Core i7-990X vs Core i9-7900X

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Aggregate performance score

Core i9-7900X
2017
10 cores / 20 threads, 140 Watt
13.69
+198%

Core i9-7900X outperforms Core i7-990X by a whopping 198% based on our aggregate benchmark results.

Primary details

Comparing Core i9-7900X and Core i7-990X processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.

Place in performance ranking5041234
Place by popularitynot in top-100not in top-100
Cost-effectiveness evaluation7.911.57
Market segmentDesktop processorDesktop processor
SeriesCore i9 (Desktop)no data
Architecture codenameSkylake-X (2018)Gulftown (2010−2011)
Release date26 June 2017 (6 years ago)24 February 2011 (13 years ago)
Launch price (MSRP)$999$1,104
Current price$540 (0.5x MSRP)$175 (0.2x MSRP)

Cost-effectiveness evaluation

Performance per price, higher is better.

i9-7900X has 404% better value for money than i7-990X.

Detailed specifications

Core i9-7900X and Core i7-990X basic parameters such as number of cores, number of threads, base frequency and turbo boost clock, lithography, cache size and multiplier lock state. These parameters indirectly say of CPU speed, though for more precise assessment you have to consider their test results.

Physical cores10 (Deca-Core)6 (Hexa-Core)
Threads2012
Base clock speed3.3 GHz3.46 GHz
Boost clock speed4.5 GHz3.73 GHz
L1 cache64 KB (per core)64 KB (per core)
L2 cache1 MB (per core)256 KB (per core)
L3 cache14 MB (shared)12 MB (shared)
Chip lithography14 nm32 nm
Die sizeno data239 mm2
Maximum core temperature95 °C68 °C
Maximum case temperature (TCase)72 °Cno data
Number of transistorsno data1,170 million
64 bit support++
Windows 11 compatibility+-
Unlocked multiplierYesYes

Compatibility

Information on Core i9-7900X and Core i7-990X compatibility with other computer components: motherboard (look for socket type), power supply unit (look for power consumption) etc. Useful when planning a future computer configuration or upgrading an existing one. Note that power consumption of some processors can well exceed their nominal TDP, even without overclocking. Some can even double their declared thermals given that the motherboard allows to tune the CPU power parameters.

Number of CPUs in a configuration11
SocketSocket R4FCLGA1366,LGA1366
Power consumption (TDP)140 Watt130 Watt

Technologies and extensions

Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Core i9-7900X and Core i7-990X. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.

Instruction set extensionsIntel® SSE4.1, Intel® SSE4.2, Intel® AVX2, Intel® AVX-512Intel® SSE4.2
AES-NI++
AVX+no data
vPro+no data
Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST)++
Turbo Boost Technology2.01.0
Hyper-Threading Technology++
TSX+no data
Idle Statesno data+
Thermal Monitoringno data-
Demand Based Switchingno data-
PAEno data36 Bit
Turbo Boost Max 3.0+no data
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued

Security technologies

Core i9-7900X and Core i7-990X technologies aimed at improving security, for example, by protecting against hacks.

TXTno data-
EDB++

Virtualization technologies

Virtual machine speed-up technologies supported by Core i9-7900X and Core i7-990X are enumerated here.

AMD-V+no data
VT-d+no data
VT-x++
EPTno data+

Memory specs

Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Core i9-7900X and Core i7-990X. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.

Supported memory typesDDR4DDR3
Maximum memory size128 GB24 GB
Max memory channels43
Maximum memory bandwidth85 GB/s25.6 GB/s
ECC memory support--

Graphics specifications

General parameters of integrated GPUs, if any.

Integrated graphics cardN/Ano data

Peripherals

Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Core i9-7900X and Core i7-990X.

PCIe version3.02.0
PCI Express lanes44no data

Synthetic benchmark performance

Various benchmark results of the processors in comparison. Overall score is measured in points in 0-100 range, higher is better.


Combined synthetic benchmark score

This is our combined benchmark performance rating. We are regularly improving our combining algorithms, but if you find some perceived inconsistencies, feel free to speak up in comments section, we usually fix problems quickly.

i9-7900X 13.69
+198%
i7-990X 4.59

Core i9-7900X outperforms Core i7-990X by 198% based on our aggregate benchmark results.


Passmark

Passmark CPU Mark is a widespread benchmark, consisting of 8 different types of workload, including integer and floating point math, extended instructions, compression, encryption and physics calculation. There is also one separate single-threaded scenario measuring single-core performance.

Benchmark coverage: 68%

i9-7900X 21169
+198%
i7-990X 7106

Core i9-7900X outperforms Core i7-990X by 198% in Passmark.

GeekBench 5 Single-Core

GeekBench 5 Single-Core is a cross-platform application developed in the form of CPU tests that independently recreate certain real-world tasks with which to accurately measure performance. This version uses only a single CPU core.

Benchmark coverage: 42%

i9-7900X 1431
+153%
i7-990X 565

Core i9-7900X outperforms Core i7-990X by 153% in GeekBench 5 Single-Core.

GeekBench 5 Multi-Core

GeekBench 5 Multi-Core is a cross-platform application developed in the form of CPU tests that independently recreate certain real-world tasks with which to accurately measure performance. This version uses all available CPU cores.

Benchmark coverage: 42%

i9-7900X 8892
+238%
i7-990X 2629

Core i9-7900X outperforms Core i7-990X by 238% in GeekBench 5 Multi-Core.

Gaming performance

Pros & cons summary


Performance score 13.69 4.59
Recency 26 June 2017 24 February 2011
Physical cores 10 6
Threads 20 12
Cost $999 $1104
Chip lithography 14 nm 32 nm
Power consumption (TDP) 140 Watt 130 Watt

The Core i9-7900X is our recommended choice as it beats the Core i7-990X in performance tests.


Should you still have questions on choice between Core i9-7900X and Core i7-990X, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.

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Intel Core i9-7900X
Core i9-7900X
Intel Core i7-990X
Core i7-990X

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Community ratings

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Questions & comments

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