Core i5-7400 vs Processor N97

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 Processor N97 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 Processor N97: 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

✅Better for gaming: +5.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Processor N97 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Processor N97.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $294 MSRP, while Processor N97 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌Older platform position on LGA1151 with DDR4, while Processor N97 moves to FCBGA1264 and DDR5.

Processor N97

2023

Why buy it

✅Newer platform on FCBGA1264 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1151 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-7400 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,445 vs 5,477).
❌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 i5-7400 better than Processor N97?

Yes. Core i5-7400 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.8% 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 i5-7400 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.8% 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 i5-7400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% 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 at an unclear MSRP at $294 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (18.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Processor N97 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2017) and a healthier platform with FCBGA1264 and DDR5 instead of LGA1151. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-7400 vs Processor N97 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.

Processor N97

The Processor N97 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): + 6 MB. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 4800 MHz Single-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 5,445 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-7400 and Processor N97 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-7400 versus 3.6 GHz on the Processor N97 — a 2.8% clock advantage for the Processor N97 (base: 3 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-7400 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Processor N97 uses Alder Lake-N (2023) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7400 scores 5,477 against the Processor N97's 5,445 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-7400. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-7400	Processor N97
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	3.6 GHz+3%
Base Clock	3 GHz+50%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+12700%	2 MB (total)
Process	14 nm	10 nm-29%
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Alder Lake-N (2023)
PassMark	5,477	5,445
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 Processor N97 uses FCBGA1264 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-7400	Processor N97
Socket	LGA1151	FCBGA1264
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
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 (Processor N97). The Core i5-7400 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Processor N97 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	Processor N97
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 Processor N97 came in at $0. On launch pricing ($294 vs $0), Processor N97 was $294 cheaper.

Feature	Core i5-7400	Processor N97
MSRP	$294	$0-100%
Performance per Dollar	18.6	—
Release Date	2017	2023

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