CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-7400T vs Intel Core i5-8400T
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.
6 cores handle office tasks easily, though single-core is slower.
Gaming
Not suitable for modern gaming; HD 630 is too weak.
Can handle light gaming, but low clocks limit high-refresh gaming.
Virtualization
Lacks Hyper-Threading, making it poor for running multiple VMs.
Good for 1-2 VMs, but lacks hyper-threading.
Efficiency
Excellent power efficiency with a strict 35W TDP.
Outstanding efficiency with a 35W TDP.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
- Low core count limits compute performance
- No dedicated AI hardware.
- Low clocks make inference slow.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Uses Intel HD 630 graphics
- Only capable of very old or simple 2D games
- No dedicated graphics hardware
- Low base clock can cause stuttering in CPU-bound games.
- UHD 630 is only good for very light titles.
- Best paired with a low-end discrete GPU if 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
- 6 cores for parallel tasks
- Runs very cool
- Good for small form factor builds
Cons
- Low base and boost clocks
- Locked multiplier
- No Hyper-Threading
- 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 i5-8400T
- AMD Ryzen 5 2400GERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8400Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600ERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-7400TRival
Previous Gen Low Power
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200GERival
Budget Low Power
Slightly faster clocks, same TDP.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GEAlt
Better integrated graphics.
Much faster modern architecture.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GEAlt
Better efficiency and performance.
Slightly higher clocks if buying used.
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 reviewA highly efficient 6-core processor perfect for compact builds, though its low clock speeds limit performance compared to the standard 8400.
Best for: Building a quiet home server or retro gaming rig on a budget.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-7400T or Intel Core i5-8400T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-8400T comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. 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 i5-8400T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-8400T leads with a gaming performance score of 50/100 among Intel Core i5-7400T and Intel Core i5-8400T.
Do Intel Core i5-7400T and Intel Core i5-8400T use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1151 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-8400T has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-7400T (4 cores), Intel Core i5-8400T (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-8400T posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-7400T (4,900), Intel Core i5-8400T (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.