[PConline Evaluation] As long as you keep a close eye on DIY hardware, you’ll know exactly what people mean when they talk about the “loving wife†CPU. The term “loving wife,†which refers to Intel’s i7 series, has become synonymous with power and reliability over the years. This affectionate nickname has been around for nearly a decade since the introduction of the Core i7, and even today, it remains a symbol of excellence in the gaming community.
However, the reign of the i7 as the ultimate CPU is coming to an end, and it's being replaced by the new Core i9! Intel has rebranded its highest-end processors under the Core i9 name, marking a significant shift in their product lineup. The Core i9 belongs to the Skylake-X family within the Core X series, succeeding earlier flagships like those based on Sandy Bridge-E, Ivy Bridge-E, Haswell-E, and Broadwell-E architectures. While previous top-tier models were labeled as i7, the new Skylake-X introduces the Core i9 designation, highlighting its superior performance.
On one hand, this change might seem like just a numerical tweak, but it effectively communicates to consumers which processors are at the pinnacle of performance. By rebranding, Intel is reinforcing its brand image and making it easier for buyers to identify high-end options.
Since 2008, Intel has categorized its Core series into distinct tiers, ranging from mainstream quad-core or eight-thread processors toå‘烧级 (enthusiast-grade) ten-core and twenty-thread offerings. The general naming approach didn’t clearly differentiate between these levels, prompting Intel to introduce a dedicatedå‘烧-class CPU to clarify distinctions.
Before diving into our review of the Core i9-7900X, we’ve already provided a detailed analysis of another Skylake-X member, the Core i7-7820X. For those interested in understanding the Core X family, feel free to check out our earlier article where we discussed how the i9 outperforms its predecessor.
Specifications: The "Lowest Version" of i9?
At the Taipei Computex event, Intel announced that the 18-core 36-thread configuration represents the full potential of the i9 series. The Core i9-7900X we’re reviewing today is essentially the entry-level model in the i9 lineup, featuring 10 cores and 20 threads. Future iterations will include models with 12, 14, 16, and even 18 cores hitting the market soon.
This release marks Intel's push towards multi-core supremacy for enthusiasts seeking advanced threading capabilities. Besides core count, another standout feature of this generation is the significant boost in CPU frequencies.
Number of Pins and Foolproof Design: From LGA2011 to LGA2066
Due to the interface change, the LGA 2011 from the X99 platform is no longer applicable. Consequently, the alignment notches on both the top and bottom of the CPU have shifted. Additionally, the wings on the four corners of the CPU have been altered, with the lower left wing featuring a corner housing a near-field communication (NFC) tag. Intel hasn't disclosed any specifics about this change, leaving its purpose open to interpretation.
One thing is certain: this modification makes opening the CPU lid more challenging. Yes, Intel's Extreme Edition processors now rely on cheap thermal paste rather than soldering material. This decision has been criticized by many, as better thermal solutions typically result in improved overclocking potential.
PCIe Channel Count:
All current CPUs on the X299 platform offer 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes, while lower-tier i7s and i5s provide only 16 to 28. The additional lanes allow for extra M.2 interfaces or USB 3.1 ports, providing greater flexibility.
Core and Frequency Perspective:
The i9-7900X boasts impressive specs, with a base frequency of 3.3GHz and a turbo frequency reaching up to 4.5GHz. Turbo Boost Max 3.0 further enhances performance by accelerating some cores to 4.5GHz. Its 13.75MB L3 cache, though smaller than the 25MB of the previous-generation 6950X, performs exceptionally well thanks to optimized data call logic.
Detailed Parameter Comparison:
| CPU Model | i9-7900X | i7-7820X | i7-6950X | Ryzen 1800X |
|-----------|----------|----------|----------|-------------|
| Core Code | Skylake-X | Skylake-X | Broadwell-E | Summit Ridge |
| Interface Type | LGA2066 | LGA2066 | LGA2011-3 | AM4 |
| Cores/Threads | 10/20 | 8/16 | 10/20 | 8/16 |
| Process Technology | 14nm | 14nm | 14nm | 14nm |
| Base Frequency | 3.3GHz | 3.6GHz | 3.0GHz | 3.6GHz |
| Boost Frequency | 4.5GHz | 4.5GHz | 4.5GHz | 4.0GHz |
| L3 Cache | 13.75MB | 11MB | 25MB | 16MB |
| Memory Support | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2400 | DDR4-2400 |
| Price | $999 | $599 | $1499 | $499 |
| TDP | 140W | 140W | 140W | 95W |
Compared to the previous i7-6950X, the i9-7900X offers improved memory bandwidth with DDR4-2666 support. The price difference is substantial, with the i9-7900X listed at $999 compared to the $1499 of the i7-6950X, reflecting Intel's efforts to refresh its lineup.
Theoretical Performance Tests:
Our evaluation focuses on CPU theoretical performance, gaming performance, power consumption, temperature comparisons, and overclocking. To ensure unbiased results, we utilized the latest NV GTX1080Ti graphics card.
Hardware Platform:
- CPU: Intel Core i9-7900X, i7-7820X, i7-6950X, Ryzen 1800X
- Motherboard: Gigabyte X299 AORUS GAMING 3
- Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB DDR4-3200 8GB×4
- Storage: A-DATA SU800 SSD (512GB), GALAXY GAMER SSD (512GB)
- Graphics Card: NV GTX1080Ti Public Edition
- Power Supply: Rhine X-650 650W Gold Full Modular PSU
Software Platform:
- OS: Windows 10 x64 Professional
- Graphics Driver: NVIDIA GeForce 382.33 WHQL
- Evaluation Software:
- CPU Theoretical Performance: New 3DMark (Physical Computing), Fritz Chess, wPrime, CPU-Z, WinRAR 64-bit, Premiere Pro CC, CineBench R15, TMPGEnc
- Game Performance: Watch Dogs 2, GTA5, Battlefield 1, Tomb Raider 10, Singularity
- Power Consumption: Standalone Platform Power Consumption (Idle, Games, Prime95)
CPU Theoretical Performance:
Fritz Chess Benchmark measures computational power, particularly useful for testing AI algorithms. Higher scores indicate better performance.
CPU-Z provides comprehensive CPU detection, showcasing single-core and multi-core performance. Again, higher scores denote better performance.
wPrime evaluates computational power through prime number calculations. Shorter times reflect better performance.
Game Performance:
Games like Watch Dogs 2, GTA5, Battlefield 1, Tomb Raider 10, and Singularity demonstrate real-world CPU utilization. Despite having more cores, games aren't fully optimized for multi-threading, so performance gains beyond six cores are minimal.
Power Consumption:
Idle power consumption of the i9-7900X is slightly lower than the i7-6950X, but under heavy load via Prime95, the i9 consumes significantly more power. This is largely due to its higher frequency and associated power draw.
Temperature:
Using an overclocking three wind freeze black gold version (5 heat pipes) radiator, we observed temperatures peaking at 104°C under full load. After overclocking, the temperature rose to 110°C, confirming the need for robust cooling solutions.
Overclocking:
With a simple multiplier adjustment to 48x, the i9-7900X achieved a stable 4.8GHz, resulting in an 8% performance increase across various benchmarks. While this improvement is notable, considering the CPU's $999 price tag, the additional value gained may not justify the investment for most users.
Conclusion:
Overall, the i9-7900X offers substantial performance improvements over its predecessors, especially in multi-threaded tasks. Although priced at $999, it remains a compelling option compared to the $1499 i7-6950X. However, when evaluating cost-effectiveness, Intel's highest-end CPUs still fall short of offering optimal value.
[Image Sources]
[PConline Evaluation Room Summary]
The i9-7900X sits firmly atop Intel's consumer-grade CPU ladder, outperforming the i7-7820X. Until higher-core-count i9 models are released, the i9-7900X remains the most powerful CPU with multi-threading capabilities available today.
For gamers, an i7-7700K remains the better choice due to its balance of cost and performance. Meanwhile, AMD's Ryzen offerings, particularly the 1800X, present competitive alternatives, though the upcoming Threadripper 10-core and 16-core models could challenge Intel's dominance.
[Gigabyte AORUS X299 GAMING 3 Motherboard Features]
[Images of RGB Lighting, Alloy PCIe Slots, and More]
In conclusion, Intel's i9-7900X represents a significant leap forward in multi-core performance, offering enthusiasts a chance to push boundaries. While not perfect, it stands as a testament to Intel's commitment to innovation.
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