Core i7-7500U
CPU·Budget

Core i7-7500U

Intel

PassMark

3,630

30 August 2016 (9 years ago)
15 Watt
Kaby Lake (2016−2019)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

About PassMark

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.

Overview

The Core i7-7500U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,630 points. Launch price was $393.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i7-7500U is positioned at rank #690 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-7500U

#678
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
970%
#679
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
956%
#680
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
877%
#681
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
873%
#682
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
865%
#684
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
836%
#685
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
801%
#686
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
800%
#687
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
779%
#690
Core i7-7500U
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#695
Processor N95
MSRP: $160|Avg: $80
99%
#699
Athlon Silver 3050e
MSRP: $100|Avg: $60
98%
#705
C-60
MSRP: $50|Avg: $20
98%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-7500U specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core i7-7500U is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.5 GHz from a base frequency of 2.7 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB of L3 cache, plus 512 kB of L2 cache and 128 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 3,630, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationCore i7-7500U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.7 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designKaby Lake (2016−2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores4 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data512 kB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache128 kB
Bus SpeedData bus frequency4 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score3,630
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-7500U fits into the BGA1356 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR4 memory.

SpecificationCore i7-7500U
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Core i7
SocketMotherboard socket requiredBGA1356
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR4
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1 (Uniprocessor)
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Power & Cooling

The Core i7-7500U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

SpecificationCore i7-7500U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload15 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
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Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #690 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2088 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore i7-7500U
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$393
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#690
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2088
Release DateLaunch date30 August 2016 (9 years ago)
Release Year2016
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel

Our Recommendation for Core i7-7500U

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

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