Intel · Core

Core i9-7900X

Released June 2017

An unlocked 10-core Skylake-X desktop processor with Hyper-Threading and four-channel DDR4 memory for LGA2066 enthusiast systems.

Model history · 5 models, 2012–2017

Cores: 10/20
Boost: 4.5 GHz
L3: 13.75 MB
Power: 140 W
Socket: LGA2066

Unlocked

What reviewers say

Reviewers praise a substantial improvement in rendering and encoding performance over Broadwell-E, at a lower launch price. Both warn that heat, power consumption and platform costs weaken its value for gaming. Bit-tech found useful overclocking headroom, while TechSpot's sample ran particularly hot and offered little reason to push further without stronger cooling.

From bit-tech.net and techspot.com

Specifications

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Cores and clocks

Cores: 10
Threads: 20
Base clock: 3.3 GHz
Boost clock: 4.5 GHz
L3 cache: 13.75 MB
Cores: Skylake-X; 10 cores with Hyper-Threading. The unlocked multiplier is confirmed by Intel’s exact-model family product brief.
Clocks: Turbo Boost Max 3.0 up to 4.50 GHz on the preferred core; ordinary Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 4.30 GHz. The main boost field uses Intel’s highest published frequency. Intel’s September press-kit record names 26 June 2017 availability for the first Core X processors; its August record confirms the four- to ten-core models were already on shelves. The exact model’s first-sale day was not established, so month precision is retained.
Cache: 13.75 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3).

Graphics and AI

Built-in graphics: No
Graphics: No processor graphics, explicitly stated in Intel’s exact-model comparison-chart row; a separate graphics solution is required.

Platform

Socket: LGA2066
Base power: 140 W
Unlocked: Yes
Cooler in the box: No
Memory support: Up to 128 GB; four channels of DDR4-2666; 85 GB/s maximum published bandwidth; no ECC.
PCIe: 44 CPU lanes; PCIe 3.0.
Chipsets: Intel X299; LGA2066.
Process: 14 nm; Skylake-X.
Cooler: Intel explicitly excludes a fan and heatsink from the boxed product; a separate compatible cooler is required. Published junction limit: 95°C.

Pros and cons

Pros

10 cores and 20 threads
Four-channel memory controller
44 CPU PCIe lanes

Cons

No integrated graphics
No boxed cooler
Requires an LGA2066 motherboard

Closest rivals

Model	Cores	Boost	L3	Power	Socket	Released
AMDRyzen Threadripper 1920X	12/24	4 GHz	32 MB	180 W	sTR4	Aug 2017
IntelCore i7-6950X	10/20	4 GHz	25 MB	140 W	LGA2011-v3	May 2016
AMDRyzen Threadripper 1900X	8/16	4 GHz	16 MB	180 W	sTR4	Aug 2017

Previous model: Core i7-6950X. Newer model: Core i9-9900X.

Sources

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