Core i5-7440HQ vs Core i7-2600K

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 i5-7440HQ vs Core i7-2600K 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 i5-7440HQ vs Core i7-2600K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-7440HQ

2017

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2600K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-2600K.

Core i7-2600K

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-7440HQ.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,484 vs 5,490).
❌Launch MSRP is still $317 MSRP, while Core i5-7440HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-7440HQ better than Core i7-2600K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-2600K is ahead with a 11.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-7440HQ pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark. Core i7-2600K also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-7440HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-7440HQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-7440HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $317 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. Core i7-2600K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (17.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-7440HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011) 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 i5-7440HQ vs Core i7-2600K Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-7440HQ

The Core i5-7440HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,490 points. Launch price was $250.

Core i7-2600K

The Core i7-2600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,484 points. Launch price was $317.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-7440HQ packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2600K's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-7440HQ versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600K — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i5-7440HQ uses the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2600K uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7440HQ scores 5,490 against the Core i7-2600K's 5,484 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-7440HQ. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,277 vs 707, a 57.5% lead for the Core i5-7440HQ that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7440HQ vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2600K.

Feature	Core i5-7440HQ	Core i7-2600K
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	3.4 GHz+21%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake-H (2017)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	5,490	5,484
Geekbench 6 Single	1,277+81%	707

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7440HQ uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2600K uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-7440HQ versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2600K — the Core i5-7440HQ supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-7440HQ 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: HM175,QM175 (Core i5-7440HQ) and P67,Z68,Z77,H67,H61,B75 (Core i7-2600K).

Feature	Core i5-7440HQ	Core i7-2600K
Socket	BGA1440	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+80%	DDR3-1333
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 i7-2600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7440HQ) vs VT-x (Core i7-2600K). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7440HQ) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2600K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7440HQ targets High Performance Laptop, Core i7-2600K targets Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-7440HQ rivals Ryzen 5 2500U; Core i7-2600K rivals FX-8150.

Feature	Core i5-7440HQ	Core i7-2600K
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x
Target Use	High Performance Laptop	Gaming Desktop