Intel Core i7-7740X X-Series 4.3 GHz Quad-Core LGA 2066 Processor

Some things were clear on our tests. First, the Core i7-7740X has practically the same performance of the Core i7-7700K, what was predictable since they are very similar on most specs.

So where do we start? As a performance platform, Intel's HEDT platforms have been the go-to systems for those that want the best that money can buy. Currently that dynamic still exists. Much like when AMD's Ryzen processors were released, there were some small issues that popped up.

• +

  High performance, Overclocking, 7740X entry-level HEDT, Turbo Core Max 3.0

• -

  Hot running when overclocked

Just the other day we published our review of Intel's Core i9-7900X Skylake-X processor. It was our

• +

  – Great overall performance, – Easy to overclock, – Current LGA2011v3 CPU coolers will work, – Inexpensive entry into the X299 platform

• -

  – Only dualchannel memory support, – Only 16 PCIe lanes

With blazing fast quad-core performance, easy overclocking and low temperatures, the i7-7740X is the i7-7700K we deserved.

The Core i7 7740X certainly behaves much better in stressed condition opposed to the Skylake-X 10 core parts. Still it remains to be a little high relative to energy efficiency and the temperatures, these can be challenging.

The Core i7-7740X is Intel's running back; it might not be the biggest player on the field, but it runs the fastest.

• +

  Microarchitecture and Speed, Overclocking Like Mad, It's a Gamer

• -

  Current X299 Boards

Sometimes, being in the middle of a product stack means you get the best balance of price, performance, and features. Other times, getting stuck in the middle means a long backseat car ride sitting on the uncomfortable hump, flanked by passengers on either side that seem to have more interesting...

• +

  High base clock speed, Much more affordable than higher-end Core X-Series CPUs, "Kaby Lake" base architecture means better support for 4K streaming than on higher-end "Skylake X" CPUs

• -

  Similar performance to the Core i7-7700K, but on a pricier platform with costlier motherboards, Only 16 PCI Express lanes on the CPU, Six-core Core X chip costs just $50 more, supports more lanes

Small, incremental adjustments to architecture has been the procedure to which Intel has operated by for countless years – with no real competition in the market it’s easy to become complacent.

• +

  + Offers excellent performance, + Improved thermal performance, + Overclocks very well

At Computex this year Intel announced its new high-end desktop (HEDT) platform. All the architecture changes meant that Intel needed a new socket, Socket 2066. The new X299 platform brings a number of new features and enhancements over the previous X99 platform.

Unfortunately, we don’t have a complete set of benchmark numbers to share with you here, due to some unexpected shipping issues, but the scores and overclocking data we were able to obtain paint a fairly clear picture.

It's a great cpu if you want to go on x299 platform and keep the opportunity to upgrade your system later. It's pretty much a 7700K without igpu

• +

  Very high OC capacity, Powerful at stock speeds, Once delidded it will be a beast

• -

  Runs hot (80C z 4.8 ghz with dark rock pro 3), Doesn't support quad channel Ram, Doesn't provide more than 16 PCIe lanes

Best PC I have ever owned. There were a few problems during the build stage which were put right. 2 days after I got the system the Motherboard failed. Overclockers didn't just replace the board, they upgraded it to a Strixx X99 gaming board. BIG thank you for that. The system now runs like a dream.

This build is amazing the quality is there, cable management is 10/10 and the help I received was second to none. <br />Now set up with my predator 4K monitor it runs all my games in very high/ ultra no problem. <br />Would recommend to anyone looking for a premium build.

Received this system on Monday and after hooking it up was blown away.Fantastic build quality.Made a few changes to the spec which wasn't a problem to the staff and collected the system a week after ordering.<br /><br />Lightening quick and eats any game at 4k.Highly recommended.Worth every penny.