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 i3-7320 vs Core i5-7442EQ 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 i3-7320 vs Core i5-7442EQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-7320

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +13.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $151 less on MSRP ($99 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 152.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 48.8 vs 19.3 PassMark/$ ($99 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-7442EQ.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,831 vs 4,834).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌104% higher power demand at 51W vs 25W.

Core i5-7442EQ

2017

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Draws 25W instead of 51W, a 26W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-7320 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.3 vs 48.8 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $99 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-7320.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-7442EQ better than Core i3-7320?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-7320 is ahead with a 13.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-7442EQ pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark. Core i5-7442EQ also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-7442EQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Core i5-7442EQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-7442EQ comes in 152.5% more expensive on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $99 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. Core i3-7320 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 152.4% better value on paper (48.8 vs 19.3 PassMark/$), 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 i5-7442EQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-7320 vs Core i5-7442EQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-7320

The Core i3-7320 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 4.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,831 points. Launch price was $157.

Core i5-7442EQ

The Core i5-7442EQ 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. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,834 points. Launch price was $250.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-7320 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-7442EQ offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-7442EQ has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i3-7320 versus 2.1 GHz on the Core i5-7442EQ — a 64.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-7320. Both are built on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-7320 scores 4,831 against the Core i5-7442EQ's 4,834 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-7442EQ. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,388 vs 728, a 62.4% lead for the Core i3-7320 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7320 vs 6 MB on the Core i5-7442EQ.

Feature	Core i3-7320	Core i5-7442EQ
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz+95%	2.1 GHz
Base Clock	4.1 GHz	—
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	6 MB+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	4,831	4,834
Geekbench 6 Single	1,388+91%	728
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,387

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both support up to DDR4-2400 memory speed. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: B250,H270,Z270,Q250,Q270 (Core i3-7320) and QM175,HM175,CM238 (Core i5-7442EQ).

Feature	Core i3-7320	Core i5-7442EQ
Socket	LGA1151	—
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	DDR4-2400
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7320) and HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7442EQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7320 targets Mainstream Desktop, Core i5-7442EQ targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i3-7320 rivals Ryzen 3 1300X.

Feature	Core i3-7320	Core i5-7442EQ
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	HD Graphics 630
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Mainstream Desktop	Embedded

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-7320 was priced at $99, while the Core i5-7442EQ came in at $250. On launch pricing ($99 vs $250), Core i3-7320 was $151 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7320 delivers 48.8 pts/$ vs 19.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-7442EQ — making the Core i3-7320 the 86.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-7320	Core i5-7442EQ
MSRP	$99-60%	$250
Performance per Dollar	48.8+153%	19.3
Release Date	2017	2017

Search Core i3-7320 on Amazon

Search Core i5-7442EQ on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.