Core i5-7440EQ vs Xeon D-1521

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 Xeon D-1521 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 Xeon D-1521: 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

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅+300% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 1.5 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Xeon D-1521 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon D-1521 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon D-1521, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 22.8 vs 28.7 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).

Xeon D-1521

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +19.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.
✅Costs $51 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 25.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.7 vs 22.8 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,703 vs 5,711).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (1.5 MB vs 6 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-7440EQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-7440EQ better than Xeon D-1521?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-1521 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-7440EQ is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

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 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 1.5 MB).

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

Core i5-7440EQ is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i5-7440EQ comes in 25.6% more expensive on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $199 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. Xeon D-1521 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games.

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 2015), 300% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 1.5 MB), 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 Xeon D-1521 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.

Xeon D-1521

The Xeon D-1521 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 November 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 1.5 MB (per core). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1667. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,703 points. Launch price was $199.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-7440EQ packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon D-1521's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-7440EQ versus 2.7 GHz on the Xeon D-1521 — a 7.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-7440EQ. The Core i5-7440EQ uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon D-1521 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7440EQ scores 5,711 against the Xeon D-1521's 5,703 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-7440EQ. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-7440EQ vs 1.5 MB (per core) on the Xeon D-1521.

Feature	Core i5-7440EQ	Xeon D-1521
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz+7%	2.7 GHz
Base Clock	—	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB+300%	1.5 MB (per core)
L2 Cache	1 MB	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	5,711	5,703
Geekbench 6 Single	892	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,937	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-7440EQ) / not specified (Xeon D-1521). The Core i5-7440EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Xeon D-1521 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7440EQ targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-7440EQ rivals Ryzen Embedded V1605B.

Feature	Core i5-7440EQ	Xeon D-1521
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Budget	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-7440EQ was priced at $250, while the Xeon D-1521 came in at $199. On launch pricing ($250 vs $199), Xeon D-1521 was $51 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7440EQ delivers 22.8 pts/$ vs 28.7 pts/$ for the Xeon D-1521 — making the Xeon D-1521 the 22.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-7440EQ	Xeon D-1521
MSRP	$250	$199-20%
Performance per Dollar	22.8	28.7+26%
Release Date	2017	2015

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