CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-7400T vs Intel Core i5-7600
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.
Very snappy for daily tasks, but 4 threads limit heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Not suitable for modern gaming; HD 630 is too weak.
Good for older games due to high clocks, but bottlenecks modern GPUs in CPU-heavy titles.
Virtualization
Lacks Hyper-Threading, making it poor for running multiple VMs.
Limited by core count for running multiple VMs.
Efficiency
Excellent power efficiency with a strict 35W TDP.
65W TDP offers a good balance of power and heat.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
- Low core count limits compute performance
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Inadequate for local AI inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Uses Intel HD 630 graphics
- Only capable of very old or simple 2D games
- No dedicated graphics hardware
- High single-core clocks help older games
- 4 threads cause stuttering in modern AAA titles
- Requires a discrete GPU for any real gaming
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
- High single-thread performance
- 4.1 GHz max turbo boost
- 65W TDP is easy to cool
- Hardware 4K video decoding
- Good for legacy gaming
Cons
- Only 4 cores and 4 threads
- Locked multiplier
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- No official Windows 11 support
- Outdated PCIe Gen 3
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 i5-7600
- AMD Ryzen 5 1500XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-7500Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-7700Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i3-7350KRival
Desktop
Successor with 6 cores, offering much better modern performance for similar money.
Compare head-to-headThe unlocked version if you plan to overclock on an older board.
Compare head-to-headA cheap modern alternative with 6 cores and 12 threads.
Compare head-to-headA modern budget CPU that vastly outperforms it.
Compare head-to-head
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 reviewOffers the best single-thread performance of the locked 7th Gen i5s, but the 4-core/4-thread limitation makes it a poor choice for modern multi-threaded workloads.
Best for: Upgrading an older LGA 1151 system where maximum single-thread speed is needed without overclocking.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-7400T or Intel Core i5-7600?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-7600 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 i5-7600?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-7600 leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Intel Core i5-7400T and Intel Core i5-7600.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-7400T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-7400T (35 W), Intel Core i5-7600 (65 W).
Do Intel Core i5-7400T and Intel Core i5-7600 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-7400T: LGA 1151, Intel Core i5-7600: Intel Socket 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-7600 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-7400T (4,900), Intel Core i5-7600 (6,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.