Core i5-4402E vs Core m3-7Y32

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 i5-4402E vs Core m3-7Y32 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 i5-4402E vs Core m3-7Y32: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4402E

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $15 less on MSRP ($266 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,681 vs 2,697).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌11277.8% higher power demand at 512W vs 4.5W.

Core m3-7Y32

2017

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 5W instead of 512W, a 508W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌
5.6% HIGHER MSRP
$281 MSRPvs$266 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Core m3-7Y32 better than Core i5-4402E?

Yes. Core m3-7Y32 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core m3-7Y32 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core m3-7Y32 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core m3-7Y32 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core m3-7Y32 comes in 5.6% more expensive on MSRP at $281 MSRP versus $266 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4402E only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 0.6% in the shared gaming data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core m3-7Y32 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2013), 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 2 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 i5-4402E vs Core m3-7Y32 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4402E

The Core i5-4402E 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 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 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: 2,681 points. Launch price was $266.

Core m3-7Y32

The Core m3-7Y32 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 April 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,697 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-4402E and Core m3-7Y32 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-4402E versus 3 GHz on the Core m3-7Y32 — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Core m3-7Y32 (base: 1.6 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Core i5-4402E uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core m3-7Y32 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4402E scores 2,681 against the Core m3-7Y32's 2,697 — a 0.6% lead for the Core m3-7Y32. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-4402E vs 4 MB on the Core m3-7Y32.

Feature	Core i5-4402E	Core m3-7Y32
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3 GHz+11%
Base Clock	1.6 GHz+45%	1.1 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	4 MB+33%
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	2,681	2,697

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4402E uses the BGA1364 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core m3-7Y32 uses FCBGA1515 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4402E	Core m3-7Y32
Socket	BGA1364	FCBGA1515
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4402E was priced at $266, while the Core m3-7Y32 came in at $281. On launch pricing ($266 vs $281), Core i5-4402E was $15 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4402E delivers 10.1 pts/$ vs 9.6 pts/$ for the Core m3-7Y32 — making the Core i5-4402E the 4.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4402E	Core m3-7Y32
MSRP	$266-5%	$281
Performance per Dollar	10.1+5%	9.6
Release Date	2013	2017

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