CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-8420T vs Intel Core i7-7700T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-8420T is a low-power desktop processor part of the 8th generation Coffee Lake family. Released in September 2018, it is a slight revision of the i5-8400T. Built on the 14nm process, it features 6 cores and 6 threads. The 'T' suffix indicates a 35W TDP, making it suitable for small form factor and energy-efficient systems. The base clock is 1.8 GHz, with a maximum turbo boost of 3.4 GHz, offering a minor bump over its predecessor. It includes 9 MB of Intel Smart Cache and supports dual-channel DDR4 memory up to 2666 MT/s. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 handles standard display output. With 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes, it provides sufficient bandwidth for typical desktop expansions. Compatible with LGA 1151 sockets on 300-series chipsets, the i5-8420T is an OEM-focused chip designed for corporate environments and compact PCs where power efficiency is paramount.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
6 cores provide good office performance, but single-core is limited.
Good for office tasks, though newer CPUs offer much better performance.
Gaming
Marginally better than 8400T, but still too slow for modern gaming.
Basic gaming is possible with HD 630, but not for modern titles.
Virtualization
Suitable for basic VMs, but lacks threads.
Can run light VMs but limited by 4 cores and 35W TDP.
Efficiency
Excellent 35W efficiency.
Excellent efficiency for a desktop processor of its era.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware.
- Slow CPU inference.
- No dedicated AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- Low clocks limit high-refresh gaming.
- Integrated graphics are weak.
- Needs a discrete GPU for any real gaming.
- HD 630 is not meant for gaming
- Can run older or 2D games
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Ultra-low 35W TDP
- Good for silent or fanless builds
- Solid single-core performance
- Includes HD 630 graphics
Cons
- Only 4 cores
- Locked multiplier
- 14nm process is outdated
- LGA 1151 is a dead platform
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core i7-7700T
- AMD Ryzen 5 1400Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2400GERival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-7500TRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-6700TRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200GERival
Desktop
Modern alternative with much better performance and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GAlt
Superior integrated graphics and CPU performance.
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
Modern 6-core alternative with an upgrade path.
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600GAlt
Great budget APU for small form factor builds.
6-core low-power alternative on the same socket.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA highly efficient 35W desktop CPU that offers solid quad-core performance for compact builds, though it is outclassed by modern alternatives in both speed and efficiency.
Best for: If you are considering the Intel Core i7-7700T today, it should only be for specific budget or replacement scenarios. It is an excellent choice if you are building a small form factor PC for basic office work, web browsing, or as a home theater PC, where its 35W TDP allows for silent or fanless operation. However, for new builds, modern processors offer significantly better performance and efficiency. The 7700T is best purchased used or refurbished at a low price. Avoid this processor if you need to do any modern gaming, heavy video editing, or if you want an upgrade path, as the LGA 1151 socket is obsolete. It is a solid, reliable chip for basic computing needs in constrained environments.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-8420T or Intel Core i7-7700T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-7700T 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 i5-8420T or Intel Core i7-7700T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-8420T leads with a gaming performance score of 52/100 among Intel Core i5-8420T and Intel Core i7-7700T.
Do Intel Core i5-8420T and Intel Core i7-7700T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-8420T: LGA 1151, Intel Core i7-7700T: Intel Socket 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-8420T has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-8420T (6 cores), Intel Core i7-7700T (4 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 i5-8420T (8,600). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.