Core i5-7640X vs Core i7-6770HQ

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i5-7640X vs Core i7-6770HQ FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-7640X vs Core i7-6770HQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-7640X

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $249 MSRP, while Core i7-6770HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌148.9% higher power demand at 112W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-6770HQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-6770HQ

2016

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 112W, a 67W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Iris Pro Graphics 580, while Core i5-7640X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-7640X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,769 vs 3,726).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-7640X better than Core i7-6770HQ?

Yes. Core i5-7640X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 110.6% better Geekbench multi-core, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-7640X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-7640X is the stronger fit. You are getting 110.6% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-7640X is the better buy right now. Core i5-7640X comes in at an unclear MSRP at $249 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (28.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-7640X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2016) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-7640X vs Core i7-6770HQ Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-7640X

The Core i5-7640X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake-X (2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 112 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 7,060 points. Launch price was $242.

Core i7-6770HQ

The Core i7-6770HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,083 points. Launch price was $434.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-7640X packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-6770HQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i5-7640X versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-6770HQ — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-7640X (base: 4 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-7640X uses the Kaby Lake-X (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-6770HQ uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7640X scores 7,060 against the Core i7-6770HQ's 7,083 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-6770HQ. Multi-core Geekbench: 3,726 vs 1,769 (71.2% advantage for the Core i5-7640X). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7640X vs 6 MB on the Core i7-6770HQ.

Feature	Core i5-7640X	Core i7-6770HQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+20%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+54%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake-X (2017)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	7,060	7,083
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,726	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,419	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,726+111%	1,769

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7640X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-6770HQ uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-7640X versus 2133 on the Core i7-6770HQ — the Core i5-7640X supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i5-7640X) and HM170,QM170,CM236 (Core i7-6770HQ).

Feature	Core i5-7640X	Core i7-6770HQ
Socket	LGA2066	BGA1440
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+25%	2133
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i5-7640X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: Yes (Core i5-7640X) vs true (Core i7-6770HQ). The Core i7-6770HQ includes integrated graphics (Intel Iris Pro Graphics 580), while the Core i5-7640X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7640X targets Desktop.