Core i3-7320 vs Core i5-7442EQ
Core i3-7320
Core i5-7442EQ
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-7320 is positioned at rank 434 and the Core i5-7442EQ is on rank 807, so the Core i3-7320 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7320
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-7442EQ
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-7320 | Core i5-7442EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($40) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-7320 | Core i5-7442EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+25%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($40) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-7320 and Core i5-7442EQ
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) | 1 MB+300% |
| 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 | ✅ | ❌ |
| 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
The Core i3-7320 launched at $99 MSRP, while the Core i5-7442EQ debuted at $250. At current prices ($40 vs $50), the Core i3-7320 is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7320 delivers 120.8 pts/$ vs 96.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-7442EQ — making the Core i3-7320 the 22.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-7320 | Core i5-7442EQ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $99-60% | $250 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $40-20% | $50 |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.8+25% | 96.7 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2017 |
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