Core i5-7440EQ vs Xeon E3-1205 v6

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 E3-1205 v6 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 E3-1205 v6: 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

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Xeon E3-1205 v6 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $250 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1205 v6 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3-1205 v6

2017

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,682 vs 5,711).
❌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 i5-7440EQ better than Xeon E3-1205 v6?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1205 v6 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 0.5% 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 at an unclear MSRP at $250 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.5% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon E3-1205 v6 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (22.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 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 Xeon E3-1205 v6 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 E3-1205 v6

The Xeon E3-1205 v6 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 March 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400, DDR3L-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 5,682 points. Launch price was $193.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-7440EQ and Xeon E3-1205 v6 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-7440EQ versus 3 GHz on the Xeon E3-1205 v6 — a 3.4% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1205 v6. Both are built on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-7440EQ scores 5,711 against the Xeon E3-1205 v6's 5,682 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-7440EQ. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-7440EQ vs 8 MB on the Xeon E3-1205 v6.

Feature	Core i5-7440EQ	Xeon E3-1205 v6
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz	3 GHz+3%
Base Clock	—	3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB	8 MB+33%
L2 Cache	1 MB	1 MB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	5,711	5,682
Geekbench 6 Single	892	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,937	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-7440EQ) / not specified (Xeon E3-1205 v6). The Core i5-7440EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E3-1205 v6 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7440EQ targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-7440EQ rivals Ryzen Embedded V1605B.