Intel Core i5-1030NG7 vs Intel Core i5-7400T Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i5-1030NG7 wins every single head-to-head comparison in the database, taking all six recorded tests. The largest margin comes in Cinebench R23 single-core, where the i5-1030NG7 scores 671 against the i5-7400T's 562, a 16.2% advantage. Multi-core results tell a similar story, with the i5-1030NG7 posting 4759 versus 3981 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, a 16.3% lead.

The pattern holds across older rendering workloads as well. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i5-1030NG7 scores 479, while the i5-7400T manages 401, a 16.3% gap. Single-core R15 shows the i5-1030NG7 at 67 against 56, a 16.4% difference, the largest percentage margin in any test. Cinebench R20 follows the same trend: multi-core 1998 versus 1672 (16.3% ahead), single-core 281 versus 236 (16% ahead).

These deltas are remarkably consistent, hovering near 16% across every workload. That uniformity suggests the advantage stems from fundamental architectural improvements rather than workload-specific optimizations. The i5-1030NG7's lead is not a single-test anomaly; it is a systematic edge that appears in both single-threaded and multi-threaded rendering tasks.

Notably, the i5-7400T does not win a single benchmark in the head-to-head set. The database records zero wins for the Kaby Lake desktop chip, while the Ice Lake mobile part claims all six. For users comparing raw compute throughput, the verdict is clear: the i5-1030NG7 is the faster processor in every measured scenario.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i5-1030NG7 has an average benchmark score of 1376, while the Intel Core i5-7400T averages 1348. The i5-1030NG7 sits 0.6% above the i5-7400T's closest rival, the Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3.

Q: How do the two chips compare in Cinebench R23 multi-core performance?

A: The i5-1030NG7 scores 4759 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, while the i5-7400T scores 3981. This gives the i5-1030NG7 a 16.3% advantage, the same margin seen in R15 and R20 multi-core tests.

Q: What are the nearest rivals for each processor?

A: The i5-7400T's closest rival is the Intel Core i5-4670 with an average score of 1347, essentially matching the i5-7400T's 1348. The i5-1030NG7's nearest rival is the Intel Core i5-4690 at 1375, just 0.1% below the i5-1030NG7's 1376.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory type?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 memory with dual-channel memory buses. However, the i5-1030NG7 has a higher memory bandwidth at 51.2 GB/s, compared to 38.4 GB/s for the i5-7400T.

Q: Which processor has more threads?

A: The i5-1030NG7 has 8 threads, while the i5-7400T has 4 threads. Both have 4 physical cores, but the i5-1030NG7 supports simultaneous multithreading.

Q: What is the production status of each chip?

A: The i5-7400T is listed as Active, meaning it remains in production. The i5-1030NG7 is listed as End-of-life, indicating it has been discontinued.

Where Each One Wins

The i5-1030NG7 wins in every compute benchmark recorded. It dominates both single-core and multi-core workloads across all three Cinebench versions (R15, R20, R23). This makes it the clear choice for rendering tasks, content creation, and any application that scales with CPU throughput. The consistent 16% lead suggests the i5-1030NG7 will also outperform in general productivity workloads that rely on single-thread performance.

The i5-7400T, while losing all head-to-head tests, still holds relevance in specific contexts. Its desktop socket (Intel Socket 1151) means it can be installed in standard desktop motherboards, whereas the i5-1030NG7 uses the BGA 1044 socket, which is soldered to mobile boards. The i5-7400T also has a higher base clock of 2.40 GHz versus 1100.00 MHz for the i5-1030NG7, though the i5-1030NG7 compensates with a 3.50 GHz boost clock.

For users with existing LGA 1151 platforms, the i5-7400T offers a drop-in upgrade path without changing motherboards. The i5-1030NG7, being a mobile part, is only relevant in laptops or mini-PCs where the processor is already integrated. Neither chip is unlocked for overclocking, so the performance differences come purely from factory specifications.

The i5-7400T also has a higher TDP of 35 watts, which may be an advantage in systems with adequate cooling, as it can sustain higher base clocks. The i5-1030NG7's 10-watt TDP makes it far more power-efficient, but it relies on boost clocks to reach competitive performance.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specifications beyond performance. The i5-7400T has a base clock of 2.40 GHz and a boost clock of 3.00 GHz, while the i5-1030NG7 has a much lower base clock of 1100.00 MHz but a higher boost clock of 3.50 GHz. This means the i5-1030NG7 must boost aggressively to achieve its performance advantage.

Thread counts differ: the i5-7400T has 4 threads, while the i5-1030NG7 has 8 threads. Both have 4 cores, but the i5-1030NG7's additional threads allow better utilization of multi-threaded workloads.

The process node differs significantly. The i5-7400T uses a 14 nm process, while the i5-1030NG7 uses a 10 nm process. The i5-1030NG7 also has a recorded die size of 123 mm², while the i5-7400T's die size is not recorded.

Cache configurations vary in L1 and L2. The i5-7400T has 64 KB L1 per core and 256 KB L2 per core. The i5-1030NG7 has 80 KB L1 per core and the same 256 KB L2 per core. Both share 6 MB L3 cache.

Memory bandwidth differs: the i5-7400T offers 38.4 GB/s, while the i5-1030NG7 offers 51.2 GB/s. Both support dual-channel DDR4 memory, and neither supports ECC.

PCIe support also differs. The i5-7400T lists "Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only)", while the i5-1030NG7 simply lists "Gen 3" without specifying lane count.

Integrated graphics differ: the i5-7400T has HD 630, while the i5-1030NG7 has Iris Plus (64EU). The i5-1030NG7's graphics are more capable, though exact performance numbers are not in the database.

The market segments differ: the i5-7400T is a desktop part, while the i5-1030NG7 is mobile. Release dates differ as well: the i5-7400T was released on 2017-01-02, while the i5-1030NG7 was released on 2020-03-17.

Architecture Differences

The two chips belong to different generations and microarchitectures. The i5-7400T is based on Kaby Lake, Intel's 7th-generation architecture, while the i5-1030NG7 uses Ice Lake, specifically the Sunny Cove-Y microarchitecture. This generational leap explains much of the performance gap.

The process node difference is significant: 14 nm for Kaby Lake versus 10 nm for Ice Lake. The smaller process allows the i5-1030NG7 to achieve higher clock speeds and better power efficiency, as evidenced by its 10-watt TDP compared to the i5-7400T's 35 watts.

The L1 cache structure differs. The i5-7400T has 64 KB per core, while the i5-1030NG7 has 80 KB per core. This increase in L1 cache likely contributes to the i5-1030NG7's single-core advantage, as it can store more working data closer to the execution units.

Threading is a major architectural difference. The i5-7400T lacks hyper-threading, running 4 threads on 4 cores. The i5-1030NG7 supports hyper-threading, doubling to 8 threads. This explains why multi-core workloads show a similar 16% gap to single-core tests: the i5-1030NG7's architectural improvements benefit both single and multi-threaded performance equally.

Both chips have 6 MB of shared L3 cache, so the larger performance difference is not due to last-level cache capacity. Instead, it comes from the newer core design, higher boost clock, and improved memory bandwidth.

The i5-1030NG7's integrated graphics are also newer: Iris Plus with 64 execution units versus the older HD 630. While no graphics benchmarks are recorded, the architectural upgrade suggests better iGPU performance for media tasks.

The memory subsystem is improved on the i5-1030NG7, with 51.2 GB/s bandwidth versus 38.4 GB/s. This higher bandwidth benefits memory-intensive workloads and integrated graphics.

The Verdict

The data points to a single conclusion: the Intel Core i5-1030NG7 is the superior processor in raw performance. It wins all six head-to-head benchmarks with a consistent 16% margin across single and multi-core tests. Its 8 threads, higher boost clock, and newer architecture give it a clear computational advantage over the i5-7400T.

Users who need maximum rendering performance, whether for video editing, 3D modeling, or software compilation, should choose the i5-1030NG7. Its higher memory bandwidth and larger L1 cache also benefit general-purpose computing. The i5-1030NG7's lower TDP of 10 watts makes it attractive for fanless designs or ultra-portable devices, though its BGA 1044 socket limits it to mobile platforms.

The i5-7400T remains a viable option for desktop users with existing LGA 1151 motherboards. Its 35-watt TDP and 2.40 GHz base clock make it suitable for systems with modest cooling, and its Active production status means it is still available for new builds. However, the benchmark data shows no scenario where the i5-7400T outperforms the i5-1030NG7.

For anyone choosing between these two, the i5-1030NG7 is the performance winner. The i5-7400T's only advantages are its desktop socket compatibility and active production status, but these do not translate into any measured performance win. The database records zero wins for the i5-7400T, and the i5-1030NG7's average benchmark score of 1376 places it alongside the Intel Core i5-4690, while the i5-7400T's 1348 aligns with the Intel Core i5-4670.

The verdict is straightforward: if performance matters, pick the i5-1030NG7. If platform compatibility with a desktop motherboard is the priority, the i5-7400T works, but accept a significant performance deficit in every benchmark.