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 i5-7400 vs Core i7-4700EQ 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 i5-7400 vs Core i7-4700EQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-7400

2017

Why buy it

✅+1.1% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $84 less on MSRP ($294 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 30.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.6 vs 14.3 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i7-4700EQ.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4700EQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌38.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 47W.

Core i7-4700EQ

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 47W instead of 65W, a 18W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,417 vs 5,477).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.3 vs 18.6 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-7400.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-7400 better than Core i7-4700EQ?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-4700EQ is ahead with a 10.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-7400 pulls ahead with 1.1% better PassMark. Core i7-4700EQ also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-7400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-7400 is the better buy right now. Core i5-7400 comes in $84 cheaper on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-4700EQ is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 10.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 30.0% better value on MSRP (18.6 vs 14.3 PassMark/$), 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 i5-7400 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2013) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-7400 vs Core i7-4700EQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-7400

The Core i5-7400 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. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,477 points. Launch price was $182.

Core i7-4700EQ

The Core i7-4700EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 May 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,417 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-7400 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4700EQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-7400 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-4700EQ — a 2.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-7400 (base: 3 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i5-7400 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-4700EQ uses Crystalwell (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7400 scores 5,477 against the Core i7-4700EQ's 5,417 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-7400. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7400 vs 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-4700EQ.

Feature	Core i5-7400	Core i7-4700EQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+3%	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+25%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8192 kB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Crystalwell (2013−2014)
PassMark	5,477+1%	5,417
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,359	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,215	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,517	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7400 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4700EQ uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-7400 versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i7-4700EQ — the Core i5-7400 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-7400 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 i5-7400	Core i7-4700EQ
Socket	LGA1151	BGA1364
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+50%	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7400) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4700EQ). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7400) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i7-4700EQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7400 targets Gaming, Core i7-4700EQ targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i5-7400 rivals Ryzen 3 3300X.

Feature	Core i5-7400	Core i7-4700EQ
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Gaming	Mobile

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-7400 was priced at $294, while the Core i7-4700EQ came in at $378. On launch pricing ($294 vs $378), Core i5-7400 was $84 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7400 delivers 18.6 pts/$ vs 14.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-4700EQ — making the Core i5-7400 the 26.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-7400	Core i7-4700EQ
MSRP	$294-22%	$378
Performance per Dollar	18.6+30%	14.3
Release Date	2017	2013

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