Intel Core i7-5775R vs Intel Core i7-7700T Comparison

The Intel Core i7-7700T and Intel Core i7-5775R are both 4-core, 8-thread desktop processors, yet they represent distinct design philosophies from different eras of Intel's 14 nm manufacturing. The benchmark data reveals a surprisingly close contest, with the newer Kaby Lake part edging out the older Broadwell chip in most tests, while the 5775R claims a notable victory in one specific workload. This analysis breaks down exactly where each processor excels, what the architectural differences mean, and who should choose which based strictly on the available facts.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head results show a consistent pattern: the Core i7-7700T wins seven of the eight benchmark comparisons, but the margins are almost universally narrow. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the 7700T scores 646 against the 5775R's 641, a delta of just 0.8%. The single-core test in the same suite tells a similar story, with the 7700T posting 91 versus 90, a 1.1% advantage. These are not transformative leads; they represent incremental gains from the newer architecture.

Moving to Cinebench R20, the same trend holds. The 7700T's multi-core score of 2692 edges out the 5775R's 2671 by 0.8%, while the single-core result of 380 versus 376 gives the 7700T a 1.1% margin. Cinebench R23 continues the pattern: the 7700T scores 6410 multi-core and 905 single-core, compared to the 5775R's 6360 and 897, respectively. The deltas here are 0.8% and 0.9%, respectively. These results suggest that while the 7700T is consistently ahead, the real-world difference in rendering tasks would be barely perceptible.

The Geekbench results introduce a twist. In Geekbench multi-core, the 5775R actually wins, scoring 3996 against the 7700T's 3938, a delta of -1.5% in favor of the older chip. This is the only benchmark where the 5775R takes the lead, and it is worth questioning why. The 5775R's higher base clock of 3.30 GHz compared to the 7700T's 2.90 GHz likely contributes to this result, as Geekbench's multi-core test may be more sensitive to sustained clock speeds. However, in Geekbench single-core, the 7700T fights back, scoring 1248 versus 1218, a 2.5% margin that represents the largest single-core win in the entire comparison.

When looking at the average benchmark scores, the two processors are nearly inseparable. The 7700T has an average score of 2039, while the 5775R sits at 2031. Both occupy the 45th percentile among all CPUs, and their nearest rivals are a mix of Xeon processors and older Core i7 parts. The 7700T's closest competitor is the Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 at 2043 (-0.2% delta), while the 5775R's nearest is the Intel Xeon E-2124G at 2034 (-0.1% delta). This data indicates that both chips perform at a similar tier, roughly equivalent to mid-range Xeon workstation parts from their respective generations.

The Verdict

Based strictly on the benchmark data, the Intel Core i7-7700T is the superior processor in seven of eight tests. The margin of victory in most cases is small—under 1.5%—but the consistency is undeniable. For users prioritizing Cinebench rendering workloads or single-core performance, the 7700T is the clear choice. Its Geekbench single-core score of 1248 is 2.5% higher than the 5775R's 1218, which could translate to snappier responsiveness in lightly-threaded applications.

However, the 5775R's win in Geekbench multi-core should not be dismissed. A score of 3996 versus 3938 represents a 1.5% advantage, and this is the only test where the older chip demonstrates superiority. For workloads that resemble Geekbench's multi-threaded patterns—which often involve a mix of integer and floating-point operations—the 5775R may hold a slight edge. The 5775R also carries a launch MSRP of $384, while the 7700T has no listed launch MSRP, making direct pricing comparison impossible.

The production status is another deciding factor. The 7700T is listed as "Active," meaning it is still in production, while the 5775R is "End-of-life." For new system builds, the 7700T is the more practical choice from a availability standpoint. The 5775R's BGA 1364 socket also means it is soldered to the motherboard, eliminating upgrade paths, whereas the 7700T's LGA 1151 socket allows for replacement. The verdict is straightforward: the 7700T wins on overall performance and availability, but the 5775R deserves consideration in multi-threaded scenarios where its Geekbench lead could matter.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on the same 14 nm process node from Intel, but they belong to different microarchitectures. The 7700T uses Kaby Lake, while the 5775R uses Broadwell. This generational gap is significant because Kaby Lake is a refinement of the Skylake architecture, whereas Broadwell was the first 14 nm desktop architecture from Intel. The process node is identical—14 nm—but the design improvements in Kaby Lake deliver higher instructions-per-clock in single-threaded tasks, as evidenced by the 2.5% Geekbench single-core win.

Cache configurations differ notably. The 7700T has 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the 5775R has only 6 MB. This 2 MB difference could explain why the 7700T performs better in memory-sensitive workloads like Cinebench, where larger caches reduce the frequency of main memory accesses. Both chips have 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 cache per core, so the divergence is exclusively at the L3 level.

The integrated graphics are another major architectural split. The 7700T features HD 630, a standard Intel integrated GPU, while the 5775R includes Iris Pro Graphics 6200. The Iris Pro part is significantly more capable, with additional execution units and embedded DRAM that was a hallmark of Broadwell's top-tier desktop parts. While no benchmark data is provided for graphics, the architectural difference suggests the 5775R is better suited for systems without a discrete GPU. The 5775R also has a larger die size of 182 mm², reflecting the inclusion of the more complex graphics and eDRAM, though the 7700T's die size is not listed.

Specification Differences

The most obvious specification difference is the thermal design power (TDP). The 7700T is a 35 W part, while the 5775R is rated at 65 W. This 30 W gap is substantial and indicates that the 7700T is designed for low-power or compact systems, while the 5775R requires more robust cooling. The base clocks reflect this: the 7700T runs at 2.90 GHz, and the 5775R at 3.30 GHz. Both have the same boost clock of 3.80 GHz, which means the 5775R has a higher minimum sustained clock but the same peak performance.

Memory support is a clear generational divide. The 7700T supports DDR4 memory with a bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s, while the 5775R supports DDR3 with a bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s. This 8.5 GB/s difference in theoretical bandwidth could impact memory-heavy workloads, though the 5775R's Geekbench multi-core win suggests it compensates through other means. Both use a dual-channel memory bus, and neither supports ECC memory.

The socket types are incompatible. The 7700T uses Intel Socket 1151, a mainstream LGA socket, while the 5775R uses Intel BGA 1364, a ball-grid array that is soldered to the motherboard. This makes the 5775R effectively non-upgradeable, while the 7700T can be replaced or swapped. Both support PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU, and neither has an unlocked multiplier. The 7700T's part number is SR339, while the 5775R's is SR2AL. The 5775R was released on May 14, 2015, while the 7700T followed on January 2, 2017, a gap of roughly 19 months.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher base clock speed?

A: The Intel Core i7-5775R has a base clock of 3.30 GHz, which is higher than the 7700T's 2.90 GHz. Both share the same 3.80 GHz boost clock.

Q: What is the largest performance gap between the two chips?

A: The largest gap is in Geekbench single-core, where the 7700T scores 1248 versus the 5775R's 1218, a 2.5% advantage. The 5775R's largest win is in Geekbench multi-core, at 3996 versus 3938, a 1.5% margin.

Q: Do both processors support DDR4 memory?

A: No. The 7700T supports DDR4, while the 5775R supports DDR3. The 7700T has a higher memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s compared to 29.9 GB/s for the 5775R.

Q: Which chip is still in production?

A: The 7700T is listed as "Active," while the 5775R is "End-of-life." This makes the 7700T the more viable option for new builds.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The 7700T has an average score of 2039, and the 5775R has 2031. Both sit at the 45th percentile of all CPUs, indicating near-identical overall performance.

Q: Are these processors socket-compatible with each other?

A: No. The 7700T uses Intel Socket 1151, while the 5775R uses Intel BGA 1364. They are not interchangeable.

Where Each One Wins

The 7700T is the winner in all Cinebench tests, including R15, R20, and R23, for both single-core and multi-core workloads. It also wins Geekbench single-core. This makes it the preferred choice for rendering, video encoding, and any application that relies on Cinebench's rendering engine. Its higher L3 cache (8 MB versus 6 MB) and newer Kaby Lake architecture likely drive these wins. For users building a low-power system, the 35 W TDP of the 7700T is a decisive advantage, allowing for passive cooling or small-form-factor designs.

The 5775R wins only one test: Geekbench multi-core. This suggests it has a slight edge in diverse multi-threaded workloads that combine different instruction types. Its higher base clock of 3.30 GHz helps sustain performance under load, and the Iris Pro Graphics 6200 makes it the better choice for systems relying on integrated graphics for light gaming or media playback. The 5775R's 65 W TDP, while higher, enables this sustained clock speed.

For users prioritizing single-threaded performance, rendering speed, or energy efficiency, the 7700T is the data-backed choice. For those who need stronger integrated graphics, higher sustained clocks, or a processor that wins Geekbench multi-core, the 5775R has a specific—if narrow—appeal. The 5775R's end-of-life status and BGA socket limit its long-term viability, but within its niche, it remains a capable part. The data shows a close contest, but the 7700T emerges as the more versatile and future-proof option.