CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-7500 vs Intel Core i5-8420T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-7500 is a mid-range desktop processor launched in early 2017 as a core component of the 7th Generation Kaby Lake family. Featuring four physical cores without Hyper-Threading, it operates at a base frequency of 3.4 GHz and can boost up to 3.8 GHz. Manufactured on Intel's 14nm process, it fits within a standard 65-watt TDP, ensuring broad compatibility with mainstream cooling solutions. The processor was a popular choice for budget gaming builds and office PCs, offering a slight frequency bump over the i5-7400. It integrates Intel HD 630 graphics, capable of hardware-accelerated 4K video decoding, and supports dual-channel DDR4 memory at 2400 MT/s. While it provides snappy single-thread performance for everyday applications, the lack of Hyper-Threading limits its capability in heavily multi-threaded modern workloads. Utilizing the LGA 1151 socket, the i5-7500 remains a viable option for upgrading older systems, though it is outclassed by newer architectures in both efficiency and core count.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy for everyday office work but struggles with heavy rendering due to 4 threads.
6 cores provide good office performance, but single-core is limited.
Gaming
Adequate for older games but bottlenecks modern GPUs in CPU-heavy titles.
Marginally better than 8400T, but still too slow for modern gaming.
Virtualization
Limited by core count for running multiple VMs.
Suitable for basic VMs, but lacks threads.
Efficiency
65W TDP offers a good balance of power and heat.
Excellent 35W efficiency.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Inadequate for local AI model execution
- No dedicated AI hardware.
- Slow CPU inference.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs in CPU-intensive games
- Suitable for 60fps gaming with older mid-range GPUs
- Lacks the threads needed for modern AAA titles
- Low clocks limit high-refresh gaming.
- Integrated graphics are weak.
- Needs a discrete GPU for any real gaming.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Good single-thread performance
- 65W TDP is easy to cool
- Hardware video decoding
- Solid choice for legacy budget gaming
- Affordable used
Cons
- Only 4 cores and 4 threads
- Locked multiplier
- Bottlenecks modern mid-range GPUs
- No official Windows 11 support
- Outdated PCIe Gen 3
Pros
- Low 35W TDP
- 6 cores for multi-tasking
- Runs cool and quiet
- Good for basic office use
Cons
- Very similar to 8400T
- Locked multiplier
- No Hyper-Threading
- Hard to find retail, OEM only
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-7500
- AMD Ryzen 5 1500XRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 1400Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-7400Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i3-7350KRival
Desktop
- AMD FX-8370Rival
Desktop
Successor with 6 cores, offering much better modern gaming performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 1600Alt
Contemporary AMD alternative with 6 cores and 12 threads.
A cheap modern alternative with 6 cores and 12 threads.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
A vastly superior modern CPU for a similar price.
A modern budget CPU that outperforms it in every way.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i5-8420T
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8400TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2400GERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8500TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200GERival
Budget Low Power
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-8100TRival
Budget Low Power
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GEAlt
Better integrated graphics.
Modern alternative with much better IPC.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GEAlt
Better efficiency and multi-core.
Our Verdict on Each
A step up from the i5-7400, offering better clocks, but the 4-core/4-thread limitation makes it obsolete for modern heavy multitasking and gaming.
Best for: Upgrading an older LGA 1151 system on a strict budget.
Read the full reviewA modest refresh of the 8400T, offering slightly higher clocks in the same 35W envelope, primarily for OEM systems.
Best for: Finding a cheap used OEM PC with this chip for basic office work.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-7500 or Intel Core i5-8420T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-8420T comes out ahead with a score of 7.2/10. 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 i5-7500 or Intel Core i5-8420T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-8420T leads with a gaming performance score of 52/100 among Intel Core i5-7500 and Intel Core i5-8420T.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-8420T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-7500 (65 W), Intel Core i5-8420T (35 W).
Do Intel Core i5-7500 and Intel Core i5-8420T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-7500: Intel Socket 1151, Intel Core i5-8420T: LGA 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-8420T has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-7500 (4 cores), Intel Core i5-8420T (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-8420T posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-7500 (5,600), Intel Core i5-8420T (8,600). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.