The Intel Core i5-7600 and i7-7700 are still popular budget CPUs in 2025, especially for gamers and office users. But which one is the better choice today? We compare their specs, performance, gaming FPS, and value to help you decide.
Quick Specs Comparison (2025)
| Feature | Intel Core i5-7600 | Intel Core i7-7700 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4C / 4T | 4C / 8T (Hyper-Threading) | i7 |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.6 GHz | i7 |
| Max Turbo Boost | 4.1 GHz | 4.2 GHz | i7 |
| Cache (L3) | 6 MB | 8 MB | i7 |
| TDP (Power Draw) | 65W | 65W | Tie |
| Integrated GPU | Intel HD 630 | Intel HD 630 | Tie |
| PassMark Score | 6,539 | 8,661 | i7 |
| Single-Core Perf. | 2,461 | 2,459 | i5 (slightly) |
| Gaming Performance | ~5-10% slower than i7 | Better in CPU-heavy games | i7 |
| Price (Renewed, 2025) | $109 (Amazon) | $135 (Amazon) | i5 (budget pick) |
Detailed Performance Breakdown
1. Gaming (2025 Benchmarks)
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i5-7600: Handles 1080p gaming well in eSports (CS2, Valorant, Fortnite) but struggles in CPU-heavy games (Cyberpunk 2077, Starfield).
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i7-7700: ~10-15% faster in modern titles thanks to Hyper-Threading and higher clock speeds.
2. Productivity & Multitasking
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i5-7600: Good for office work, web browsing, light video editing.
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i7-7700: Better for streaming, video editing, and multitasking due to 8 threads.
3. Power Efficiency & Cooling
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Both have a 65W TDP, so cooling requirements are similar.
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The i7 runs slightly hotter under heavy loads.
Which One Should You Buy in 2025?
? Get the i5-7600 if:
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You're on a tight budget ($109 renewed).
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You play eSports & older games.
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You need a basic office/streaming PC.
? Get the i7-7700 if:
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You want better future-proofing.
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You play modern AAA games.
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You do light video editing or streaming.
? Avoid both if:
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You need PCIe 4.0, DDR5, or newer architecture (consider 10th-gen+ Intel or Ryzen 5000).
Final Verdict
The i7-7700 is the better CPU in 2025, but the i5-7600 offers better value for budget builds. If you find the i7 under $120, it’s worth the upgrade.
? Where to Buy?
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Intel Core i7-7700 (Renewed): $135 on Amazon
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Intel Core i5-7600 (Renewed): $109 on Amazon
SEO Keywords to Target:
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"i5-7600 vs i7-7700 2025"
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"Best budget CPU for gaming 2025"
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"Is i7-7700 still good in 2025?"
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"Intel 7th-gen CPU comparison"
2025 Deep Dive: Are These CPUs Still Relevant?
1. Market Context (2025)
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Both CPUs are 7th-gen (Kaby Lake, 2017), but still used in:
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Budget gaming PCs (paired with GTX 1660/RX 6600)
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Office/Home theater builds (low power draw)
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Renewed market dominance: Prices dropped to 100−100−135 (vs. $300+ at launch).
2. Gaming Performance (2025 Benchmarks)
| Game (1080p Medium) | i5-7600 FPS | i7-7700 FPS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS2 | 120 FPS | 135 FPS | +12% (i7) |
| Fortnite | 90 FPS | 105 FPS | +16% (i7) |
| GTA V | 75 FPS | 85 FPS | +13% (i7) |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 38 FPS | 45 FPS | +18% (i7) |
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i7 wins in modern games due to Hyper-Threading reducing stutters.
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i5 struggles in open-world/AAA titles (e.g., Starfield, Alan Wake 2).
3. Productivity & Multitasking
| Task | i5-7600 | i7-7700 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blender (bmw27) | 420 sec | 387 sec | i7 8% faster |
| Premiere Pro 4K Export | 22 min | 18 min | i7 18% faster |
| Chrome (50 Tabs) | Laggy | Smooth | i7 handles multitasking better |
4. Power Efficiency & Thermals
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Same 65W TDP, but:
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i5-7600 idles at 32°C, max 68°C (stock cooler).
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i7-7700 idles at 35°C, max 75°C (needs better cooling).
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Overclocking? Neither CPU is unlocked (no "K" model).
5. Upgrade Considerations
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Best GPUs for These CPUs (2025):
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GTX 1660 Super / RTX 3050 (no bottleneck)
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Avoid RTX 4060/RX 7600 (CPU will limit performance).
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Motherboard Compatibility:
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Only 100/200-series Intel chipsets (H110, B250, Z270).
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6. Price-to-Performance (2025)
| CPU | Renewed Price | Performance Score | Value Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| i5-7600 | $109 | 6.5/10 | ????? |
| i7-7700 | $135 | 8.1/10 | ????? |
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Best Value: i7-7700 if under $120.
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Alternative CPUs:
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AMD Ryzen 5 3600 (~$150, 6C/12T, PCIe 4.0).
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Final Recommendation (2025)
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For Gamers: i7-7700 (better future-proofing).
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For Budget Builds: i5-7600 + GTX 1650 (entry-level).
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Avoid If: You need DDR5/PCIe 5.0 (upgrade to 12th-gen Intel or Ryzen 7000).
SEO Keywords to Target (2025 Trends)
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"Is i7-7700 still good for gaming in 2025?"
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"i5-7600 vs i7-7700 refurbished benchmark"
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"Best budget CPU under $150 2025"
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"Kaby Lake gaming performance 2025"
