Core i5-4440 vs Core i5-7442EQ
Core i5-4440
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 i5-4440 is positioned at rank 663 and the Core i5-7442EQ is on rank 807, so the Core i5-4440 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-4440
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-7442EQ
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-4440 | Core i5-7442EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($101) | ✅ More affordable ($50) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-4440 | Core i5-7442EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+104%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($101) | ✅ More affordable ($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 i5-4440 and Core i5-7442EQ
Core i5-4440
The Core i5-4440 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 3.1 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): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,788 points. Launch price was $335.
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
Both the Core i5-4440 and Core i5-7442EQ share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-4440 versus 2.1 GHz on the Core i5-7442EQ — a 44.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-4440. The Core i5-4440 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-7442EQ uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4440 scores 4,788 against the Core i5-7442EQ's 4,834 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-7442EQ. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,031 vs 728, a 34.5% lead for the Core i5-4440 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,837 vs 2,387 (17.2% advantage for the Core i5-4440). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4440 vs 6 MB on the Core i5-7442EQ.
| Feature | Core i5-4440 | Core i5-7442EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz+57% | 2.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 6 MB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 1 MB+300% |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 4,788 | 4,834 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,031+42% | 728 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,837+19% | 2,387 |
Memory & Platform
Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4440 versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-7442EQ — the Core i5-7442EQ supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-7442EQ supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H81,B85,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4440) and QM175,HM175,CM238 (Core i5-7442EQ).
| Feature | Core i5-4440 | Core i5-7442EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1150 | — |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR4-2400+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 64 GB+100% |
| 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 4600 (Core i5-4440) and HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7442EQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4440 targets Budget, Core i5-7442EQ targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i5-4440 rivals Ryzen 3 1200.
| Feature | Core i5-4440 | Core i5-7442EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4600 | HD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Budget | Embedded |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-4440 launched at $184 MSRP, while the Core i5-7442EQ debuted at $250. At current prices ($101 vs $50), the Core i5-7442EQ is $51 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4440 delivers 47.4 pts/$ vs 96.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-7442EQ — making the Core i5-7442EQ the 68.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-4440 | Core i5-7442EQ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $184-26% | $250 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $101 | $50-50% |
| Performance per Dollar | 47.4 | 96.7+104% |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2017 |
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