Core i5-7440EQ vs Core i7-2700K

CPU

GPU

Core i5-7440EQ

4 Cores4 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2017

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Core i7-2700K

4 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2011

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Core i5-7440EQ vs Core i7-2700K Performance Spectrum

Core i5-7440EQ

4 / 4

5,711

+0.4%

5,689

0.0%

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 i7-2700K 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 i7-2700K: 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

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $82 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $332 MSRP).
✅Delivers 33.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 22.8 vs 17.1 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $332 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-2700K.

Core i7-2700K

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +17.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-7440EQ.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,689 vs 5,711).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.1 vs 22.8 PassMark/$ ($332 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-7440EQ better than Core i7-2700K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-2700K is ahead with a 17.0% 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. Core i7-2700K 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 i5-7440EQ 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 the better buy right now. Core i5-7440EQ comes in $82 cheaper on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $332 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-2700K is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 17.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 33.3% better value on MSRP (22.8 vs 17.1 PassMark/$), 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 i5-7440EQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011) 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 i5-7440EQ vs Core i7-2700K Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i7-2700K

The Core i7-2700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,689 points. Launch price was $514.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-7440EQ packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2700K's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-7440EQ versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-2700K — a 29.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-2700K. The Core i5-7440EQ uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2700K uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7440EQ scores 5,711 against the Core i7-2700K's 5,689 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-7440EQ. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 892 vs 701, a 24% lead for the Core i5-7440EQ that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-7440EQ vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2700K.

Feature	Core i5-7440EQ	Core i7-2700K
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz	3.9 GHz+34%
Base Clock	—	3.5 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	1 MB+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	5,711	5,689
Geekbench 6 Single	892+27%	701
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,937	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-7440EQ versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2700K — the Core i5-7440EQ supports 80% 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. Chipset compatibility: 100-series,CM230 (Core i5-7440EQ) and P67,Z68,Z77,H67,H61,B75 (Core i7-2700K).

Feature	Core i5-7440EQ	Core i7-2700K
Socket	—	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+80%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-2700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-7440EQ) vs VT-x (Core i7-2700K). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7440EQ) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7440EQ targets Budget, Core i7-2700K targets Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-7440EQ rivals Ryzen Embedded V1605B; Core i7-2700K rivals FX-8150.

Feature	Core i5-7440EQ	Core i7-2700K
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x
Target Use	Budget	Gaming Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-7440EQ was priced at $250, while the Core i7-2700K came in at $332. On launch pricing ($250 vs $332), Core i5-7440EQ was $82 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7440EQ delivers 22.8 pts/$ vs 17.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-2700K — making the Core i5-7440EQ the 28.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-7440EQ	Core i7-2700K
MSRP	$250-25%	$332
Performance per Dollar	22.8+33%	17.1
Release Date	2017	2011

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