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.

Overview

The Core i9-7940X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 25,452 points. Launch price was $1,399.

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.

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 i9-7940X

#280

Athlon Silver 3050GE

MSRP: $75|Avg: $65

384%

#280

Core i7-7820X

MSRP: $599|Avg: $198

158%

#281

Core i7-9700E

MSRP: $259|Avg: $180

384%

#282

Core i7-11700K

MSRP: $399|Avg: $350

383%

#283

Ryzen 7 PRO 3700

MSRP: $329|Avg: $330

379%

#283

Ryzen Threadripper 1920

MSRP: $799|Avg: $200

152%

#284

Ryzen Threadripper 1950X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $300

151%

#284

Core i7-14701E

MSRP: $392|Avg: $380

378%

#285

Core i5-10400

MSRP: $182|Avg: $175

377%

#286

Core i3-12100

MSRP: $122|Avg: $180

376%

#287

Core Ultra 9 285T

MSRP: $549|Avg: $549

370%

#288

Ryzen Threadripper 1950

MSRP: $999|Avg: $300

121%

#288

Core i5-12500TE

MSRP: $225|Avg: $225

367%

#289

Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE

MSRP: $108|Avg: $70

364%

#290

Core i9-10900KF

MSRP: $509|Avg: $336

364%

#291

Core i9-7900X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $188

115%

#291

Core i9-14900T

MSRP: $549|Avg: $577

364%

#292

Core i5-13500T

MSRP: $342|Avg: $342

364%

#293

Core i3-10300

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $140.49

364%

#294

Core i9-10900F

MSRP: $464|Avg: $300

363%

#294

Core i9-7920X

MSRP: $1199|Avg: $236

108%

#295

Ryzen 7 5800X3D

MSRP: $449|Avg: $429

363%

#295

Core i9-7940X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $275

100%

#296

Core i7-9700F

MSRP: $323|Avg: $200

362%

#297

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

MSRP: $1499|Avg: $1419

360%

#298

Core i9-7960X

MSRP: $1699|Avg: $185

91%

#298

Core i5-9500F

MSRP: $187|Avg: $154

356%

#299

Core i9-7980XE

MSRP: $1999|Avg: $300

81%

#299

Core i9-11900KB

MSRP: $539|Avg: $350

356%

#300

Core i7-10700F

MSRP: $310|Avg: $250

355%

#301

Core i7-10700T

MSRP: $355|Avg: $200

354%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i9-7940X across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i9-7940X specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i9-7940X is a 14-core / 28-thread processor based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.4 GHz from a base frequency of 3.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 19.25 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 1 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 25,452, placing it in the High-End performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i9-7940X
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	14C / 28T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	19.25 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	1 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	484 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	102 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	25,452

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-7940X fits into the LGA2066 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR4-2666 memory.

Specification	Core i9-7940X
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i9
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA2066
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4-2666
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i9-7940X has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 165 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i9-7940X
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	165 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	102 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $275 (MSRP: $1399), the Core i9-7940X delivers 93 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #558 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i9-7940X
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$1399
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$275
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$1,399
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#558
Release DateLaunch date	1 September 2017 (8 years ago)
Release Year	2017
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel