Core i5-7640X vs Core i7-990X

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 i7-990X 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 i7-990X: 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

✅Costs $750 less on MSRP ($249 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
✅Delivers 297.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.4 vs 7.1 PassMark/$ ($249 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
✅Draws 112W instead of 130W, a 18W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,060 vs 7,135).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).

Core i7-990X

2011

Why buy it

✅+1.1% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.1 vs 28.4 PassMark/$ ($999 MSRP vs $249 MSRP).
❌16.1% higher power demand at 130W vs 112W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-7640X better than Core i7-990X?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-7640X is ahead with a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-990X pulls ahead with 1.1% better PassMark. Core i7-990X also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-990X is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).

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 $750 cheaper on MSRP at $249 MSRP versus $999 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-990X is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.1% better PassMark. It is also 297.0% better value on MSRP (28.4 vs 7.1 PassMark/$), 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 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-7640X vs Core i7-990X 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 i7-990X

The Core i7-990X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,135 points. Launch price was $1,104.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-7640X packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-990X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i7-990X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i5-7640X versus 3.73 GHz on the Core i7-990X — a 11.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-7640X (base: 4 GHz vs 3.46 GHz). The Core i5-7640X uses the Kaby Lake-X (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-990X uses Gulftown (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7640X scores 7,060 against the Core i7-990X's 7,135 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-990X. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7640X vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-990X.

Feature	Core i5-7640X	Core i7-990X
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+13%	3.73 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+16%	3.46 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake-X (2017)	Gulftown (2010−2011)
PassMark	7,060	7,135+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,726	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,419	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,726	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7640X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-990X uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-7640X	Core i7-990X
Socket	LGA2066	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes (Core i5-7640X) / not specified (Core i7-990X). Primary use case: Core i5-7640X targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i5-7640X	Core i7-990X
Integrated GPU	No	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	Yes	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-7640X was priced at $249, while the Core i7-990X came in at $999. On launch pricing ($249 vs $999), Core i5-7640X was $750 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7640X delivers 28.4 pts/$ vs 7.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-990X — making the Core i5-7640X the 119.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-7640X	Core i7-990X
MSRP	$249-75%	$999
Performance per Dollar	28.4+300%	7.1
Release Date	2017	2011

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