Core i7-7740X vs Core i7-11390H

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 i7-7740X vs Core i7-11390H 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 i7-7740X vs Core i7-11390H: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-7740X

2017

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-11390H across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (9,678 vs 9,798).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $339 MSRP, while Core i7-11390H mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌300% higher power demand at 112W vs 28W.

Core i7-11390H

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Draws 28W instead of 112W, a 84W reduction.
✅25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe Graphics 96EU, while Core i7-7740X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-11390H better than Core i7-7740X?

Yes. Core i7-11390H is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-11390H is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.6% 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 i7-11390H is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

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

Core i7-11390H is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-11390H comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $339 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-7740X only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (28.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA2066.

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

Core i7-11390H makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2017), 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-7740X vs Core i7-11390H Technical Specifications

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

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 i7-11390H

The Core i7-11390H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 June 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-H35 (2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,798 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-7740X and Core i7-11390H share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i7-7740X versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-11390H — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-11390H (base: 4.3 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i7-7740X uses the Kaby Lake-X (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-11390H uses Tiger Lake-H35 (2021) (10 nm SuperFin). In PassMark, the Core i7-7740X scores 9,678 against the Core i7-11390H's 9,798 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i7-11390H. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-7740X vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-11390H.

Feature	Core i7-7740X	Core i7-11390H
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz	5 GHz+11%
Base Clock	4.3 GHz+48%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+20380%	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	14 nm	10 nm SuperFin-29%
Architecture	Kaby Lake-X (2017)	Tiger Lake-H35 (2021)
PassMark	9,678	9,798+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,948

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-7740X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-11390H uses FCBGA1449 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-7740X versus DDR4-3200 on the Core i7-11390H — the Core i7-11390H supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-7740X) vs 20 (Core i7-11390H) — the Core i7-11390H offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i7-7740X	Core i7-11390H
Socket	LGA2066	FCBGA1449
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR4-3200+20%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	20+25%

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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. Only the Core i7-11390H supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-7740X) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-11390H). The Core i7-11390H includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics 96EU), while the Core i7-7740X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-7740X targets Desktop, Core i7-11390H targets Thin & Light Gaming Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-11390H rivals Ryzen 7 5800U.

Feature	Core i7-7740X	Core i7-11390H
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Iris Xe Graphics 96EU
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Desktop	Thin & Light Gaming Laptop