Quick Verdict
A solid low-power desktop CPU with slightly higher clocks than the 7400T, but still hampered by a lack of Hyper-Threading.
Overview
Launch
2017
Status
ActiveGeneration
7th Gen (Kaby Lake)
Market
Desktop
The Intel Core i5-7500T is a low-power quad-core desktop processor from Intel's 7th Generation Kaby Lake lineup. Engineered for small form factor (SFF) PCs, AIO systems, and enterprise mini-desktops, it operates within a strict 35W TDP. Like its sibling the 7400T, it features 4 cores and 4 threads, lacking Hyper-Threading. It distinguishes itself with a higher base clock of 2.7 GHz and a turbo boost of 3.3 GHz, offering better performance for everyday computing. The 6MB L3 cache ensures smooth operation during routine office work and multitasking. Integrated Intel HD 630 graphics provide reliable 4K video playback and support for multiple displays, though it is not intended for 3D gaming. The 'T' suffix denotes its low-power nature, making it an excellent choice for systems where thermal constraints and noise levels are critical. It provides a balance of adequate desktop performance and exceptional energy efficiency for space-constrained environments.
The i5-7500T is the higher-clocked sibling of the 7400T. It offers a 2.7GHz base and 3.
3GHz turbo within the same 35W envelope. While it still lacks Hyper-Threading, the higher clocks make it snappier for everyday office tasks. It is a reliable chip for mini-PCs where low heat and quiet operation are required.
Specifications
Performance
Strong performance for office suites and general multitasking.
Limited by 4 cores and 4 threads, poor for heavy VMs.
Not suitable for gaming due to weak HD 630 graphics.
Excellent performance per watt for silent desktop builds.
- •Uses Intel HD 630 graphics
- •Only for basic 2D games
- •No hardware support for modern gaming features
- •No AI acceleration hardware
- •Limited by 4 threads
Architecture
14nm
Process Node
Kaby Lake
Codename
4C / 4T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
35 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i5-7500T shares the identical Kaby Lake architecture and 14nm manufacturing process as the rest of the 7th Gen desktop lineup. It features four physical cores and four threads, lacking the Hyper-Threading technology found in contemporary mobile processors. Each core is allocated 64KB of L1 and 256KB of L2 cache, with a shared 6MB L3 Smart Cache. The architecture introduced improved media engines over Skylake, specifically enhancing hardware video decoding for 4K HEVC content. The integrated HD Graphics 630 operates at a base of 350 MHz and can boost up to 1.1 GHz. The defining characteristic of the 'T' series is the 35W TDP, achieved by lowering the base clock to 2.7 GHz and the max turbo to 3.3 GHz compared to the 65W i5-7500. This power constraint makes it ideal for dense enterprise environments or small form factor PCs where thermals dictate performance limits. It utilizes the LGA 1151 socket and supports dual-channel DDR4 memory.
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.
- Higher base and turbo clock speeds
- Improved video decoding
- Better turbo boost algorithms
Key Highlights
- Excellent 35W power efficiency
- Good for everyday office and media tasks
- Higher clocks than the 7400T
- Wide motherboard compatibility
- Lacks Hyper-Threading
- Relatively low turbo boost ceiling
- Weak integrated graphics
- End-of-life platform
History
The Core i5-7500T launched in January 2017 alongside the rest of the Kaby Lake desktop family. As a 35W 'T' series processor, it was designed specifically for the small form factor and enterprise markets, finding its way into popular 1-liter mini-PCs like the Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny and HP EliteDesk Mini. Kaby Lake was a minor refresh of Skylake, and the 7500T offered a modest clock speed bump over the 6500T.
During this time, Intel dominated the desktop market, and the 4-core, 4-thread configuration was the standard for mainstream i5 processors. However, the imminent release of AMD's Ryzen processors would soon expose the limitations of this strategy. While the 7500T was a reliable and efficient chip for office environments, its lack of Hyper-Threading quickly became a liability in multi-threaded workloads.
It remains a representative example of Intel's pre-Ryzen desktop strategy, where incremental improvements were prioritized over significant core count increases.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher base and turbo clock speeds
- Improved video decoding
- Better turbo boost algorithms
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Building a low-power, silent NAS or HTPC using used parts.
Avoid if…
- Building a modern gaming rig
- You need high core counts for productivity
- You want a future-proof platform
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It is a slightly faster, higher-binned version of the 7400T.
The 'T' suffix locks the TDP at 35W.
It was a popular choice for Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny PCs.
The HD 630 graphics can drive three 4K displays.
It uses the same LGA 1151 socket as 6th and 7th Gen CPUs.
It lacks Hyper-Threading, unlike the mobile i5s of the same generation.
The base clock is 2.7 GHz, 300 MHz higher than the 7400T.
It supports Intel vPro for enterprise deployments.
The max turbo boost is 3.3 GHz.
It has 6MB of L3 Smart Cache.
People Also Ask
Is the i5-7500T good for gaming?
No, it is not suitable for modern gaming due to its weak integrated graphics.
What is the TDP of the i5-7500T?
It has a strict 35W TDP.
Does the i5-7500T have Hyper-Threading?
No, it has 4 cores and 4 threads.
What is the difference between 7500 and 7500T?
The 7500T has a lower TDP (35W vs 65W) and lower clock speeds.
What socket does the i5-7500T use?
It uses the Intel LGA 1151 socket.
Can I overclock the i5-7500T?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What generation is the i5-7500T?
It is a 7th Generation Intel Core processor.
Is the i5-7500T good for video editing?
It can handle basic 1080p editing, but is slow for 4K.
Does it support DDR4 memory?
Yes, it supports DDR4-2400 memory.
Can the i5-7500T 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 2.7 GHz.
What is the max turbo frequency?
It can turbo boost up to 3.3 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 an HTPC?
Yes, its low power and 4K video decoding make it great for HTPCs.
Does it have Virtualization support?
Yes, it supports VT-x and VT-d.
What graphics are integrated?
It features Intel HD Graphics 630.
Is the i5-7500T unlocked?
No, it is locked.
What is the max memory supported?
It supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory.
Can it run multiple monitors?
Yes, the HD 630 graphics can support up to 3 displays.