Quick Verdict
A reliable low-power desktop CPU for basic tasks and SFF builds, but lacks Hyper-Threading and modern performance features.
Overview
Launch
2017
Status
ActiveGeneration
7th Gen (Kaby Lake)
Market
Desktop
The Intel Core i5-7400T is a low-power quad-core desktop processor from Intel's 7th Generation Kaby Lake lineup. Designed for small form factor (SFF) PCs, mini-PCs, and AIO systems, it operates with a strict 35W TDP. Unlike standard desktop processors, it lacks Hyper-Threading, featuring 4 cores and 4 threads. It operates at a base clock of 2.4 GHz and boosts up to 3.0 GHz, providing adequate performance for everyday office tasks, web browsing, and media consumption. With 6MB of L3 cache, it efficiently handles bursty workloads. The integrated Intel HD 630 graphics support 4K video playback and basic display outputs, making it suitable for HTPC (Home Theater PC) builds. While its performance is limited by the lack of Hyper-Threading and low clocks, its low power consumption allows for fanless or quiet cooling solutions, making it an ideal choice for space-constrained environments where silence and efficiency are prioritized over raw computing power.
The i5-7400T brings Kaby Lake architecture to low-power desktop builds. With 4 cores, 4 threads, and a max turbo of 3.0GHz, it is built for efficiency rather than speed.
It lacks Hyper-Threading, limiting multitasking headroom, but its 35W TDP makes it perfect for mini-PCs and quiet office machines where heat and noise must be minimized.
Specifications
Performance
Good for office suites, but 4 threads limit heavy multitasking.
Lacks Hyper-Threading, making it poor for running multiple VMs.
Not suitable for modern gaming; HD 630 is too weak.
Excellent power efficiency with a strict 35W TDP.
- •Uses Intel HD 630 graphics
- •Only capable of very old or simple 2D games
- •No dedicated graphics hardware
- •No AI acceleration
- •Low core count limits compute performance
Architecture
14nm
Process Node
Kaby Lake
Codename
4C / 4T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
35 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i5-7400T is built on the Kaby Lake architecture, representing Intel's second generation on the 14nm process after Skylake. It features four physical cores but lacks Hyper-Threading, operating with 4 threads total. Each core has 64KB of L1 cache and 256KB of L2 cache, sharing a 6MB L3 Smart Cache. The architecture focuses on media processing improvements and clock speed refinements over the previous generation. It integrates Intel HD Graphics 630, which is essentially identical to the HD 530, offering hardware decoding for HEVC 10-bit and VP9 4K video. The 'T' suffix denotes a low-power variant, restricting the TDP to 35W compared to the standard 65W. This is achieved by significantly lowering the base clock to 2.4 GHz and the turbo to 3.0 GHz. The processor uses the LGA 1151 socket and supports dual-channel DDR4 memory, providing a straightforward platform for building efficient, everyday desktop PCs.
CPU Design
4 cores, 4 threads on the 14nm Kaby Lake architecture.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR4 controller.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes for direct CPU connectivity.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier, no manual overclocking.
- Slightly higher clock speeds
- Improved media engine
- Better Turbo Boost behavior
Key Highlights
- Very low 35W TDP for silent operation
- Good for basic office and media tasks
- Compatible with LGA 1151 motherboards
- Affordable on the used market
- Lacks Hyper-Threading (only 4 threads)
- Low clock speeds limit performance
- Weak integrated graphics
- Platform is end-of-life
History
The Core i5-7400T was launched in January 2017 as part of Intel's 7th Generation Kaby Lake desktop processor family. Kaby Lake was essentially a refined version of Skylake, offering slightly higher clock speeds and improved media encoding capabilities rather than a fundamental architectural overhaul. The 7400T targeted the small form factor (SFF) and All-in-One (AIO) markets, where a strict 35W TDP is necessary to minimize heat and allow for compact designs.
During this period, AMD was preparing to launch its revolutionary Ryzen architecture, which would soon make 4-core, 4-thread processors obsolete in the mainstream market. The 7400T served as a reliable, efficient chip for office mini-PCs and digital signage, but its lack of Hyper-Threading became a significant drawback shortly after its release. It represents the end of an era for Intel before they were forced to increase core counts across their entire desktop lineup in response to AMD's competitive pressure.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Slightly higher clock speeds
- Improved media engine
- Better Turbo Boost behavior
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Building a retro or extremely low-power silent PC for basic web browsing.
Avoid if…
- Building a new PC
- You need modern gaming performance
- You require high multitasking capability
- You want an upgrade path
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'T' suffix indicates a low-power 35W desktop processor.
It lacks Hyper-Threading, unlike many other i5s of its era.
It was commonly found in Lenovo and HP mini-PCs.
The HD 630 graphics support 4K hardware video decoding.
It uses the same LGA 1151 socket as 6th Gen processors.
The base clock is only 2.4 GHz to maintain the 35W TDP.
It supports Intel vPro for enterprise management.
The max turbo boost is only 3.0 GHz.
It has 6MB of L3 Smart Cache.
It cannot be overclocked.
People Also Ask
Is the i5-7400T good for gaming?
No, its HD 630 graphics and low clock speeds make it unsuitable for gaming.
What does the T mean in i5-7400T?
The T indicates it is a low-power processor with a 35W TDP.
Does the i5-7400T have Hyper-Threading?
No, it has 4 cores and 4 threads.
What is the TDP of the i5-7400T?
It has a TDP of 35 Watts.
What socket does the i5-7400T use?
It uses the Intel LGA 1151 socket.
Can I overclock the i5-7400T?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What generation is the i5-7400T?
It is a 7th Generation Intel Core processor.
Is the i5-7400T good for video editing?
No, it is too slow and lacks the threads for video editing.
Does it support DDR4 memory?
Yes, it supports DDR4-2400 memory.
Can the i5-7400T run Windows 11?
It can run it, but is not officially supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the base clock speed?
The base clock speed is 2.4 GHz.
What is the max turbo frequency?
It can turbo boost up to 3.0 GHz.
Does it support AVX-512?
No, AVX-512 is not supported on Kaby Lake architecture.
How much L3 cache does it have?
It has 6MB of L3 cache.
Is it good for HTPC builds?
Yes, its low power and 4K video decoding make it decent for HTPCs.
Does it have Virtualization support?
Yes, it supports VT-x and VT-d.
Can I use a 100-series motherboard with this CPU?
Yes, it is compatible with 100 and 200 series boards (may need BIOS update).
What graphics are integrated?
It features Intel HD Graphics 630.
Is the i5-7400T unlocked?
No, it is locked.
What is the max memory supported?
It supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory.