Core i5-7440EQ vs Xeon E3-1220 v5

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 E3-1220 v5 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 E3-1220 v5: 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 80W, a 35W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Xeon E3-1220 v5 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,711 vs 5,713).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 22.8 vs 28.1 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $203 MSRP).

Xeon E3-1220 v5

2015

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $47 less on MSRP ($203 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 23.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.1 vs 22.8 PassMark/$ ($203 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌77.8% higher power demand at 80W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-7440EQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1220 v5 better than Core i5-7440EQ?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1220 v5 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 gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E3-1220 v5 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.5% 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, Xeon E3-1220 v5 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 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?

Xeon E3-1220 v5 is the better buy right now. Xeon E3-1220 v5 comes in $47 cheaper on MSRP at $203 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 23.2% better value on MSRP (28.1 vs 22.8 PassMark/$), 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 2015). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-7440EQ vs Xeon E3-1220 v5 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 E3-1220 v5

The Xeon E3-1220 v5 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-DT (2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 5,713 points. Launch price was $203.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-7440EQ and Xeon E3-1220 v5 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-7440EQ versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220 v5 — a 18.8% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1220 v5. The Core i5-7440EQ uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1220 v5 uses Skylake-DT (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7440EQ scores 5,711 against the Xeon E3-1220 v5's 5,713 — a 0% lead for the Xeon E3-1220 v5. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-7440EQ vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1220 v5.

Feature	Core i5-7440EQ	Xeon E3-1220 v5
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz	3.5 GHz+21%
Base Clock	—	3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	1 MB+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Skylake-DT (2015)
PassMark	5,711	5,713
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 E3-1220 v5). The Core i5-7440EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E3-1220 v5 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 E3-1220 v5
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 E3-1220 v5 came in at $203. On launch pricing ($250 vs $203), Xeon E3-1220 v5 was $47 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7440EQ delivers 22.8 pts/$ vs 28.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1220 v5 — making the Xeon E3-1220 v5 the 20.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-7440EQ	Xeon E3-1220 v5
MSRP	$250	$203-19%
Performance per Dollar	22.8	28.1+23%
Release Date	2017	2015

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