Intel Core i7-7740X socket: LGA 2066
The Intel Core i7-7740X uses the LGA 2066 socket on X299 boards. It is a quad core Kaby Lake-X HEDT chip with Hyper-Threading at 112 W with boost to 4.5 GHz.
- Socket
- LGA 2066
- Launched
- June 2017
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 112 W
- Codename
- Kaby Lake-X
- Segment
- HEDT
- Family
- Intel Core i7
- Clocks
- 4.3 / 4.5 GHz
Intel Core i7-7740X specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Kaby Lake-X on 14 nm |
| Clocks | 4.3 GHz base, up to 4.5 GHz Turbo |
| Cache | 8 MB L3 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 112 W |
| Manufacturing process | 14 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4-2666, two channels, up to 64 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0, 16 lanes from the CPU |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| Multiplier | Unlocked |
| Package | FCLGA2066 (45.0 × 52.5 mm) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i7-7740X needs a motherboard with a LGA 2066 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| X299 HEDT | X299 | Works out of the box Most X299 boards removed Kaby Lake-X support in BIOS versions that added Cascade Lake-X. Check the board CPU support list before updating. |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 2066.
LGA 2066 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 2,066 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | June 2017 |
| Memory | DDR4-2933, four channels, up to 256 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | 80 × 80 mm |
What the Core i7-7740X is
The Core i7-7740X is a four core, eight thread HEDT processor from Kaby Lake-X. It launched in June 2017 with a 4.3 GHz base and up to 4.5 GHz Turbo at 112 W. Four cores with Hyper-Threading at very high clocks cover gaming on HEDT where single thread pace leads.
Eight megabytes of L3 cache feed gaming with a discrete card. The 4.3 GHz base was among the highest stock clocks of its year. One hundred twelve watts need tower cooling well beyond mainstream i7 parts.
No integrated graphics ship, so display output needs a discrete GPU. Dual channel DDR4-2666 up to 64 GB suits entry HEDT boards with fewer DIMMs. The multiplier is unlocked for X299 tuning.
Intel aimed the 7740X at gamers who wanted X299 platform with Kaby Lake clocks. It sits above the 7640X on threads and clocks. Later BIOS updates dropped Kaby Lake-X on most X299 boards.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 7740X fits LGA 2066 on X299 with early BIOS support for Kaby Lake-X. Check the maker CPU list, since October 2019 updates on most boards removed Kaby Lake-X. Early firmware revisions are required for used builds.
Boards expose quad channel slots, but this chip uses two channels. Sixteen PCIe lanes suit single GPU towers. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers HEDT generations.
The Core i5-7640X on the same socket trims threads where cost matters. Skylake-X 7800X adds cores and lanes for creation.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR4-2666 in two channels up to 64 GB is the Kaby Lake-X design. Two DIMMs in the correct slots hold dual channel mode per manual. Faster modules may run beyond spec where boards allow it.
Sixteen PCIe 3.0 lanes feed graphics plus NVMe. Single card gaming towers fit naturally. Multi GPU plans need Skylake-X with 28 or 44 lanes instead.
One hundred twelve watts cool with tower air or liquid on the LGA 2066 mount. Large heat spreader needs full coverage paste. Airflow decides sustained boost.
Upgrade paths
On X299 the move is Skylake-X 7820X or 7900X for cores and lanes, reusing board and DDR4 where BIOS allows it. The jump transforms rendering and compilation.
Past LGA 2066 a new platform is required. Confirm BIOS still lists Kaby Lake-X before any swap on late boards.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core i7-7740X use?
It uses LGA 2066 on X299 boards with early Kaby Lake-X BIOS.
How many cores does the i7-7740X have?
Four cores with eight threads at 4.3 GHz base with up to 4.5 GHz Turbo.
Does the i7-7740X have integrated graphics?
No. A discrete GPU is required.
What memory fits i7-7740X boards?
DDR4-2666 in two channels up to 64 GB.
When did the i7-7740X launch?
June 2017 with the Kaby Lake-X HEDT lineup.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .