Intel Core i5-7400 vs Intel Core i5-7300U

The Intel Core i5-7400 was released in early 2017 and is based on the Kaby Lake S architecture. This processor is aimed at users looking for a balanced desktop system for office work and light entertainment.

It is manufactured using the 14 nm process, with four cores and four threads available. In benchmarks, the Intel Core i5-7400 shows significantly higher multi-core performance than the comparison model. It also shows clear advantages in single-core performance in specific tests, while other measured values show a difference of less than ten percent.

In gaming scenarios, it offers more stable frame rates thanks to its native quad-core structure and Intel HD Graphics 630. The Thermal Design Power is specified at 65 watts, which requires appropriate cooling. With a memory bandwidth of 38 GB/s and PCIe 3.0, it is a solid choice for classic desktop computers.

Pricing on the used market makes it an economical solution for simple productivity systems. The Intel Core i5-7300U uses the Kaby Lake U architecture and is primarily intended for mobile devices or very compact mini-PCs.

Like the desktop model, it is produced using the 14 nm process, but has only two cores and four threads. In terms of multi-core performance, it lags significantly behind its desktop counterpart, while single-core performance deviates only slightly in certain scenarios. The Intel Core i5-7300U is hardly suitable for gaming due to the Intel HD Graphics 620 and the lower number of cores.

Its main advantage lies in the low power consumption and thermal heat dissipation. The memory bandwidth is 34 GB/s. This processor is particularly recommended for users for whom energy efficiency and low noise levels are a priority, while absolute computing power plays a secondary role.