Core i5-7440EQ vs Core i7-3920XM

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 i7-3920XM 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 i7-3920XM: 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 55W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3920XM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,711 vs 5,713).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $250 MSRP, while Core i7-3920XM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-3920XM

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +22.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌22.2% higher power demand at 55W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3920XM better than Core i5-7440EQ?

Yes. Core i7-3920XM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 22.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3920XM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 22.1% 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 i7-3920XM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% 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 i7-3920XM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-3920XM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 22.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-7440EQ only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (22.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on that older DDR4-era platform.

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 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-7440EQ vs Core i7-3920XM 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 i7-3920XM

The Core i7-3920XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,713 points. Launch price was $1,096.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-7440EQ packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3920XM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-7440EQ versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3920XM — a 26.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-3920XM. The Core i5-7440EQ uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3920XM uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7440EQ scores 5,711 against the Core i7-3920XM's 5,713 — a 0% lead for the Core i7-3920XM. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 892 vs 686, a 26.1% 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 i7-3920XM.

Feature	Core i5-7440EQ	Core i7-3920XM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz	3.8 GHz+31%
Base Clock	—	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	1 MB	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	5,711	5,713
Geekbench 6 Single	892+30%	686
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,937	—

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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-7440EQ versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3920XM — the Core i5-7440EQ supports 50% 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 HM77,QM77 (Core i7-3920XM).

Feature	Core i5-7440EQ	Core i7-3920XM
Socket	—	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+50%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-3920XM 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, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3920XM). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7440EQ) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3920XM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7440EQ targets Budget, Core i7-3920XM targets Extreme Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-7440EQ rivals Ryzen Embedded V1605B; Core i7-3920XM rivals A10-5750M.

Feature	Core i5-7440EQ	Core i7-3920XM
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Budget	Extreme Performance Laptop