Core i7-7740X vs Core i7-5820K
Core i7-7740X
Core i7-5820K
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 i7-7740X is positioned at rank 614 and the Core i7-5820K is on rank 686, so the Core i7-7740X offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-7740X
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-5820K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-7740X | Core i7-5820K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) | ✅ More affordable ($103) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake-X (2017) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell-E (2014) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-7740X | Core i7-5820K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+48%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) | ✅ More affordable ($103) |
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 i7-5820K
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 i7-5820K
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.
Processing Power
The Core i7-7740X packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-5820K offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i7-5820K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i7-7740X versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-5820K — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-7740X (base: 4.3 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i7-7740X uses the Kaby Lake-X (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-5820K uses Haswell-E (2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-7740X scores 9,678 against the Core i7-5820K's 9,826 — a 1.5% lead for the Core i7-5820K. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-7740X vs 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-5820K.
| Feature | Core i7-7740X | Core i7-5820K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz+25% | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4.3 GHz+30% | 3.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 15 MB (total)+88% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-36% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake-X (2017) | Haswell-E (2014) |
| PassMark | 9,678 | 9,826+2% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 5,700 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,134 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 5,383 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-7740X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-5820K uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-7740X) vs 4 (Core i7-5820K). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-7740X) vs 28 (Core i7-5820K) — the Core i7-5820K offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i7-7740X | Core i7-5820K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2133 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 28+75% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-7740X) vs Yes (Core i7-5820K). Primary use case: Core i7-7740X targets Desktop, Core i7-5820K targets Enthusiast Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-5820K rivals Ryzen 5 1600.
| Feature | Core i7-7740X | Core i7-5820K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | Yes |
| Target Use | Desktop | Enthusiast Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-7740X launched at $339 MSRP, while the Core i7-5820K debuted at $389. At current prices ($150 vs $103), the Core i7-5820K is $47 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-7740X delivers 64.5 pts/$ vs 95.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-5820K — making the Core i7-5820K the 38.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-7740X | Core i7-5820K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $339-13% | $389 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $150 | $103-31% |
| Performance per Dollar | 64.5 | 95.4+48% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2014 |
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