Core i5-4430S vs Core i5-4440S

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 i5-4430S vs Core i5-4440S 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 i5-4430S vs Core i5-4440S: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4430S

2013

Why buy it

✅+8.5% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i5-4440S

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (808 vs 877).
❌Lower PassMark (4,370 vs 4,376).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4430S better than Core i5-4440S?

Yes. Core i5-4430S is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% 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 i5-4430S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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 i5-4430S is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4430S is the better buy right now. Core i5-4430S comes in in basically the same MSRP band at $182 MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 0.1% better value on MSRP (24.0 vs 24.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-4430S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-4430S vs Core i5-4440S Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4430S

The Core i5-4430S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,376 points. Launch price was $135.

Core i5-4440S

The Core i5-4440S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,370 points. Launch price was $239.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-4430S and Core i5-4440S share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-4430S versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-4440S — a 3.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-4440S (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). Both are built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-4430S scores 4,376 against the Core i5-4440S's 4,370 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-4430S. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 877 vs 808, a 8.2% lead for the Core i5-4430S that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-4430S vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4440S.

Feature	Core i5-4430S	Core i5-4440S
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.3 GHz+3%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	2.8 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	4,376	4,370
Geekbench 6 Single	877+9%	808
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,397	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1150 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H81,B85,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4430S) and H81,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4440S).

Feature	Core i5-4430S	Core i5-4440S
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4430S) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4440S) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4430S targets Budget, Core i5-4440S targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4430S rivals Ryzen 3 1200; Core i5-4440S rivals A10-6800K.

Feature	Core i5-4430S	Core i5-4440S
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Budget	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4430S was priced at $182, while the Core i5-4440S came in at $182. On launch pricing ($182 vs $182), Core i5-4440S was $0 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4430S delivers 24.0 pts/$ vs 24.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-4440S — making the Core i5-4430S the 0.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4430S	Core i5-4440S
MSRP	$182	$182
Performance per Dollar	24.0	24.0
Release Date	2013	2013

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