Core i7-7600U
CPU·Budget

Core i7-7600U

Intel

PassMark

3,687

3 January 2017 (8 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 i7-7600U 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 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 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: 3,687 points. Launch price was $393.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i7-7600U is positioned at rank #604 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 i7-7600U

#185
Ryzen 7 5825C
MSRP: $400|Avg: $400
99%
#592
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
796%
#593
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
784%
#594
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
720%
#595
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
717%
#596
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
710%
#598
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
686%
#599
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
657%
#600
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
656%
#601
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
639%
#604
Core i7-7600U
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#608
Ryzen AI 5 330
MSRP: $350|Avg: $350
99%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-7600U specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core i7-7600U 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 3.9 GHz from a base frequency of 2.8 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 3,687, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationCore i7-7600U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.9 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.8 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 score3,687
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-7600U fits into the BGA1356 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR4 memory.

SpecificationCore i7-7600U
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)
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-7600U 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 i7-7600U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload15 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #604 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2073 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore i7-7600U
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$393
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#604
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2073
Release DateLaunch date3 January 2017 (8 years ago)
Release Year2017
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel

Similar Performance

Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.

Our Recommendation for Core i7-7600U

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

Compare Core i7-7600U

See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives

Compare with other CPUs