CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-7700T vs Intel Core i7-8670T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-7700T is a low-power desktop processor launched in January 2017 as part of the 7th Generation Kaby Lake family. Designed for small form factor (SFF) PCs and all-in-one systems, it operates at a highly efficient 35-watt TDP. Built on Intel's 14nm process, it features 4 cores and 8 threads. The processor runs at a base clock of 2.9 GHz and can boost up to 3.8 GHz using Intel Turbo Boost 2.0. It includes 8MB of L3 cache and integrates Intel HD Graphics 630, which supports hardware-accelerated media playback and basic gaming. The 'T' suffix denotes its low-power nature, trading raw multi-core frequency for energy efficiency and cooler operation. This allows it to be used in compact chassis with minimal cooling requirements. While it lacks the unlocked multiplier of its 'K' series sibling, the i7-7700T remains a reliable choice for office workstations, HTPCs, and compact builds where space and power are constrained.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Good for office tasks, though newer CPUs offer much better performance.
Handles office tasks and multitasking effortlessly due to 6 cores.
Gaming
Basic gaming is possible with HD 630, but not for modern titles.
Good for gaming when paired with a discrete GPU, though clock speeds limit high-refresh play.
Virtualization
Can run light VMs but limited by 4 cores and 35W TDP.
Good for light VMs in a compact form factor.
Efficiency
Excellent efficiency for a desktop processor of its era.
Exceptional efficiency, runs very cool and quiet.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- No AI accelerators
- Relies on CPU cores
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 630 is not meant for gaming
- Can run older or 2D games
- Needs a discrete GPU for serious gaming
- Lower base clock may bottleneck fast GPUs
- Great for SFF gaming builds
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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- 14nm process is outdated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
Pros
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- Six cores for multitasking
- Quiet operation capability
- Good integrated graphics for media
Cons
- Lower clock speeds
- Locked multiplier
- Harder to find on the used market
- Not ideal for heavy workloads
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i7-8670T
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600ERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8500TRival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-9400TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GEAlt
Newer, faster, and more efficient.
- Intel Core i5-10400TAlt
Cheaper 10th gen alternative with similar performance.
- Intel Core i7-9700TAlt
Successor with slightly better clocks.
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600GAlt
Better integrated graphics and multi-threading.
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewAn excellent choice for compact builds, offering six cores within a strict 35W TDP for silent operation and solid productivity performance.
Best for: Building a near-silent Mini-ITX PC for the living room or office.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-7700T or Intel Core i7-8670T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8670T comes out ahead with a score of 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 i7-7700T or Intel Core i7-8670T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8670T leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Intel Core i7-7700T and Intel Core i7-8670T.
Do Intel Core i7-7700T and Intel Core i7-8670T use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket 1151 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-8670T has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-7700T (4 cores), Intel Core i7-8670T (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8670T posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-8670T (12,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.