Intel Core i9-7900X 10-Core Processor Review

Final Thoughts
Intel’s new Core i9 Series processors definitely was a shot back at AMD’s Ryzen processors. When Ryzen was released many gamers, enthusiasts, and more importantly content creators realized that it had pretty much identical multi-threaded performance as Intel’s HEDT offerings at the time, and for a fraction of the price. Intel’s shot back comes by adding more cores, improving both multi-core and single-core performance, and the addition of Turbo Boost Max 3. This means you’ll get up to 4.5 GHz on two cores, so even lightly or single-threaded performance is better.

With that we have the best performing desktop processor we have ever tested at ThinkComputers. It pretty much destroys everything out there! This processor can handle all types of workloads and crush them. On top of that we were actually able to get more out of it, we had all ten cores running at 4.6 GHz and that was on a NZXT Kraken X52. If we were working with a better AIO or even a custom loop we could have taken things even further.

The Core i9-7900X will run on new X299 motherboards and this processor will give you the full 44 PCI-Express lanes, making it perfect for a multi-GPU gaming system or workstation-type build with PCI-Express solid state drives. You also get full quad-channel DDR4-2677 memory support.

When we compare this processor to AMD, it beats every Ryzen processor currently available. But you do have to remember that Ryzen ThreadRipper is on the horizon, so that is something you might want to wait around for. At the same time this won’t be the top Intel Core X Series processor either, we still have 4 more processors that are not available yet, with the Core i9-7980XE being an 18-core, 36-thread part. That brings up an interesting thought, could Intel change the price of Core i9 processors to compete with Ryzen ThreadRipper? If so buying now could be a mistake.

I think that if you are buying now for HEDT then this is the processor to get. You can’t argue with the multi-core performance of the 10-cores and 32-threads as well as the improved single-core performance. This processor will be available June 26th with a MSRP of $999. Overall ThinkComputers gives the Intel Core i9-7900X 10-Core Processor a 9 out of 10 score and our Recommended Award!

rating9 10 TC award recommended

Pros:
– Great multi-core performance
– Improved single-core performance
– Best performing desktop processor to date!
– Easy to overclock
– Current LGA2011v3 CPU coolers will work
– X299 platform is great

Cons:
– Staggered released, still 4 Core i9 processors yet to come out
– Prices could change with Ryzen ThreadRipper comes out

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