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 i7-4860EQ 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 i7-4860EQ: 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

✅Costs $140 less on MSRP ($294 MSRP vs $434 MSRP).
✅Delivers 46.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.6 vs 12.7 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $434 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Core i7-4860EQ needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i7-4860EQ.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4860EQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,477 vs 5,508).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌38.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 47W.

Core i7-4860EQ

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.0% 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 per dollar, at 12.7 vs 18.6 PassMark/$ ($434 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-7400 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-7400.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4860EQ better than Core i5-7400?

Yes. Core i7-4860EQ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4860EQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.0% 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 i7-4860EQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Core i7-4860EQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-4860EQ comes in 47.6% more expensive on MSRP at $434 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-7400 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 46.8% better value on paper (18.6 vs 12.7 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

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 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-7400 vs Core i7-4860EQ 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 i7-4860EQ

The Core i7-4860EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,508 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-7400 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4860EQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-7400 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-4860EQ — a 9% clock advantage for the Core i5-7400 (base: 3 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i5-7400 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-4860EQ uses Crystalwell (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7400 scores 5,477 against the Core i7-4860EQ's 5,508 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-4860EQ. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7400 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4860EQ.

Feature	Core i5-7400	Core i7-4860EQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+9%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+67%	1.8 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Crystalwell (2013−2014)
PassMark	5,477	5,508
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 i7-4860EQ uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-7400	Core i7-4860EQ
Socket	LGA1151	BGA1364
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7400) / not specified (Core i7-4860EQ). The Core i5-7400 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-4860EQ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7400 targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-7400 rivals Ryzen 3 3300X.

Feature	Core i5-7400	Core i7-4860EQ
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Gaming	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-7400 was priced at $294, while the Core i7-4860EQ came in at $434. On launch pricing ($294 vs $434), Core i5-7400 was $140 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7400 delivers 18.6 pts/$ vs 12.7 pts/$ for the Core i7-4860EQ — making the Core i5-7400 the 37.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-7400	Core i7-4860EQ
MSRP	$294-32%	$434
Performance per Dollar	18.6+46%	12.7
Release Date	2017	2014

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