A10-7860K vs Core i5-4400E

AMD

A10-7860K

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 4 GHz2016
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-4400E

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2013

A10-7860K vs Core i5-4400E Performance Spectrum

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.

A10-7860K vs Core i5-4400E 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.

A10-7860K vs Core i5-4400E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A10-7860K

2016

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +9.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $149 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $266 MSRP).
  • Delivers 126.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 27.7 vs 12.2 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $266 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-4400E.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (3,237 vs 3,251).

Core i5-4400E

2013

Why buy it

  • +0.4% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than A10-7860K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.2 vs 27.7 PassMark/$ ($266 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
  • 687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike A10-7860K.

Quick Answers

So, is A10-7860K better than Core i5-4400E?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A10-7860K is ahead with a 9.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4400E pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4400E is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
A10-7860K is the better buy right now. A10-7860K comes in $149 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $266 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-4400E is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.4% better PassMark. It is also 126.4% better value on MSRP (27.7 vs 12.2 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A10-7860K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A10-7860K vs Core i5-4400E Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A10-7860K

The A10-7860K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 3,237 points. Launch price was $130.

Intel

Core i5-4400E

The Core i5-4400E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 512 kB + 3 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,251 points. Launch price was $266.

Processing Power

The A10-7860K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-4400E offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A10-7860K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the A10-7860K versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-4400E — a 19.2% clock advantage for the A10-7860K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The A10-7860K uses the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i5-4400E uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the A10-7860K scores 3,237 against the Core i5-4400E's 3,251 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-4400E.

FeatureA10-7860KCore i5-4400E
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 4
Boost Clock
4 GHz+21%
3.3 GHz
Base Clock
3.6 GHz+33%
2.7 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB
L2 Cache
4096 kB+700%
512 kB
Process
28 nm
22 nm-21%
Architecture
Godaveri (2014−2016)
Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark
3,237
3,251
Geekbench 6 Single
450
🧠

Memory & Platform

The A10-7860K uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4400E uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-2133 on the A10-7860K versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-4400E — the A10-7860K supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A10-7860K supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

FeatureA10-7860KCore i5-4400E
Socket
FM2+
BGA1364
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-2133+33%
DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB+300%
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the A10-7860K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A10-7860K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4400E). Both include integrated graphics Radeon R7 (A10-7860K) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4400E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A10-7860K targets Budget, Core i5-4400E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: A10-7860K rivals Core i3-6100.

FeatureA10-7860KCore i5-4400E
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon R7
HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Budget
Embedded
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A10-7860K was priced at $117, while the Core i5-4400E came in at $266. On launch pricing ($117 vs $266), A10-7860K was $149 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A10-7860K delivers 27.7 pts/$ vs 12.2 pts/$ for the Core i5-4400E — making the A10-7860K the 77.4% better value option.

FeatureA10-7860KCore i5-4400E
MSRP
$117-56%
$266
Performance per Dollar
27.7+127%
12.2
Release Date
2016
2013

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