Core i5-7440HQ vs Processor N97

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 Processor N97 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 Processor N97: 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

✅Better for gaming: +7.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Processor N97 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Older platform position on BGA1440 with DDR4, while Processor N97 moves to FCBGA1264 and DDR5.

Processor N97

2023

Why buy it

✅Newer platform on FCBGA1264 with DDR5 support instead of BGA1440 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-7440HQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,445 vs 5,490).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-7440HQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-7440HQ better than Processor N97?

Yes. Core i5-7440HQ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-7440HQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.5% 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, Core i5-7440HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-7440HQ still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-7440HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Processor N97 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2017) and a healthier platform with FCBGA1264 and DDR5 instead of BGA1440. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-7440HQ vs Processor N97 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.

Processor N97

The Processor N97 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): + 6 MB. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 4800 MHz Single-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 5,445 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-7440HQ and Processor N97 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-7440HQ versus 3.6 GHz on the Processor N97 — a 5.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-7440HQ (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-7440HQ uses the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Processor N97 uses Alder Lake-N (2023) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7440HQ scores 5,490 against the Processor N97's 5,445 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i5-7440HQ. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-7440HQ	Processor N97
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+6%	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz+40%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+12700%	2 MB (total)
Process	14 nm	10 nm-29%
Architecture	Kaby Lake-H (2017)	Alder Lake-N (2023)
PassMark	5,490	5,445
Geekbench 6 Single	1,277	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7440HQ uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Processor N97 uses FCBGA1264 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-7440HQ	Processor N97
Socket	BGA1440	FCBGA1264
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7440HQ) / not specified (Processor N97). The Core i5-7440HQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Processor N97 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7440HQ targets High Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-7440HQ rivals Ryzen 5 2500U.