Scored using Processors Methodology v1.0
Processors Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Processors Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Processors Methodology v1.0

Intel Core i9 7940X Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,060PassMark benchmark result:25407N. of physical cores:14CPU boost clock speed:4.3 GHzCPU socket:LGA2066TDP (Thermal design power):165 W

Intel Core i9 7940X Review: Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

7.2

Overall score

Score
7.2/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

90%

7.1

Technical score

10%

8.2

User score

â–²Better than 74% of processors
7.1

Technical score

Technical score
7.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

60%

7.6

Performance

18%

6.4

Cache & Architecture

10%

7.3

Memory & PCIe

7%

4.5

Power & Thermal

4%

7.9

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated Graphics

â–²Better than 72% of processors
8.2

User score

User score
8.2/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

10

User ratings

30%

3.9

Number of reviews

Based on 8 buyer reviews from online shops.
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–²Better than 82% of processors
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Best rankings

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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9 7940X

Technical score
Technical score
7.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

7.6

Performance

18%

6.4

Cache & Architecture

10%

7.3

Memory & PCIe

7%

4.5

Power & Thermal

4%

7.9

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated Graphics

7.1
User score
User score
8.2/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

10

User ratings

30%

3.9

Number of reviews

Based on 8 buyer reviews from online shops.
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.2
Popularity
Popularity
3.9/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Intel Core i9 7940X has a popularity score of 3.9 points, which is higher than that of 75.8% of products in this category.
3.9
Value for money
Value for money
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

7.2

Overall score

40%

4.9

Price

6.5
Brand name
Intel
Processor type
workstation
Processor type
workstation
This processor 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
LGA2066
CPU socket
LGA2066
This processor uses the LGA2066 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 74.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% of processors.
Chipset
X299
Chipset
X299
This processor supports X299 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 95.3% of processors and equal to that of 1.6% of processors.
CPU architecture
x86-64
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor 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.
Show more
N. of physical cores
14
N. of physical cores
14
This processor has 14 CPU cores, which is more than 87.1% of processors and equal to 4.3% of processors.
CPU threads
28
CPU threads
28
This processor offers 28 CPU threads, which is more than 94.4% of processors and equal to 0.5% of processors.
Threads per core
2
Threads per core
2
This processor offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.3% of processors and equal to 69.7% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4.3 GHz
CPU boost clock speed
4.3 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4.3 GHz which is higher than that of 48.3% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
14x 3.1 GHz
CPU base clock speed
14x 3.1 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 14x3.1 GHz which is higher than that of 93.4% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
14 nm
Semiconductor size
14 nm
This processor uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.6% of processors and equal to that of 33.9% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 14 nm
Foundry
Intel 14 nm
This processor 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
19.25 MB
L3 cache
19.25 MB
This processor 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
14 MB
L2 cache
14 MB
This processor 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
896 KB
L1 cache
896 KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 896 KB which is larger than that of 82.6% of processors and equal to that of 0.7% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
DDR memory version
DDR4
This processor 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
2,666 MHz
Maximum memory speed
2,666 MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 2,666 MHz, which is lower than that of 54.7% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-2666 MHz
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-2666 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 58.3% of processors and equal to 8% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
?
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
This processor supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
no
Integrated graphics
no
This processor does not include integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include 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
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
165 W
TDP (Thermal design power)
165 W
This processor 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)
165 W
Base power (PL1)
165 W
This processor 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)
?
Tau (power duration limit)
?
Configurable TDP
no
Configurable TDP
no
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
Show more

Intel Core i9 7940X vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceCache & ArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated GraphicsPower & Thermal
  • 2.4x higher PassMark score
    PassMark benchmark result
    25,407
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (25,407 vs 10,572.5). The average processor scores 10,572.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    25,407 vs 10,572.5
  • 8 more CPU cores
    N. of physical cores
    14
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (14 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    14 vs 6
  • 20 more CPU threads
    CPU threads
    28
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (28 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    28 vs 8
  • 2.05x higher multi-core score
    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    9,918
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (9,918 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    9,918 vs 4,829
  • 5.6x larger L2 cache
    L2 cache
    14 MB
    This processor 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
    PCIe lane count
    44
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (44 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    44 vs 16
  • Higher base clock
    CPU base clock speed
    14 x 3.1 GHz
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (14x3.1 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).
    14x3.1 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Unlocked multiplier
    yes
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not. 21.7% of processors have an unlocked multiplier.
  • 3.88x more popular
    Intel Core i9 7940X is more popular than the average processor (3.88 vs 1).
    3.88 vs 1
  • 2% higher user score
    User score
    8.2/ 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
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Intel Core i9 7940X
    the average processor
    Intel Core i9 7940X has a higher user score than the average processor (8.16 vs 8.000).
    8.16 vs 8
  • Modern CPU socket
    CPU socket
    LGA2066
    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
    This processor belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (workstation vs mobile).
    workstation vs mobile
  • 2.4x higher PassMark score
    PassMark benchmark result
    25,407
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (25,407 vs 10,572.5). The average processor scores 10,572.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    25,407 vs 10,572.5
  • 8 more CPU cores
    N. of physical cores
    14
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (14 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    14 vs 6
  • 20 more CPU threads
    CPU threads
    28
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (28 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    28 vs 8
  • 2.05x higher multi-core score
    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    9,918
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (9,918 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    9,918 vs 4,829
  • Higher base clock
    CPU base clock speed
    14 x 3.1 GHz
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (14x3.1 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).
    14x3.1 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Unlocked multiplier
    yes
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not. 21.7% of processors have an unlocked multiplier.
  • Supports Turbo Core
    Turbo Core version
    3.0
    This processor supports Turbo Core, the average processor does not. 1.00% of processors support Turbo Core.
    Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3
    3.0 vs 2.0
  • 5.6x larger L2 cache
    L2 cache
    14 MB
    This processor 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
  • 2.33x larger L1 cache
    L1 cache
    896 KB
    This processor has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (896 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    896 KB vs 384 KB
  • 2x more L2 per core
    L2 per core
    1 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
  • 2.41x larger L3 cache
    L3 cache
    19.25 MB
    This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (19.3 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
    19.25 MB vs 8 MB
  • 28 more PCIe lanes
    PCIe lane count
    44
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (44 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    44 vs 16
  • 85.6% higher memory bandwidth
    Maximum memory bandwidth
    85 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
    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
    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
  • 2 °C higher TJ Max
    Maximum operating temperature (TJ Max)
    102 °C
    This processor has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (102 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
    102 °C vs 100 °C
  • No configurable TDP
    Configurable TDP
    no
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 3.67x higher base power
    Base power (PL1)
    165 W
    This processor 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
  • 2.73x larger die size
    Die size
    484 mm²
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (484 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    484 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Semiconductor size
    14 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
    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
  • 3.67x higher TDP
    TDP (Thermal design power)
    165 W
    This processor 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
  • 4.24x more expensive
    Intel Core i9 7940X is more expensive than the average processor (£1,060 vs £250).
    £1,060 vs £250
  • No integrated graphics
    Integrated graphics
    no
    This processor does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
  • 4.24x more expensive
    Intel Core i9 7940X is more expensive than the average processor (£1,060 vs £250).
    £1,060 vs £250
  • No crypto acceleration
    Cryptographic acceleration
    AES
    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
    This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2017 vs 2020).
    September 2017
    2017 vs 2020
  • Narrower instruction support
    Instruction sets
    MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, F16C, FMA3, AES, BMI1, BMI2
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, F16C, FMA3, AES, BMI1, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, F16C, FMA3, AES, BMI1, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • 7% lower single-core score
    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    1,368
    This processor 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.
    1,368 vs 1,471
  • 2.73x larger die size
    Die size
    484 mm²
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (484 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    484 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Semiconductor size
    14 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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    This processor does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
  • No configurable TDP
    Configurable TDP
    no
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 3.67x higher base power
    Base power (PL1)
    165 W
    This processor 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
  • 3.67x higher TDP
    TDP (Thermal design power)
    165 W
    This processor 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
  • 2 °C higher CPU temperature
    CPU temperature
    102 °C
    This processor 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.
    102 °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

P
pugetsystems.com
25/09/2017
Summary of the review
W
wccftech.com
25/09/2017
Summary of the review
C
chip.de
25/04/2018
Summary of the review
T
tomshw.it
20/06/2017
Summary of the review
P
pugetsystems.com
25/09/2017
Summary of the review
T
tweakers.net
25/09/2017
Summary of the review
T
tweakers.net
22/11/2018
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

Based on 8 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: May 2026 · How we calculate this

What we 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 we don't like 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

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.

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