CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-7600 vs Intel Core i5-8420T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-7600 is a high-end mainstream desktop processor launched in early 2017 as part of the 7th Generation Kaby Lake lineup. Positioned just below the unlocked K-series, it features four physical cores without Hyper-Threading, operating at a base frequency of 3.5 GHz with a maximum turbo boost of 4.1 GHz. This represents the highest clock speeds available on a locked 7th Gen i5 processor. Manufactured on Intel's 14nm process, it maintains a 65-watt TDP, making it easy to cool with standard solutions. The processor integrates Intel HD 630 graphics, providing hardware-accelerated 4K media decoding, and supports dual-channel DDR4 memory at 2400 MT/s. While its high clock speeds deliver excellent single-thread performance for gaming and daily applications, the absence of Hyper-Threading limits its multi-threaded throughput. Utilizing the LGA 1151 socket, the i5-7600 was aimed at users seeking top-tier locked performance, though it was quickly overshadowed by the 6-core 8th Gen processors that followed.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Very snappy for daily tasks, but 4 threads limit heavy multitasking.
6 cores provide good office performance, but single-core is limited.
Gaming
Good for older games due to high clocks, 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 inference
- No dedicated AI hardware.
- Slow CPU inference.
Content Creation
Gaming
- High single-core clocks help older games
- 4 threads cause stuttering in modern AAA titles
- Requires a discrete GPU for any real gaming
- 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
- High single-thread performance
- 4.1 GHz max turbo boost
- 65W TDP is easy to cool
- Hardware 4K video decoding
- Good for legacy gaming
Cons
- Only 4 cores and 4 threads
- Locked multiplier
- Bottlenecks modern 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- Outdated PCIe Gen 3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 i5-7600
- AMD Ryzen 5 1500XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-7500Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-7700Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i3-7350KRival
Desktop
Successor with 6 cores, offering much better modern performance for similar money.
Compare head-to-headThe unlocked version if you plan to overclock on an older board.
Compare head-to-headA cheap modern alternative with 6 cores and 12 threads.
Compare head-to-headA modern budget CPU that vastly outperforms it.
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
Offers the best single-thread performance of the locked 7th Gen i5s, but the 4-core/4-thread limitation makes it a poor choice for modern multi-threaded workloads.
Best for: Upgrading an older LGA 1151 system where maximum single-thread speed is needed without overclocking.
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 i5-7600 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 i5-7600 or Intel Core i5-8420T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-7600 leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Intel Core i5-7600 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 i5-7600 (65 W), Intel Core i5-8420T (35 W).
Do Intel Core i5-7600 and Intel Core i5-8420T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-7600: 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 i5-7600 (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 i5-7600 (6,000), Intel Core i5-8420T (8,600). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.