CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-7400T vs Intel Core i5-7600T
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.
Handles everyday office tasks well but struggles with heavy multi-tasking due to 4 threads.
Gaming
Not suitable for modern gaming; HD 630 is too weak.
HD 630 graphics are only suitable for older or very light 2D games.
Virtualization
Lacks Hyper-Threading, making it poor for running multiple VMs.
Limited capability for virtual machines due to the lack of Hyper-Threading.
Efficiency
Excellent power efficiency with a strict 35W TDP.
Exceptional power efficiency tailored for 35W thermal envelopes.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
- Low core count limits compute performance
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Inference tasks will be extremely slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- Uses Intel HD 630 graphics
- Only capable of very old or simple 2D games
- No dedicated graphics hardware
- Only suitable for legacy games
- HD 630 lacks the power for modern 3D titles
- Requires a discrete GPU for any serious 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
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- Good single-thread performance for basic tasks
- Hardware decoding for modern video codecs
- Ideal for fanless or compact SFF cases
- Affordable on the used market
Cons
- Lacks Hyper-Threading
- Low base clock of 2.8 GHz
- Weak integrated graphics
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
- Outperformed by modern low-power CPUs
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 i5-7600T
- AMD Ryzen 5 1400Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 1200Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-6500TRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i3-7100Rival
Desktop
- AMD A10-9700Rival
Desktop
Coffee Lake successor with 6 cores for much better multi-core performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GEAlt
A low-power AMD alternative with better integrated graphics.
A slightly lower-tier alternative if cost is the primary concern.
Compare head-to-head- Intel NUC 11Alt
A complete modern compact system solution with vastly superior efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GEAlt
Another low-power desktop alternative with competitive performance.
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 reviewAn efficient quad-core CPU for compact builds, but its low TDP limits multi-core performance and it lacks modern features like Hyper-Threading.
Best for: Building a silent, low-power mini PC for web browsing and office work using used parts.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-7400T or Intel Core i5-7600T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-7600T leads with a gaming performance score of 35/100 among Intel Core i5-7400T and Intel Core i5-7600T.
Do Intel Core i5-7400T and Intel Core i5-7600T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-7400T: LGA 1151, Intel Core i5-7600T: Intel Socket 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-7400T posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-7400T (4,900), Intel Core i5-7600T (4,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.