Core i9-7920X vs M4 (10 cores)

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 i9-7920X vs M4 (10 cores) 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 i9-7920X vs M4 (10 cores): Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-7920X

2017

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than M4 (10 cores) across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (23,508 vs 23,784).
❌Launch MSRP is still $1,199 MSRP, while M4 (10 cores) mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌3400% higher power demand at 140W vs 4W.
❌Older platform position on LGA2066 with DDR4, while M4 (10 cores) moves to none and DDR5.

M4 (10 cores)

2024

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 4W instead of 140W, a 136W reduction.
✅Newer platform on none with DDR5 support instead of LGA2066 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is M4 (10 cores) better than Core i9-7920X?

Yes. M4 (10 cores) is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.1% 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, M4 (10 cores) is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.1% 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, M4 (10 cores) is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 10 threads.

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

M4 (10 cores) is still the much better call for a fresh build. M4 (10 cores) comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $1,199 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i9-7920X only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (19.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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?

M4 (10 cores) makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2017), a healthier platform with none and DDR5 instead of LGA2066, and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 10 threads instead of 12/24. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-7920X vs M4 (10 cores) Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-7920X

The Core i9-7920X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 September 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 16.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 23,508 points. Launch price was $1,199.

M4 (10 cores)

The M4 (10 cores) is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 7 May 2024 (1 year ago). It features 10 cores and 10 threads. Base frequency is 2.89 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 4 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5x. Passmark benchmark score: 23,784 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-7920X packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the M4 (10 cores) offers 10 cores / 10 threads — the Core i9-7920X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i9-7920X versus 4.4 GHz on the M4 (10 cores) — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.89 GHz). The Core i9-7920X is built on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i9-7920X scores 23,508 against the M4 (10 cores)'s 23,784 — a 1.2% lead for the M4 (10 cores).

Feature	Core i9-7920X	M4 (10 cores)
Cores / Threads	12 / 24+20%	10 / 10
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz	4.4 GHz
Base Clock	2.9 GHz	2.89 GHz
L3 Cache	16.5 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	4 MB+300%
Process	14 nm	3 nm-79%
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	—
PassMark	23,508	23,784+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-7920X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the M4 (10 cores) uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.