Battle of Titans: Intel i7 7820X vs AMD Ryzen 7 1800X

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Price Comparison
3. Specifications and Features
   1. CPU Cores and Threads
   2. Clock Speeds and Boost Technology
   3. Cache Size
   4. PCIe Lanes
   5. Memory Support
   6. TDP
4. Performance Comparison
   1. Cinebench and RealBench Scores
   2. Gaming Performance
   3. Overclocking Potential
5. Value for Money
   1. RYZEN for Price-Conscious Buyers
   2. Intel for Superior Single-Core Performance
6. Conclusion

💰 Price Comparison

In the fierce battle for performance and value, it's crucial to consider the price of the processors. The AMD Ryzen 7 1800X is available at a reasonable £423 in the UK on Amazon. On the other HAND, the Intel Skylake-X i7-7820X can be pre-ordered for a relatively steeper price of £579 on various retail websites, including Overclockers UK. Keep in mind that the 1800X is about £150 cheaper than the i7-7820X, and the more budget-friendly 1700X is almost £250 cheaper. Don't forget to factor in the additional costs of the motherboard and platform when making your decision.

📋 Specifications and Features

When comparing the AMD Ryzen 7 1800X and the Intel Skylake-X i7-7820X, several key specifications and features come into play. Let's take a closer look at each aspect:

1. CPU Cores and Threads - Both processors are formidable, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads. This provides exceptional multitasking capabilities and allows for efficient Parallel processing.
2. Clock Speeds and Boost Technology - The base clock of both processors is 3.6GHz. However, Intel's Turbo Boost 3.0 technology enables two of its favored cores to reach speeds of up to 4.5GHz, with the other cores going up to 4.3GHz. AMD's Ryzen has a maximum boost of 4GHz (with XFR-S) and 4.1GHz on one core. Nevertheless, the all-core frequency of Ryzen remains around 3.6-3.7GHz.
3. Cache Size - The Ryzen 7 1800X boasts 5MB more L3 cache than the i7-7820X. This additional cache can provide significant benefits in certain compute-intensive applications.
4. PCIe Lanes - The i7-7820X offers eight more PCIe lanes than the Ryzen chips. However, it's essential to note that four of the Ryzen's 24 PCIe lanes are utilized by the chipset, leaving 20 usable lanes. Meanwhile, the i7-7820X has 28 usable PCIe lanes.
5. Memory Support - Intel's i7-7820X supports quad-Channel memory, while AMD's Ryzen 7 1800X only supports dual-channel memory. This can result in faster memory access and better performance in memory-intensive tasks for the i7-7820X.
6. TDP - The TDP (Thermal Design Power) of the i7-7820X is significantly higher than that of the Ryzen 7 1800X. Considering that the i7-7820X runs hotter, especially when overclocking, it's crucial to factor in proper cooling solutions.

🔍 Performance Comparison

To determine which processor reigns supreme in terms of performance, let's examine several performance metrics, including benchmark scores and gaming performance.

1. Cinebench and RealBench Scores - Comparing the Cinebench and RealBench scores of the Ryzen 7 1800X and the i7-7820X reveals that their core architectures are quite similar. The only notable difference lies in clock speed. However, when both processors are overclocked to around 4GHz, their performance becomes almost identical, as expected from processors with similar architectures. These results are also reflected in 3DMark scores.
2. Gaming Performance - When it comes to gaming, optimization plays a significant role. In GTA 5 and Dirt Rally, the gaming performance difference between the two processors is minimal, regardless of the setting. Even at 4K resolution, where the GPU has a more pronounced impact, the results are virtually identical. Doom also showcases similar performance, with only a 6 FPS difference at 1080p and nearly identical scores at 4K resolution. The Ryzen 7 1800X offers exceptional gaming performance at an impressive value for money.
3. Overclocking Potential - Both processors possess significant overclocking potential. Pushing the Ryzen 7 1800X and the i7-7820X to their limit yields outstanding results. However, it's crucial to note that overclocking can generate more heat, especially with the i7-7820X. Adequate cooling solutions are necessary to ensure optimal performance.

💸 Value for Money

When considering the value for money, both processors showcase their respective strengths.

1. RYZEN for Price-Conscious Buyers - If price-performance ratio is paramount, the Ryzen processors emerge as the clear winners. With the Ryzen 7 1800X being significantly cheaper than the i7-7820X, and the Ryzen 7 1700X offering similar performance at an even lower cost, AMD's CPUs provide exceptional value for money.
2. Intel for Superior Single-Core Performance - On the other hand, if you prioritize single-core performance, especially in gaming, the Intel i7-7820X shines. With its superior clock speeds, Turbo Boost 3.0, and quad-channel memory support, it delivers top-notch performance. This is especially significant as games are starting to leverage higher core counts. However, it's essential to consider that the Ryzen CPUs can still provide excellent gaming results at lower resolutions and offer better value for money in most cases.

🎯 Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the ideal processor depends on your priorities and preferences. The AMD Ryzen 7 1800X offers exceptional value for those seeking a balance between performance and price. It delivers impressive multitasking capabilities and gaming performance at a significantly lower cost. However, if single-core performance is paramount, especially for gaming purposes, the Intel Skylake-X i7-7820X presents a viable option. With its superior clock speeds and quad-channel memory support, it delivers top-tier performance. Ultimately, both processors offer excellent performance in their own right, ensuring that users have a wide range of choices to suit their specific needs and budget.

Highlights:

• AMD Ryzen 7 1800X provides excellent value for money
• Intel Skylake-X i7-7820X offers superior single-core performance
• Both processors excel in multitasking and productivity tasks
• Ryzen CPUs are more cost-effective, while Intel CPUs provide more top-tier gaming performance
• Overclocking potential exists for both processors, but adequate cooling is crucial

FAQ:

Q: Which CPU is better for gaming, the Ryzen 7 1800X or the i7-7820X?

A: Both CPUs offer excellent gaming performance. The Ryzen 7 1800X provides exceptional value for money, while the i7-7820X offers superior single-core performance. When price is a significant factor, the Ryzen 7 1800X is the better choice.

Q: Can the Ryzen 7 1800X be overclocked?

A: Yes, the Ryzen 7 1800X can be overclocked for improved performance. However, it is essential to ensure proper cooling to manage the increased heat generated during overclocking.

Q: Does the Intel i7-7820X support quad-channel memory?

A: Yes, the Intel i7-7820X supports quad-channel memory, which can result in faster memory access and improved performance in memory-intensive tasks.

Q: Which processor is more power-efficient, the Ryzen 7 1800X or the i7-7820X?

A: The Ryzen 7 1800X has a lower TDP (Thermal Design Power) compared to the i7-7820X, which means it runs cooler and consumes less power. However, the i7-7820X offers higher clock speeds, resulting in higher power consumption when overclocked.

Resources:

• Amazon UK - AMD Ryzen 7 1800X
• Overclockers UK - Intel i7-7820X