CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-7400T vs Intel Core i5-7500T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-7400T is a low-power quad-core desktop processor from Intel's 7th Generation Kaby Lake lineup. Designed for small form factor (SFF) PCs, mini-PCs, and AIO systems, it operates with a strict 35W TDP. Unlike standard desktop processors, it lacks Hyper-Threading, featuring 4 cores and 4 threads. It operates at a base clock of 2.4 GHz and boosts up to 3.0 GHz, providing adequate performance for everyday office tasks, web browsing, and media consumption. With 6MB of L3 cache, it efficiently handles bursty workloads. The integrated Intel HD 630 graphics support 4K video playback and basic display outputs, making it suitable for HTPC (Home Theater PC) builds. While its performance is limited by the lack of Hyper-Threading and low clocks, its low power consumption allows for fanless or quiet cooling solutions, making it an ideal choice for space-constrained environments where silence and efficiency are prioritized over raw computing power.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Good for office suites, but 4 threads limit heavy multitasking.
Strong performance for office suites and general multitasking.
Gaming
Not suitable for modern gaming; HD 630 is too weak.
Not suitable for gaming due to weak HD 630 graphics.
Virtualization
Lacks Hyper-Threading, making it poor for running multiple VMs.
Limited by 4 cores and 4 threads, poor for heavy VMs.
Efficiency
Excellent power efficiency with a strict 35W TDP.
Excellent performance per watt for silent desktop builds.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
- Low core count limits compute performance
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Limited by 4 threads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Uses Intel HD 630 graphics
- Only capable of very old or simple 2D games
- No dedicated graphics hardware
- Uses Intel HD 630 graphics
- Only for basic 2D games
- No hardware support for modern gaming features
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Very low 35W TDP for silent operation
- Good for basic office and media tasks
- Compatible with LGA 1151 motherboards
- Affordable on the used market
Cons
- Lacks Hyper-Threading (only 4 threads)
- Low clock speeds limit performance
- Weak integrated graphics
- Platform is end-of-life
Pros
- Excellent 35W power efficiency
- Good for everyday office and media tasks
- Higher clocks than the 7400T
- Wide motherboard compatibility
Cons
- Lacks Hyper-Threading
- Relatively low turbo boost ceiling
- Weak integrated graphics
- End-of-life platform
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-7400T
- AMD Ryzen 3 1300XRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200GRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-6400TRival
Desktop (Low Power)
- Intel Core i3-7100Rival
Desktop
- AMD A10-9700Rival
Desktop
More cores and better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GEAlt
Better integrated graphics and SMT.
- Intel Core i3-10100TAlt
Hyper-Threading and higher clocks for similar power.
- Intel N100Alt
Modern low-power alternative with better efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GEAlt
Budget low-power alternative with Vega graphics.
Intel Core i5-7500T
- AMD Ryzen 3 1300XRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 1400Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-7400TRival
Desktop (Low Power)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-6500TRival
Desktop (Low Power)
- AMD A12-9800Rival
Desktop
More cores and better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GEAlt
Better graphics and SMT for similar power.
- Intel Core i3-10100TAlt
Hyper-Threading and higher clocks.
- Intel Pentium Gold G5400TAlt
Cheaper alternative for basic office tasks.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GEAlt
Better integrated graphics for SFF builds.
Our Verdict on Each
A reliable low-power desktop CPU for basic tasks and SFF builds, but lacks Hyper-Threading and modern performance features.
Best for: Building a retro or extremely low-power silent PC for basic web browsing.
Read the full reviewA solid low-power desktop CPU with slightly higher clocks than the 7400T, but still hampered by a lack of Hyper-Threading.
Best for: Building a low-power, silent NAS or HTPC using used parts.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-7400T or Intel Core i5-7500T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-7500T comes out ahead with a score of 6.8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-7400T or Intel Core i5-7500T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-7500T leads with a gaming performance score of 22/100 among Intel Core i5-7400T and Intel Core i5-7500T.
Do Intel Core i5-7400T and Intel Core i5-7500T use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1151 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-7500T posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-7400T (4,900), Intel Core i5-7500T (5,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.