Core i7-6820EQ vs Core i5-7640X
Core i7-6820EQ
Core i5-7640X
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 i7-6820EQ is positioned at rank 822 and the Core i5-7640X is on rank 619, 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 i7-6820EQ
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-7640X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-6820EQ | Core i5-7640X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($344) | ✅ More affordable ($85) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake-X (2017) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-6820EQ | Core i5-7640X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+307%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($344) | ✅ More affordable ($85) |
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 i7-6820EQ and Core i5-7640X
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.
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.
Processing Power
The Core i7-6820EQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i5-7640X's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-6820EQ versus 4.2 GHz on the Core i5-7640X — a 40% clock advantage for the Core i5-7640X. The Core i7-6820EQ uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-7640X uses Kaby Lake-X (2017) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6820EQ scores 7,025 against the Core i5-7640X's 7,060 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-7640X. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Core i7-6820EQ vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7640X.
| Feature | Core i7-6820EQ | Core i5-7640X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.8 GHz | 4.2 GHz+50% |
| Base Clock | — | 4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB+33% | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB+300% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Kaby Lake-X (2017) |
| PassMark | 7,025 | 7,060 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 3,726 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,419 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 3,726 |
Memory & Platform
Both support up to DDR4-2133 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 i7-6820EQ | Core i5-7640X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | — | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | DDR4-2666 |
| 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: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-6820EQ) vs Yes (Core i5-7640X). The Core i7-6820EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Core i5-7640X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-6820EQ targets Embedded, Core i5-7640X targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i7-6820EQ | Core i5-7640X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 530 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | Yes |
| Target Use | Embedded | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-6820EQ launched at $378 MSRP, while the Core i5-7640X debuted at $249. At current prices ($344 vs $85), the Core i5-7640X is $259 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-6820EQ delivers 20.4 pts/$ vs 83.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-7640X — making the Core i5-7640X the 121.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-6820EQ | Core i5-7640X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $378 | $249-34% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $344 | $85-75% |
| Performance per Dollar | 20.4 | 83.1+307% |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2017 |
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