Core i5-9600T vs Core i7-7740X

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 i5-9600T vs Core i7-7740X 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 i5-9600T vs Core i7-7740X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-9600T

2019

Why buy it

✅Costs $126 less on MSRP ($213 MSRP vs $339 MSRP).
✅Delivers 57.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 45.1 vs 28.5 PassMark/$ ($213 MSRP vs $339 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 112W, a 77W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Core i7-7740X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-7740X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (9,601 vs 9,678).

Core i7-7740X

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +32.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 28.5 vs 45.1 PassMark/$ ($339 MSRP vs $213 MSRP).
❌220% higher power demand at 112W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-9600T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-7740X better than Core i5-9600T?

Yes. Core i7-7740X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 32.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-7740X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 32.5% 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 i7-7740X is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-7740X is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-9600T is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-7740X comes in 59.2% more expensive on MSRP at $339 MSRP versus $213 MSRP, and it still gives you a 32.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-9600T is also 57.9% better value on MSRP (45.1 vs 28.5 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Core i5-9600T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2017). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-9600T vs Core i7-7740X Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-9600T

The Core i5-9600T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2019 (6 years ago). It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 9,601 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i7-7740X

The Core i7-7740X 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 8 threads. Base frequency is 4.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 112 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,678 points. Launch price was $339.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-9600T packs 6 cores / 6 threads, while the Core i7-7740X offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i5-9600T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-9600T versus 4.5 GHz on the Core i7-7740X — a 14.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-7740X (base: 2.3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The Core i7-7740X is built on the Kaby Lake-X (2017) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-9600T scores 9,601 against the Core i7-7740X's 9,678 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-7740X. L3 cache: 9 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i5-9600T vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-7740X.

Feature	Core i5-9600T	Core i7-7740X
Cores / Threads	6 / 6+50%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz	4.5 GHz+15%
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	4.3 GHz+87%
L3 Cache	9 MB Intel® Smart Cache+13%	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	—	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	—	Kaby Lake-X (2017)
PassMark	9,601	9,678
Geekbench 6 Single	1,344	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-9600T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-7740X uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. The Core i5-9600T supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i5-9600T	Core i7-7740X
Socket	LGA1151	LGA2066
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+100%	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-7740X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-9600T) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-7740X). The Core i5-9600T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-7740X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-9600T targets Low Power Desktop, Core i7-7740X targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-9600T rivals Ryzen 5 2400G.

Feature	Core i5-9600T	Core i7-7740X
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Low Power Desktop	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-9600T was priced at $213, while the Core i7-7740X came in at $339. On launch pricing ($213 vs $339), Core i5-9600T was $126 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-9600T delivers 45.1 pts/$ vs 28.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-7740X — making the Core i5-9600T the 44.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-9600T	Core i7-7740X
MSRP	$213-37%	$339
Performance per Dollar	45.1+58%	28.5
Release Date	2019	2017

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