Core i5-4460 vs Core i5-7442EQ

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 i5-4460 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 i5-4460 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 i5-4460

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $68 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 39.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 27.0 vs 19.3 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-7442EQ.

Trade-offs

❌236% higher power demand at 84W vs 25W.

Core i5-7442EQ

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 25W instead of 84W, a 59W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-4460 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (2,387 vs 2,901).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.3 vs 27.0 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4460.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4460 better than Core i5-7442EQ?

Yes. Core i5-4460 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 21.5% better Geekbench multi-core, and 1.7% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4460 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.7% 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 i5-4460 is the stronger fit. You are getting 21.5% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4460 is the better buy right now. Core i5-4460 comes in $68 cheaper on MSRP at $182 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 39.7% better value on MSRP (27.0 vs 19.3 PassMark/$), 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 i5-7442EQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4460 vs Core i5-7442EQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4460

The Core i5-4460 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 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: 4,915 points. Launch price was $182.

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.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-4460 and Core i5-7442EQ share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-4460 versus 2.1 GHz on the Core i5-7442EQ — a 47.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-4460. The Core i5-4460 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-7442EQ uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4460 scores 4,915 against the Core i5-7442EQ's 4,834 — a 1.7% lead for the Core i5-4460. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,104 vs 728, a 41% lead for the Core i5-4460 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,901 vs 2,387 (19.4% advantage for the Core i5-4460). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4460 vs 6 MB on the Core i5-7442EQ.

Feature	Core i5-4460	Core i5-7442EQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz+62%	2.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 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	4,915+2%	4,834
Cinebench R23 Multi	512	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,104+52%	728
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,901+22%	2,387

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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4460 versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-7442EQ — the Core i5-7442EQ supports 50% 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 — 100% 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 i5-4460) and QM175,HM175,CM238 (Core i5-7442EQ).

Feature	Core i5-4460	Core i5-7442EQ
Socket	LGA1150	—
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR4-2400+50%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	64 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4460) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7442EQ). Both include integrated graphics — HD 4600 (Core i5-4460) and HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7442EQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4460 targets Budget, Core i5-7442EQ targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i5-4460 rivals Core i5-4440.

Feature	Core i5-4460	Core i5-7442EQ
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD 4600	HD Graphics 630
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Budget	Embedded

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4460 was priced at $182, while the Core i5-7442EQ came in at $250. On launch pricing ($182 vs $250), Core i5-4460 was $68 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4460 delivers 27.0 pts/$ vs 19.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-7442EQ — making the Core i5-4460 the 33.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4460	Core i5-7442EQ
MSRP	$182-27%	$250
Performance per Dollar	27.0+40%	19.3
Release Date	2014	2017

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