Core i5-7440EQ vs Core i5-10400F

Intel

Core i5-7440EQ

4 Cores4 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-10400F

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2020
Core family
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Core i5-7440EQ vs Core i5-10400F Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 i5-7440EQ vs Core i5-10400F 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 i5-7440EQ vs Core i5-10400F: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-7440EQ

2017

Why buy it

  • Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Core i5-10400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-10400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (2,937 vs 5,783).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 22.8 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-10400F.

Core i5-10400F

2020

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +89.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Costs $90 less on MSRP ($160 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
  • Delivers 256.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 81.4 vs 22.8 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-7440EQ.

Trade-offs

  • 44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-7440EQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-10400F better than Core i5-7440EQ?
Yes. Core i5-10400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 89.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 96.9% better Geekbench multi-core, 128.1% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i5-10400F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 89.3% 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 i5-10400F is the stronger fit. You are getting 96.9% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-10400F is the better buy right now. Core i5-10400F comes in $90 cheaper on MSRP at $160 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 89.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 256.5% better value on MSRP (81.4 vs 22.8 PassMark/$), 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 i5-10400F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2017), 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-7440EQ vs Core i5-10400F Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Core i5-10400F

The Core i5-10400F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 13,029 points. Launch price was $155.

Processing Power

The Core i5-7440EQ packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-10400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-10400F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-7440EQ versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F — a 38.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-10400F. The Core i5-7440EQ uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-10400F uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7440EQ scores 5,711 against the Core i5-10400F's 13,029 — a 78.1% lead for the Core i5-10400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 892 vs 1,454, a 47.9% lead for the Core i5-10400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,937 vs 5,783 (65.3% advantage for the Core i5-10400F). L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-7440EQ vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F.

FeatureCore i5-7440EQCore i5-10400F
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock
2.9 GHz
4.3 GHz+48%
Base Clock
2.9 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB
12 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache
1 MB
256K (per core)+25500%
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark
5,711
13,029+128%
Cinebench R23 Multi
8,191
Geekbench 6 Single
892
1,454+63%
Geekbench 6 Multi
2,937
5,783+97%
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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-7440EQ versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F — the Core i5-10400F supports 11.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-10400F supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: 100-series,CM230 (Core i5-7440EQ) and H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F).

FeatureCore i5-7440EQCore i5-10400F
Socket
LGA1200
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2400
DDR4-2666+11%
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
128 GB+100%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i5-7440EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-10400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7440EQ targets Budget, Core i5-10400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-7440EQ rivals Ryzen Embedded V1605B; Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.

FeatureCore i5-7440EQCore i5-10400F
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 630
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Budget
Gaming
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-7440EQ was priced at $250, while the Core i5-10400F came in at $160. On launch pricing ($250 vs $160), Core i5-10400F was $90 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7440EQ delivers 22.8 pts/$ vs 81.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400F — making the Core i5-10400F the 112.4% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-7440EQCore i5-10400F
MSRP
$250
$160-36%
Performance per Dollar
22.8
81.4+257%
Release Date
2017
2020

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