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Intel Core i7-7740X X-series

Intel Core i7-7740X X-Series: Analysis of the 2025 Processor

Architecture, Capabilities, and Practical Assembly Tips

1. Key Specifications

Kaby Lake Architecture and 14 nm Process

The Intel Core i7-7740X, released in 2017, belongs to the X-Series lineup and is built on the Kaby Lake architecture. This is the third generation of Intel's 14-nanometer process technology, which is an evolutionary update to Skylake. Key improvements focused on optimizing energy efficiency and increasing clock speeds.

Key Parameters:

- Cores/Threads: 4/8

- Base/Turbo Frequency: 4.3 GHz / 4.5 GHz

- TDP: 112 W

- L3 Cache: 8 MB

- Unlocked Multiplier: Yes (supports overclocking)

Features:

- Supports Hyper-Threading technology for multi-threaded workloads.

- No integrated graphics—requires a discrete graphics card.

- Compatible with premium motherboards on the X299 chipset.

Performance:

In single-threaded tasks (e.g., older games or applications like Photoshop), the processor shows high performance due to its high clock speed. However, 4 cores limit its ability in modern multi-threaded scenarios (rendering, streaming).

2. Compatible Motherboards

LGA 2066 Socket and X299 Chipset

The i7-7740X uses the LGA 2066 socket, intended for enthusiasts. This means it is only compatible with motherboards on the Intel X299 chipset, which feature expanded capabilities:

- Support for multi-processor configurations (up to 18 cores in top X-Series models).

- 4-channel memory controller.

- A large number of PCIe 3.0 lanes (up to 44).

Example Models (2025):

- ASUS ROG Rampage VI Extreme (price: ~$450) — choice for extreme overclocking.

- MSI X299 SLI PLUS (~$300) — a balance between price and functionality.

Selection Tips:

- Consider the need for a BIOS update for Kaby Lake-X compatibility.

- Check PCIe 3.0 support—motherboards are not compatible with PCIe 4.0/5.0.

3. Supported Memory

Only DDR4

The i7-7740X works with DDR4 memory, supporting frequencies of up to 2666 MHz (without overclocking). The maximum capacity is 128 GB (8 slots).

Recommendations:

- For gaming: 16–32 GB DDR4-3200 (with overclocking).

- For work tasks: 64 GB DDR4-2666 (4-channel mode will increase bandwidth).

Limitations:

- No support for DDR5—this is critical for modern builds in 2025.

4. Power Supply Recommendations

Calculation Considering TDP 112 W

When building a system with the i7-7740X, it's important to consider power consumption:

- Minimum: 500 W power supply (without discrete graphics card).

- With a mid-range graphics card like NVIDIA RTX 4070: 750 W (for example, Corsair RM750x, ~$120).

- For overclocking: 850 W (Seasonic Prime TX-850, ~$200).

Tips:

- Choose models certified with 80 Plus Gold/Platinum.

- Avoid cheap power supplies—high TDP processors require stable voltage.

5. Pros and Cons

Advantages:

- High frequency for gaming and single-threaded tasks.

- Overclocking potential.

- Compatibility with powerful X299 motherboards.

Disadvantages:

- Only 4 cores—weak in multi-threaded workloads.

- High platform cost (X299 motherboards are more expensive than modern alternatives).

- Lack of support for PCIe 4.0/5.0 and DDR5.

6. Usage Scenarios

Gaming

Suitable for older and less demanding titles (CS:GO, Dota 2), where clock speed is important. In AAA games of 2025 (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty), FPS drops may occur due to a lack of cores.

Work Tasks

- Suitable: Office applications, light programming.

- Not suitable: 4K video editing, 3D rendering.

Multimedia

Streaming is possible but will require optimization due to limited multi-threading.

7. Comparison with Competitors

AMD Ryzen 5 7600X (2025 price: ~$250)

- 6 cores/12 threads, 5.3 GHz, TDP 105 W.

- Support for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0.

- Conclusion: Ryzen excels in multi-threading and energy efficiency.

Intel Core i5-14600K (price: ~$300)

- 14 cores (6P+8E)/20 threads, 5.3 GHz, TDP 125 W.

- Modern LGA 1700 platform with DDR5.

- Conclusion: i5-14600K outperforms i7-7740X in all scenarios.

8. Practical Assembly Tips

- Cooling: Use an AIO cooler (e.g., NZXT Kraken X63) or a powerful tower cooler (Noctua NH-D15).

- Motherboard: Choose models with enhanced VRM (ASUS Prime X299-A II).

- Upgrade: Keep in mind that transitioning to modern processors will require replacing the motherboard and memory.

9. Final Conclusion: Who is the i7-7740X Suitable for in 2025?

This processor is relevant only for:

1. Enthusiasts who already have an X299 platform and want to upgrade an old system without replacing the motherboard.

2. Retro build fans experimenting with hardware from previous years.

For most users in 2025, the choice is clear—modern processors like AMD Ryzen 7000/8000 or Intel's 13th/14th generation offer better price-performance ratios and support for new technologies.

If you find the i7-7740X priced below $100 (new in stock), it might be a temporary solution for a basic build. But in the long run, invest in modern platforms.

Basic

Label Name

Intel

Platform

Desktop

Launch Date

April 2017

Model Name

The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.

i7-7740X

Code Name

Kaby Lake

CPU Specifications

Total Cores

Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).

Total Threads

Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.

Basic Frequency

4.30 GHz

Max Turbo Frequency

Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.

4.50 GHz

Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 Frequency

4.50 GHz

Intel Turbo Boost Technology

Intel® Turbo Boost Technology dynamically increases the processor's frequency as needed by taking advantage of thermal and power headroom to give you a burst of speed when you need it, and increased energy efficiency when you don’t.

2.0

Intel Hyper-Threading Technology

Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology (Intel® HT Technology) delivers two processing threads per physical core. Highly threaded applications can get more work done in parallel, completing tasks sooner.

Yes

CPU Socket

The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.

FCLGA2066

Technology

Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.

14 nm

TDP

112 W

Max. Operating Temperature

Junction Temperature is the maximum temperature allowed at the processor die.

100°C

PCI Express Version

PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.

3.0

Number of PCI Express Lanes

A PCI Express (PCIe) lane consists of two differential signaling pairs, one for receiving data, one for transmitting data, and is the basic unit of the PCIe bus. Max # of PCI Express Lanes is the total number of supported lanes.

Instruction Set

The instruction set is a hard program stored inside the CPU that guides and optimizes CPU operations. With these instruction sets, the CPU can run more efficiently. There are many manufacturers that design CPUs, which results in different instruction sets, such as the 8086 instruction set for the Intel camp and the RISC instruction set for the ARM camp. x86, ARM v8, and MIPS are all codes for instruction sets. Instruction sets can be extended; for example, x86 added 64-bit support to create x86-64. Manufacturers developing CPUs that are compatible with a certain instruction set need authorization from the instruction set patent holder. A typical example is Intel authorizing AMD, enabling the latter to develop CPUs compatible with the x86 instruction set.

64-bit

Intel 64

Intel® 64 architecture delivers 64-bit computing on server, workstation, desktop and mobile platforms when combined with supporting software.¹ Intel 64 architecture improves performance by allowing systems to address more than 4 GB of both virtual and physical memory.

Yes

PCI Express Configurations

PCI Express (PCIe) Configurations describe the available PCIe lane configurations that can be used to link to PCIe devices.

Up to 1x16 | 2x8 | 1x8+2x4

Memory Specifications

Memory Type

Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.

DDR4-2666

Max Memory Size

Max memory size refers to the maximum memory capacity supported by the processor.

64 GB

Memory Channels

The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.

Bus Speed

8 GT/s

Max Memory Bandwidth

Max Memory bandwidth is the maximum rate at which data can be read from or stored into a semiconductor memory by the processor (in GB/s).

42 GB/s

ECC Memory Supported

ECC Memory Supported indicates processor support for Error-Correcting Code memory. ECC memory is a type of system memory that can detect and correct common kinds of internal data corruption. Note that ECC memory support requires both processor and chipset support.

Miscellaneous

Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d)

Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) continues from the existing support for IA-32 (VT-x) and Itanium® processor (VT-i) virtualization adding new support for I/O-device virtualization. Intel VT-d can help end users improve security and reliability of the systems and also improve performance of I/O devices in virtualized environments.

Yes

Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x)

Intel® Virtualization Technology (VT-x) allows one hardware platform to function as multiple “virtual” platforms. It offers improved manageability by limiting downtime and maintaining productivity by isolating computing activities into separate partitions.

Yes

Intel Standard Manageability (ISM)

Intel® Standard Manageability is the manageability solution for Intel vPro® Essentials platforms and is a subset of Intel® AMT with out-of-band management over Ethernet and Wi-Fi, but no KVM or new life cycle management features.

Intel® SSE4.1 | Intel® SSE4.2 | Intel® AVX2

Cache

CPU Cache is an area of fast memory located on the processor. Intel® Smart Cache refers to the architecture that allows all cores to dynamically share access to the last level cache.

8 MB

Intel AES New Instructions

Intel® AES New Instructions (Intel® AES-NI) are a set of instructions that enable fast and secure data encryption and decryption. AES-NI are valuable for a wide range of cryptographic applications, for example: applications that perform bulk encryption/decryption, authentication, random number generation, and authenticated encryption.

Yes

Benchmarks

Geekbench 5

Single Core Score

1244

Geekbench 5

Multi Core Score

4927

Compared to Other CPU

Geekbench 5 Single Core

Core i7-13700E

1331 +7%

Ryzen 7 3800X

1288 +3.5%

Core i7-7740X X-series

1244

Xeon W-3375

1205 -3.1%

Core i9-9960X

1173 -5.7%

Geekbench 5 Multi Core

Ryzen 5 PRO 5675U

5449 +10.6%

Core i7-9700T

5178 +5.1%

Core i7-7740X X-series

4927

Xeon E-2176M

4685 -4.9%

Xeon E5-2630L v4

4456 -9.6%