CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-8420T vs Intel Core i3-8100T
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.
4 cores handle standard office suites well, but heavy Excel macros or large datasets will show the lack of Turbo Boost.
Gaming
Marginally better than 8400T, but still too slow for modern gaming.
The locked 3.1 GHz clock prevents playable frame rates in modern CPU-heavy games, and OEM systems rarely include a GPU.
Virtualization
Suitable for basic VMs, but lacks threads.
4 threads without Hyper-Threading is the absolute minimum for any VM usage.
Efficiency
Excellent 35W efficiency.
Very efficient due to the low 35W TDP and lack of power-hungry turbo frequency spikes.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware.
- Slow CPU inference.
- No AI hardware.
- Fixed 3.1 GHz clock provides poor inference performance.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Low clocks limit high-refresh gaming.
- Integrated graphics are weak.
- Needs a discrete GPU for any real gaming.
- Fixed 3.1 GHz clock is too low for modern games.
- No Hyper-Threading limits background task handling.
- UHD 630 is not for gaming.
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
- Very low 35W power draw
- Predictable, constant 3.1 GHz performance
- 4 physical cores for multitasking
- Includes UHD 630 for display outputs
- Can be configured down to 25W
Cons
- No Turbo Boost (locked at 3.1 GHz)
- No Hyper-Threading (4 cores = 4 threads)
- Low 72°C Tcase limit restricts cooler options
- DDR4-2400 memory speed limit
- Outdated 14nm process
- Only PCIe 3.0
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 i3-8100T
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-8100Rival
Standard Desktop
- Intel Pentium Gold G5400TRival
Budget SFF
- AMD Athlon 3000GERival
Budget SFF
The 10th gen successor adds Hyper-Threading, Turbo Boost, and higher clocks.
Compare head-to-headIf upgrading an SFF PC, a 6-core T-series chip provides massive headroom.
Compare head-to-headAlder Lake offers a generational leap in IPC for modern SFF builds.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500GEAlt
6 cores/12 threads at low power for modern budget builds.
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 product of Intel's core-count strategy, the i3-8100T traded clock speed and threading for low heat output. It was adequate for basic office work in tiny chassis but aged rapidly due to its lack of Turbo Boost.
Best for: Only if you are repairing an existing SFF PC and can find the chip for under $15 on the used market.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-8420T or Intel Core i3-8100T?
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 i5-8420T or Intel Core i3-8100T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-8420T leads with a gaming performance score of 52/100 among Intel Core i5-8420T and Intel Core i3-8100T.
Do Intel Core i5-8420T and Intel Core i3-8100T 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 i5-8420T has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-8420T (6 cores), Intel Core i3-8100T (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.