Core i5-7640X vs Core i7-6820EQ

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 i7-6820EQ 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 i7-6820EQ: 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: +4.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $129 less on MSRP ($249 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 52.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.4 vs 18.6 PassMark/$ ($249 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌148.9% higher power demand at 112W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-6820EQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-6820EQ

2015

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 112W, a 67W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, 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 PassMark (7,025 vs 7,060).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.6 vs 28.4 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $249 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-7640X better than Core i7-6820EQ?

Yes. Core i5-7640X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% better PassMark, 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 4.5% 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 0.5% better PassMark, 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 $129 cheaper on MSRP at $249 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 52.6% better value on MSRP (28.4 vs 18.6 PassMark/$), 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 2015) 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 i7-6820EQ 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 i7-6820EQ

The Core i7-6820EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 7,025 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-7640X packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-6820EQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i5-7640X versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-6820EQ — a 40% clock advantage for the Core i5-7640X. The Core i5-7640X uses the Kaby Lake-X (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-6820EQ uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7640X scores 7,060 against the Core i7-6820EQ's 7,025 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-7640X. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7640X vs 8 MB on the Core i7-6820EQ.

Feature	Core i5-7640X	Core i7-6820EQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+50%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz	—
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake-X (2017)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	7,060	7,025
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,726	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,419	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,726	—

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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-7640X versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i7-6820EQ — 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.

Feature	Core i5-7640X	Core i7-6820EQ
Socket	LGA2066	—
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+25%	DDR4-2133
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 VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-6820EQ). The Core i7-6820EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Core i5-7640X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7640X targets Desktop, Core i7-6820EQ targets Embedded.

Feature	Core i5-7640X	Core i7-6820EQ
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics 530
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Desktop	Embedded

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-7640X was priced at $249, while the Core i7-6820EQ came in at $378. On launch pricing ($249 vs $378), Core i5-7640X was $129 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7640X delivers 28.4 pts/$ vs 18.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-6820EQ — making the Core i5-7640X the 41.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-7640X	Core i7-6820EQ
MSRP	$249-34%	$378
Performance per Dollar	28.4+53%	18.6
Release Date	2017	2015

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