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Overview

The Core i5-7640X 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 4 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 112 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 7,060 points. Launch price was $242.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-7640X is positioned at rank #619 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-7640X

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

10995%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

10389%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

7544%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

2273%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

1800%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

1575%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

902%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

890%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

811%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

810%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

801%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

780%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

769%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

766%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

759%

#283

Ryzen Threadripper 1920

MSRP: $799|Avg: $200

97%

#284

Ryzen Threadripper 1950X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $300

97%

#384

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

MSRP: $3990|Avg: $2850

99%

#385

Celeron G4900

MSRP: $42|Avg: $85

98%

#386

Ryzen Embedded V3C18I

MSRP: $500|Avg: $500

98%

#619

Core i5-7640X

MSRP: $249|Avg: $85

100%

#620

Athlon II X3 425e

MSRP: $79|Avg: $58

100%

#621

Athlon II X4 640

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

100%

#622

Celeron G540

MSRP: $42|Avg: $10

99%

#624

Core i5-4590

MSRP: $192|Avg: $51

99%

#625

Celeron G440

MSRP: $37|Avg: $5

99%

#628

A8-7670K

MSRP: $118|Avg: $43

98%

#629

Core i3-8350K

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

97%

#630

Core i3-6320

MSRP: $160|Avg: $35

97%

#632

Pentium G3258

MSRP: $75|Avg: $72

97%

#634

Celeron G555

MSRP: $52|Avg: $15

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-7640X across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-7640X specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-7640X is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Kaby Lake-X (2017) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.2 GHz from a base frequency of 4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 6 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 7,060, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,419, while multi-core reaches 3,726. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 3,726.

Specification	Core i5-7640X
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Kaby Lake-X (2017)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	6 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	7,060
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	3,726
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,419
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	3,726

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7640X fits into the LGA2066 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4-2666 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2666 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Core i5-7640X
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i5
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA2066
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4-2666
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2666
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	64 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	X299
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i5-7640X is primarily designed for Desktop. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: Yes — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i5-7640X
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	Yes

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-7640X has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 112 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: true.

Specification	Core i5-7640X
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	112 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	true

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $85 (MSRP: $249), the Core i5-7640X delivers 83 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #619 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1570 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-7640X
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$249
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$85
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$242
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#619
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1570
Release DateLaunch date	26 June 2017 (8 years ago)
Release Year	2017
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel