CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-7500T vs Intel Core i5-8500T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-7500T is a low-power quad-core desktop processor from Intel's 7th Generation Kaby Lake lineup. Engineered for small form factor (SFF) PCs, AIO systems, and enterprise mini-desktops, it operates within a strict 35W TDP. Like its sibling the 7400T, it features 4 cores and 4 threads, lacking Hyper-Threading. It distinguishes itself with a higher base clock of 2.7 GHz and a turbo boost of 3.3 GHz, offering better performance for everyday computing. The 6MB L3 cache ensures smooth operation during routine office work and multitasking. Integrated Intel HD 630 graphics provide reliable 4K video playback and support for multiple displays, though it is not intended for 3D gaming. The 'T' suffix denotes its low-power nature, making it an excellent choice for systems where thermal constraints and noise levels are critical. It provides a balance of adequate desktop performance and exceptional energy efficiency for space-constrained environments.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Strong performance for office suites and general multitasking.
6 cores handle office tasks easily, with decent single-core speed.
Gaming
Not suitable for gaming due to weak HD 630 graphics.
Can handle light games, but low clocks limit high-refresh gaming.
Virtualization
Limited by 4 cores and 4 threads, poor for heavy VMs.
Good for 1-2 VMs, but lacks hyper-threading.
Efficiency
Excellent performance per watt for silent desktop builds.
Outstanding efficiency with a 35W TDP.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Limited by 4 threads
- No dedicated AI hardware.
- Low clocks make inference slow.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Uses Intel HD 630 graphics
- Only for basic 2D games
- No hardware support for modern gaming features
- Clocks are too low for modern CPU-bound games.
- UHD 630 is only good for very light titles.
- Needs a low-end discrete GPU for decent gaming.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent 35W power efficiency
- Good for everyday office and media tasks
- Higher clocks than the 7400T
- Wide motherboard compatibility
Cons
- Lacks Hyper-Threading
- Relatively low turbo boost ceiling
- Weak integrated graphics
- End-of-life platform
Pros
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- 6 cores for parallel tasks
- Higher base clock than 8400T
- Runs very cool
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- No Hyper-Threading
- End-of-life platform
- Limited by 35W power limit under load
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-7500T
- AMD Ryzen 3 1300XRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 1400Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-7400TRival
Desktop (Low Power)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-6500TRival
Desktop (Low Power)
- AMD A12-9800Rival
Desktop
More cores and better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GEAlt
Better graphics and SMT for similar power.
- Intel Core i3-10100TAlt
Hyper-Threading and higher clocks.
- Intel Pentium Gold G5400TAlt
Cheaper alternative for basic office tasks.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GEAlt
Better integrated graphics for SFF builds.
Intel Core i5-8500T
- AMD Ryzen 5 2400GERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8400TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600ERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700TRival
High-End 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.
Our Verdict on Each
A solid low-power desktop CPU with slightly higher clocks than the 7400T, but still hampered by a lack of Hyper-Threading.
Best for: Building a low-power, silent NAS or HTPC using used parts.
Read the full reviewAn excellent low-power 6-core processor that offers better performance than the 8400T, making it a great choice for SFF builds where space and power are constrained.
Best for: Building a quiet home server or SFF office PC using used parts.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-7500T or Intel Core i5-8500T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-8500T comes out ahead with a score of 7.8/10. 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 i5-7500T or Intel Core i5-8500T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-8500T leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Intel Core i5-7500T and Intel Core i5-8500T.
Do Intel Core i5-7500T and Intel Core i5-8500T 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 i5-8500T has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-7500T (4 cores), Intel Core i5-8500T (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-8500T posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-7500T (5,500), Intel Core i5-8500T (9,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.