresh" of the i9-7980XE, offering a 7-10% performance boost through higher clock speeds and soldered thermal interface material (STIM), while acting as a "power-hungry beast" consuming over 340W at stock. It excels in multi-threaded tasks like 3D rendering (Blender) and video encoding, outperforming AMD's 2990WX by...Read more

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