Core i5-7440EQ vs Xeon D-1521
Core i5-7440EQ
Xeon D-1521
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-7440EQ is positioned at rank 729 and the Xeon D-1521 is on rank 505, so the Xeon D-1521 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-7440EQ
Performance Per Dollar Xeon D-1521
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-7440EQ | Xeon D-1521 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($241) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell (2015−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-7440EQ | Xeon D-1521 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+704%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($241) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-7440EQ and Xeon D-1521
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.
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+300% | 256K (per core) |
| 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 | — |
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 | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-7440EQ launched at $250 MSRP, while the Xeon D-1521 debuted at $199. At current prices ($30 vs $241), the Core i5-7440EQ is $211 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7440EQ delivers 190.4 pts/$ vs 23.7 pts/$ for the Xeon D-1521 — making the Core i5-7440EQ the 155.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-7440EQ | Xeon D-1521 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $250 | $199-20% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30-88% | $241 |
| Performance per Dollar | 190.4+703% | 23.7 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2015 |
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