Core i7-7740X vs Core i5-9500
Core i7-7740X
Core i5-9500
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. The Core i7-7740X is positioned at rank #614 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-7740X
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-9500
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-7740X | Core i5-9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) | ✅ More affordable ($65) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake-X (2017) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-7740X | Core i5-9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+134%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) | ✅ More affordable ($65) |
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 i7-7740X and Core i5-9500
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.
Core i5-9500
The Core i5-9500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 9,829 points. Launch price was $192.
Processing Power
The Core i7-7740X packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-9500 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Core i5-9500 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i7-7740X versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-9500 — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-7740X (base: 4.3 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i7-7740X uses the Kaby Lake-X (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-9500 uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-7740X scores 9,678 against the Core i5-9500's 9,829 — a 1.5% lead for the Core i5-9500. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-7740X vs 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-9500.
| Feature | Core i7-7740X | Core i5-9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 6 / 6+50% |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz+2% | 4.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4.3 GHz+43% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 9 MB (total)+13% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake-X (2017) | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 9,678 | 9,829+2% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,468 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-7740X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-9500 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. The Core i5-9500 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i7-7740X | Core i5-9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 128 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
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 (Core i7-7740X) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-9500). The Core i5-9500 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-7740X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-7740X targets Desktop, Core i5-9500 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-9500 rivals Ryzen 5 2600.
| Feature | Core i7-7740X | Core i5-9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-7740X launched at $339 MSRP, while the Core i5-9500 debuted at $192. At current prices ($150 vs $65), the Core i5-9500 is $85 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-7740X delivers 64.5 pts/$ vs 151.2 pts/$ for the Core i5-9500 — making the Core i5-9500 the 80.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-7740X | Core i5-9500 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $339 | $192-43% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $150 | $65-57% |
| Performance per Dollar | 64.5 | 151.2+134% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2019 |
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