Intel Core i7-7820X 8-Core Processor Review

intel i7 7820x 2 intel i7 7820x 2

We’ve already taken a look at two processors in Intel’s Core X-Series, the Core i9-7900X and the Core i7-7740X. Today we are checking out our third processor, which is the Core i7-7820X. This processor is another great entry into the Core X-Series and one that will make sense for a lot of people. It sits right below the Core i9-7900X in Intel’s HEDT product stack and is not a terribly crippled part like the Core i7-7740X. The Core i7-7820X is an 8-core, 16-thread part with a base clock of 3.6 GHz and a boost clock of 4.3 GHz, and with two cores reaching up to 4.5 GHz with the new Turbo Boost 3.0 technology. You have 11 MB of L3 cache, quad-channel DDR4 support, and a TDP of 140W. The big difference between this chip and the Core i9 chips that sits above it is the PCI-Express lanes, which get cut from 44 down to 28. This comes at a more reasonable cost than the Core i9-7900X at only $599. Let’s get this chip in our X299 test bench and see what it is all about.

Special thanks to Intel for providing us with the Core i7-7820X 8-Core Processor to review.

Since the initial launch of the Core X-Series we know have the full specifications of all of the processors in the series.

intel core x series processor skus

We’ve gone over much of the architectural details on the Core X series and the X299 chipset in an article we published back when everything was announced. Please be sure to check that out if you need any fine details on anything about these processors or the chipset.

Our processor came directly from Intel, so we do not have a retail box or anything like that. Intel introduced new box designs with their Core X-Series so here is what the Core i7 box looks like.

Intel Core i7-7820X

The Core i7-7820X looks just like the other processors in the X-Series, and it does have the larger heatspreader like the Core i9-7900X.

Intel Core i7-7820X

Flipping the processor over here is a quick shot of the back.

Intel Core i7-7820X

If you are looking to run one of these new Core X-Series processors you will need a new X299 motherboard. Previous LGA2011v3 coolers are compatible with LGA2066 so you shouldn’t have an issue if you are upgrading from an X99 system. We had no issues getting the NZXT Kraken X52 installed on our chip.

Intel Core i7-7820X