Intel Core i9-7900X socket: LGA 2066
The Intel Core i9-7900X uses the LGA 2066 socket on X299 boards. It is a 10 core Skylake-X HEDT chip at 140 W with boost to 4.5 GHz.
- Socket
- LGA 2066
- Launched
- June 2017
- Cores and threads
- 10 and 20
- Base power
- 140 W
- Codename
- Skylake-X
- Segment
- HEDT
- Family
- Intel Core i9
- Clocks
- 3.3 / 4.5 GHz
Intel Core i9-7900X specifications
| Cores | 10 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 20 |
| Core architecture | Skylake-X on 14 nm |
| Clocks | 3.3 GHz base, up to 4.5 GHz boost |
| Cache | 13.75 MB L3 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 140 W |
| Manufacturing process | 14 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4-2666, four channels, up to 128 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0, 44 lanes from the CPU |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| Multiplier | Unlocked |
| Package | FCLGA2066 (45.0 × 52.5 mm) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i9-7900X 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 The 7000 series launched with X299. The 9000 series refresh needs a newer BIOS on early boards. Check the board CPU support list. |
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 i9-7900X is
The Core i9-7900X is a ten core, twenty thread HEDT processor from Skylake-X. It launched in June 2017 with a 3.3 GHz base and up to 4.5 GHz boost at 140 W. Ten cores cover creation towers where renders scale with threads.
Thirteen point seven five megabytes of L3 cache feed ten cores over mesh. The 3.3 GHz base keeps all core power in check, while 4.5 GHz boost lifts single thread tasks. One hundred forty watts need serious tower cooling.
No integrated graphics are present. Quad channel DDR4-2666 up to 128 GB gives bandwidth for large scenes. Forty four PCIe lanes suit multi GPU and NVMe arrays.
Intel launched the 7900X at $999 as the entry i9 HEDT. Creators chose it for lanes and threads over mainstream i7 parts. The multiplier is unlocked for tuning.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 7900X fits LGA 2066 on X299. Skylake-X support continued through later BIOS updates. Check the board list for stepping.
Forty four lanes allow two graphics cards plus NVMe storage without switches. Four memory channels reward balanced DIMM populations. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers HEDT planning.
The Core i9-7920X on the same socket adds two cores. The 7820X trims cores and lanes where cost matters.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR4-2666 in four channels up to 128 GB is the target. Bandwidth near 85.3 GB per sec with four modules helps timelines. Capacity grows with eight DIMMs where boards allow it.
Forty four PCIe 3.0 lanes feed GPUs and storage arrays. Creators split lanes between two cards and fast SSDs. Bifurcation follows board manuals.
One hundred forty watts cool with large air or liquid on the square mount. Even mounting pressure matters. Sustained renders need high airflow.
Upgrade paths
On X299 the step is 7920X or 7940X for more cores, reusing board and DDR4. The move shortens render times directly.
Past LGA 2066 a new platform is required. DDR4 kits and coolers often carry across with new brackets.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core i9-7900X use?
It uses LGA 2066 on X299 boards.
How many cores does the i9-7900X have?
Ten cores with twenty threads at 3.3 GHz base with up to 4.5 GHz boost.
Does the i9-7900X have integrated graphics?
No. A discrete GPU is required.
How many PCIe lanes does the i9-7900X have?
44 PCIe 3.0 lanes from the CPU.
When did the i9-7900X launch?
June 2017 with the Skylake-X HEDT lineup.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .