Intel Core i5-7500

The Intel Core i5-7500 is a 4-core, 4-thread desktop processor built on Intel's 14 nm Kaby Lake architecture. It operates with a base clock of 3.40 GHz and a boost clock of 3.80 GHz, positioning it as a solid mainstream option from its generation. The benchmark data shows a processor that remains competitive in single-threaded workloads, though its lack of multi-threading places it behind newer mainstream parts in heavily parallel tasks.

Benchmark Performance

The Core i5-7500 delivers an average benchmark score of 8885, placing it in the 69th percentile of all CPUs tracked by the database. Its performance profile is defined by strong single-core capabilities and modest multi-core throughput, a typical trait of quad-core processors without hyper-threading. In Cinebench R23, the chip scores 5124 points in the multi-core test and 723 points in single-core, showing that its per-thread efficiency is its primary strength. The single-core score of 723 represents about 14% of the multi-core score, a ratio that confirms the processor's scaling efficiency is limited by its four physical threads.

Looking at Cinebench R15, the i5-7500 achieves 516 points in multi-core and 72 in single-core. The multi-core score is nearly identical to what a modern 4-core processor would deliver, but the single-core result of 72 is notably lower than more recent architectures. In Cinebench R20, the scores are 2152 multi-core and 303 single-core. These results indicate that while the processor handles everyday tasks with ease, it will lag behind processors with more cores in rendering and video encoding workloads. The Passmark suite reinforces this picture: the multi-thread score is 6028, while the single-thread score is 2253. The data compression score of 83250 and encryption score of 1817 show that the processor handles these tasks competently, but the find prime numbers score of just 28 reveals its weakness in certain integer-heavy workloads.

Compared to its nearest rivals, the i5-7500 sits in a tight cluster. The data shows a delta of -0.5% against the Intel Core i7-8650U, meaning the i5-7500 scores just half a percent lower on average. Against the Intel Core i3-8100, the delta is -0.7%, again a marginal difference. The Intel Core i5-8350U comes in at -1.3%, meaning the i5-7500 trails by just over one percent. Interestingly, the Intel Core i9-13900E shows a delta of +1.9%, meaning the i5-7500 actually outperforms this specific i9 model in the average benchmark score, though this likely reflects the i9-13900E's lower power envelope rather than architectural superiority.

Power and Thermals

The Core i5-7500 carries a 65W TDP classification. This places it in the standard desktop power tier, which is significant for cooling requirements. A 65W TDP means the processor does not demand exotic cooling solutions; a capable air cooler is sufficient to manage thermals under sustained load. This is a key advantage for system builders, as it allows for compact builds with modest cooling hardware.

The 14 nm process node from Intel contributes to this efficiency. The processor's integrated graphics, the HD 630, also operates within this power envelope. Because the TDP is a modest 65W, the thermal output is manageable in most desktop chassis. The data does not include specific thermal figures, but the TDP class implies that the i5-7500 will not throttle under standard conditions with a basic tower cooler. This is a notable contrast to higher-TDP parts that require more robust cooling solutions, such as large dual-tower air coolers or liquid cooling systems. For users upgrading from older, higher-TDP processors, the i5-7500 offers a more thermally efficient alternative.

How It Compares

Intel Core i7-8650U: The i5-7500 trails this mobile processor by only 0.5% in average benchmark score. The i7-8650U is a 4-core, 8-thread part with a lower base clock, but its higher boost capability and multi-threading allow it to nearly match the desktop i5. In single-threaded tests, the i5-7500 typically holds an edge due to its higher sustained clocks, but the i7-8650U catches up in multi-threaded scenarios.

Intel Core i3-8100: This rival is a 4-core, 4-thread desktop processor, and the i5-7500 edges it out by 0.7%. The i3-8100 is a newer architecture but lacks the i5's higher clock speeds. The benchmark results show the i5-7500's advantage is slim, meaning the two are functionally interchangeable in most real-world tasks. The i5-7500's higher boost clock of 3.80 GHz versus the i3-8100's lower clocks gives it a slight edge in single-threaded workloads.

Intel Core i5-8350U: The i5-7500 is 1.3% slower than this mobile part. The i5-8350U features 4 cores and 8 threads, which helps it in multi-threaded applications. However, the i5-7500's desktop power envelope allows it to sustain higher clocks for longer periods. The 1.3% delta is within the margin of error for many benchmarks, so the practical difference is negligible.

Intel Core i9-13900E: The i5-7500 scores 1.9% higher than this embedded i9 processor. The i9-13900E is designed for power-constrained environments, which likely limits its performance despite having more cores. This result highlights that the i5-7500, despite its age, can still outperform certain modern low-power SKUs in aggregated benchmark scores.

FAQ

Q: Does the Intel Core i5-7500 support hyper-threading?

A: No. The processor has 4 cores and 4 threads, meaning each core handles a single thread. This is reflected in its multi-core benchmark scores, which are lower than processors with similar core counts that feature multi-threading.

Q: What is the difference between the base and boost clock speeds?

A: The base clock is 3.40 GHz, which is the guaranteed minimum frequency under load. The boost clock is 3.80 GHz, which is the maximum single-core frequency the processor can achieve when thermal and power limits allow.

Q: Is the Core i5-7500 a good choice for gaming?

A: The benchmark data shows a single-thread score of 2253 in Passmark, which is strong. Most games rely heavily on single-thread performance, so the i5-7500 should handle gaming workloads adequately. However, its 4-thread limit may become a bottleneck in newer titles that utilize more than four threads.

Q: What memory type does the processor support?

A: The i5-7500 supports DDR4 memory with a dual-channel memory bus. The memory bandwidth is 38.4 GB/s. It does not support ECC memory.

Q: How does the integrated graphics perform?

A: The processor includes HD 630 integrated graphics. The data does not include specific graphics benchmarks, but the integrated GPU is sufficient for basic display output and light multimedia tasks. For gaming, a discrete graphics card is recommended.

Q: What is the production status of the Core i5-7500?

A: The production status is listed as "Active," meaning it is still in production. The release date is 2017-01-02, making it a relatively older processor, but it remains available in the market.

Platform and Compatibility

The Core i5-7500 uses the Intel Socket 1151 platform. This socket is compatible with a range of Intel chipsets, though the processor itself is based on the Kaby Lake architecture. The socket supports DDR4 memory with a dual-channel configuration, and the processor provides a memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported, which limits its use in certain server or workstation environments.

The processor offers PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU. This is standard for desktop processors of its era and allows for a single high-bandwidth graphics card or multiple lower-bandwidth devices. The 16 lanes are sufficient for most gaming and productivity setups. The processor does not have an unlocked multiplier, meaning overclocking is not supported. This is a key consideration for enthusiasts, as the boost clock of 3.80 GHz is the maximum achievable frequency.

The Socket 1151 platform provides a clear upgrade path within its generation. Users can move to higher-tier Kaby Lake processors that fit the same socket, though the data does not specify which models. The processor's integrated HD 630 graphics is included, so a discrete GPU is not mandatory for basic system operation. The 14 nm process node and 65W TDP make it compatible with a wide range of motherboards, including compact mini-ITX boards, due to its modest power and thermal requirements. The part number is SR335, which is useful for identifying the exact stepping of the processor.