CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-7400T vs Intel Core i5-8600T
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 office applications, large spreadsheets, and multitasking without issues.
Gaming
Not suitable for modern gaming; HD 630 is too weak.
Capable of light eSports gaming using integrated graphics, but not suited for AAA titles.
Virtualization
Lacks Hyper-Threading, making it poor for running multiple VMs.
Can run basic VMs, but lacks Hyper-Threading for heavy parallel workloads.
Efficiency
Excellent power efficiency with a strict 35W TDP.
Outstanding power-to-performance ratio for low-power segments.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
- Low core count limits compute performance
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Low core clocks limit CPU-based inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Uses Intel HD 630 graphics
- Only capable of very old or simple 2D games
- No dedicated graphics hardware
- UHD 630 handles older or lightweight games well
- Pairs best with discrete GPUs for 1080p gaming
- Not ideal for high-refresh-rate AAA 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 physical cores for multitasking
- Integrated UHD Graphics 630
- Runs exceptionally cool
- Quiet operation potential
Cons
- Low base clock of 2.3 GHz
- No Hyper-Threading
- Locked multiplier
- End-of-life platform
- Limited upgrade path
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 i5-8600T
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600ERival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2400GERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8500TRival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200GERival
Low Power Desktop
Better raw performance if power constraints are not a strict issue.
Compare head-to-headCheaper alternative for basic office needs.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 2400GAlt
Significantly better integrated graphics performance.
Newer generation with slightly higher boost clocks.
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 reviewAn efficient 6-core chip that trades raw clock speed for a strict 35W thermal envelope, making it perfect for compact systems but less ideal for heavy workloads.
Best for: Building or upgrading a low-power, small form factor system where a 35W TDP is strictly required.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-7400T or Intel Core i5-8600T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-8600T 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 i5-8600T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-8600T leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Intel Core i5-7400T and Intel Core i5-8600T.
Do Intel Core i5-7400T and Intel Core i5-8600T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-7400T: LGA 1151, Intel Core i5-8600T: Intel Socket 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-8600T has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-7400T (4 cores), Intel Core i5-8600T (6 cores).
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). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.