CPU
GPU
Core i5-7640X
Core i7-6820EQ
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-7640X is positioned at rank 619 and the Core i7-6820EQ is on rank 822, so the Core i5-7640X offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-7640X
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-6820EQ
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-7640X | Core i7-6820EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($85) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($344) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake-X (2017) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-7640X | Core i7-6820EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+307%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($85) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($344) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-7640X and Core i7-6820EQ
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.
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) | 1 MB+300% |
| 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 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. 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 | DDR4-2133 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-7640X launched at $249 MSRP, while the Core i7-6820EQ debuted at $378. At current prices ($85 vs $344), the Core i5-7640X is $259 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7640X delivers 83.1 pts/$ vs 20.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-6820EQ — making the Core i5-7640X the 121.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-7640X | Core i7-6820EQ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $249-34% | $378 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $85-75% | $344 |
| Performance per Dollar | 83.1+307% | 20.4 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2015 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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