Core i7-990X vs Core i7-7820HQ

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 i7-990X vs Core i7-7820HQ 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 i7-990X vs Core i7-7820HQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-990X

2011

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,135 vs 7,184).
❌Launch MSRP is still $999 MSRP, while Core i7-7820HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌188.9% higher power demand at 130W vs 45W.

Core i7-7820HQ

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 130W, a 85W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-7820HQ better than Core i7-990X?

Yes. Core i7-7820HQ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% 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 i7-7820HQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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 i7-7820HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-7820HQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-7820HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $999 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-990X only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (7.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1366.

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

Core i7-7820HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-990X vs Core i7-7820HQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-990X

The Core i7-990X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,135 points. Launch price was $1,104.

Core i7-7820HQ

The Core i7-7820HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,184 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-990X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-7820HQ offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-990X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.73 GHz on the Core i7-990X versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-7820HQ — a 4.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-7820HQ (base: 3.46 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i7-990X uses the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-7820HQ uses Kaby Lake-H (2017) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-990X scores 7,135 against the Core i7-7820HQ's 7,184 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-7820HQ. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-990X vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-7820HQ.

Feature	Core i7-990X	Core i7-7820HQ
Cores / Threads	6 / 12+50%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.73 GHz	3.9 GHz+5%
Base Clock	3.46 GHz+19%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)+50%	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Gulftown (2010−2011)	Kaby Lake-H (2017)
PassMark	7,135	7,184

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-990X uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-7820HQ uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.