Core i5-4690K vs Core i5-7440EQ

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 i5-4690K vs Core i5-7440EQ 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 i5-4690K vs Core i5-7440EQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4690K

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $7 less on MSRP ($243 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,689 vs 5,711).
❌95.6% higher power demand at 88W vs 45W.

Core i5-7440EQ

2017

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 45W instead of 88W, a 43W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-4690K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌
2.9% HIGHER MSRP
$250 MSRPvs$243 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-7440EQ better than Core i5-4690K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-4690K is ahead with a 9.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-7440EQ pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-7440EQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-7440EQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-7440EQ comes in 2.9% more expensive on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $243 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. Core i5-4690K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 2.5% better value on paper (23.4 vs 22.8 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

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

Core i5-7440EQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2014) and 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 i5-4690K vs Core i5-7440EQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4690K

The Core i5-4690K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 88 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,689 points. Launch price was $300.

Core i5-7440EQ

The Core i5-7440EQ 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: 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 5,711 points. Launch price was $250.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-4690K and Core i5-7440EQ share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-4690K versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-7440EQ — a 29.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-4690K. The Core i5-4690K uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-7440EQ uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4690K scores 5,689 against the Core i5-7440EQ's 5,711 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-7440EQ. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4690K vs 6 MB on the Core i5-7440EQ.

Feature	Core i5-4690K	Core i5-7440EQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+34%	2.9 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 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	5,689	5,711
Geekbench 6 Single	—	892
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,937

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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4690K versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-7440EQ — the Core i5-7440EQ supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-7440EQ 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.

Feature	Core i5-4690K	Core i5-7440EQ
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

Only the Core i5-4690K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4690K) and HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7440EQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4690K targets Desktop, Core i5-7440EQ targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-7440EQ rivals Ryzen Embedded V1605B.

Feature	Core i5-4690K	Core i5-7440EQ
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	HD Graphics 630
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Desktop	Budget

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4690K was priced at $243, while the Core i5-7440EQ came in at $250. On launch pricing ($243 vs $250), Core i5-4690K was $7 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4690K delivers 23.4 pts/$ vs 22.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-7440EQ — making the Core i5-4690K the 2.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4690K	Core i5-7440EQ
MSRP	$243-3%	$250
Performance per Dollar	23.4+3%	22.8
Release Date	2014	2017

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