Core i5-7400T vs Core i7-2960XM

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i5-7400T vs Core i7-2960XM FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-7400T vs Core i7-2960XM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-7400T

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 55W, a 20W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-2960XM.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2960XM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,692 vs 4,709).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $182 MSRP, while Core i7-2960XM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-2960XM

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌57.1% higher power demand at 55W vs 35W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-7400T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2960XM better than Core i5-7400T?

Yes. Core i7-2960XM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2960XM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.9% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2960XM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-2960XM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-2960XM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-7400T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (25.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-7400T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-7400T vs Core i7-2960XM Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-7400T

The Core i5-7400T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,692 points. Launch price was $187.

Core i7-2960XM

The Core i7-2960XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,709 points. Launch price was $1,096.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-7400T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2960XM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i5-7400T versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-2960XM — a 20.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-2960XM (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i5-7400T uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2960XM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7400T scores 4,692 against the Core i7-2960XM's 4,709 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-2960XM. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7400T vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2960XM.

Feature	Core i5-7400T	Core i7-2960XM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3.7 GHz+23%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	2.7 GHz+13%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	4,692	4,709
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,334	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,069	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,463	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7400T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2960XM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-7400T versus 1600 on the Core i7-2960XM — the Core i5-7400T supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-7400T supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: B150,Q170,B250,Q250,H110,Q270,H170,Z170,H270,Z270 (Core i5-7400T) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i7-2960XM).

Feature	Core i5-7400T	Core i7-2960XM
Socket	LGA1151	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+50%	1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i5-7400T) vs true (Core i7-2960XM). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7400T) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2960XM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2960XM rivals Core i7-2820QM.