CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-7500 vs Intel Core 3 100HL
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.
Handles word processing, spreadsheets, and multi-tab browsing flawlessly, but struggles with heavy multi-threaded workloads.
Gaming
Adequate for older games but bottlenecks modern GPUs in CPU-heavy titles.
The combination of low base clocks and only 8 PCIe 4.0 lanes limits its potential when paired with modern dedicated GPUs.
Virtualization
Limited by core count for running multiple VMs.
The 12 threads and 12MB L3 cache provide enough headway for basic VMs, but memory and PCIe limitations are restrictive.
Efficiency
65W TDP offers a good balance of power and heat.
Extremely power efficient at idle and low loads, making it an ideal choice for always-on office machines.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Inadequate for local AI model execution
- Lacks dedicated NPU hardware.
- No AVX-512 support for legacy AI workloads.
- Insufficient core count and memory bandwidth for local LLM 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
- Integrated Iris Xe graphics can only handle eSports titles at low settings.
- Pairing with a dedicated GPU is bottlenecked by the x8 PCIe 4.0 lanes.
- E-cores provide minimal benefit in most gaming workloads.
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
- Very low 45W power consumption
- Includes capable Iris Xe 48EU integrated graphics
- Flexible DDR4 and DDR5 memory support
- Modern hybrid architecture at an entry-level price
- Supports Intel vPro for enterprise management
- Highly efficient for idle and light-load scenarios
Cons
- Only 8 direct PCIe 4.0 lanes bottleneck dedicated GPUs
- Reduced 12MB L3 cache size
- Locked multiplier prevents CPU overclocking
- Low base clock of 2.1 GHz limits bursty single-thread performance
- OEM-focused 'PS' silicon limits retail availability
- PL2 max power of 115W is disproportionately high for an entry-level chip
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 3 100HL
- AMD Ryzen 3 4300GRival
Entry-Level Desktop APU
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600GRival
Mid-Range Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-12100Rival
Entry-Level Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-13100Rival
Entry-Level Desktop
- AMD Athlon 3000GRival
Budget Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
Significantly better gaming and creator performance for a slight price increase.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500Alt
Excellent multi-threaded performance on a highly affordable AM4 platform.
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 highly efficient, budget-friendly entry point into Intel's new branding scheme, best suited for pre-built systems and basic daily tasks rather than enthusiast computing.
Best for: Building or buying a budget OEM desktop for home or office use
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-7500 or Intel Core 3 100HL?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core 3 100HL comes out ahead with a score of 7/10. 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 3 100HL?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-7500 leads with a gaming performance score of 50/100 among Intel Core i5-7500 and Intel Core 3 100HL.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core 3 100HL has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-7500 (65 W), Intel Core 3 100HL (45 W).
Do Intel Core i5-7500 and Intel Core 3 100HL use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-7500: Intel Socket 1151, Intel Core 3 100HL: LGA 1700), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core 3 100HL has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-7500 (4 cores), Intel Core 3 100HL (8 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-7500 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-7500 (5,600), Intel Core 3 100HL (5,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.