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 i7-5820K 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 i7-5820K 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 i7-5820K

2014

Why buy it

✅+1.5% higher PassMark.
✅+87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB).
✅75% more PCIe lanes (28 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-7740X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 25.3 vs 28.5 PassMark/$ ($389 MSRP vs $339 MSRP).
❌25% higher power demand at 140W vs 112W.

Core i7-7740X

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $50 less on MSRP ($339 MSRP vs $389 MSRP).
✅Delivers 13.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.5 vs 25.3 PassMark/$ ($339 MSRP vs $389 MSRP).
✅Draws 112W instead of 140W, a 28W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (9,678 vs 9,826).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 15 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-7740X better than Core i7-5820K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-7740X is ahead with a 9.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-5820K pulls ahead with 1.5% better PassMark. Core i7-5820K also has the bigger cache pool with 87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-5820K is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.5% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB).

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

Core i7-7740X is the better buy right now. Core i7-7740X comes in $50 cheaper on MSRP at $339 MSRP versus $389 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-5820K is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.5% better PassMark. It is also 13.0% better value on MSRP (28.5 vs 25.3 PassMark/$), 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 i7-7740X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-5820K vs Core i7-7740X Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-5820K

The Core i7-5820K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-E (2014) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,826 points. Launch price was $410.

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 i7-5820K packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-7740X offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-5820K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-5820K versus 4.5 GHz on the Core i7-7740X — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-7740X (base: 3.3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The Core i7-5820K uses the Haswell-E (2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-7740X uses Kaby Lake-X (2017) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-5820K scores 9,826 against the Core i7-7740X's 9,678 — a 1.5% lead for the Core i7-5820K. L3 cache: 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-5820K vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-7740X.

Feature	Core i7-5820K	Core i7-7740X
Cores / Threads	6 / 12+50%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	4.5 GHz+25%
Base Clock	3.3 GHz	4.3 GHz+30%
L3 Cache	15 MB (total)+88%	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Haswell-E (2014)	Kaby Lake-X (2017)
PassMark	9,826+2%	9,678
Cinebench R23 Multi	5,700	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,134	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	5,383	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-5820K uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-7740X uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i7-5820K versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-7740X — the Core i7-7740X supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 4 (Core i7-5820K) vs 2 (Core i7-7740X). PCIe lanes: 28 (Core i7-5820K) vs 16 (Core i7-7740X) — the Core i7-5820K offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i7-5820K	Core i7-7740X
Socket	LGA2011	LGA2066
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133	DDR4-2666+25%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	64 GB
RAM Channels	4+100%	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	28+75%	16

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Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: Yes (Core i7-5820K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-7740X). Primary use case: Core i7-5820K targets Enthusiast Workstation, Core i7-7740X targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-5820K rivals Ryzen 5 1600.

Feature	Core i7-5820K	Core i7-7740X
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Enthusiast Workstation	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-5820K was priced at $389, while the Core i7-7740X came in at $339. On launch pricing ($389 vs $339), Core i7-7740X was $50 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-5820K delivers 25.3 pts/$ vs 28.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-7740X — making the Core i7-7740X the 12.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-5820K	Core i7-7740X
MSRP	$389	$339-13%
Performance per Dollar	25.3	28.5+13%
Release Date	2014	2017

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