CPU
GPU
Core i5-7442EQ
Core i3-7350K
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 i5-7442EQ is positioned at rank 807 and the Core i3-7350K is on rank 636, so the Core i3-7350K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-7442EQ
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7350K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-7442EQ | Core i3-7350K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) | ✅ More affordable ($45) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-7442EQ | Core i3-7350K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+12%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) | ✅ More affordable ($45) |
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 i5-7442EQ and Core i3-7350K
Core i5-7442EQ
The Core i5-7442EQ 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: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,834 points. Launch price was $250.
Core i3-7350K
The Core i3-7350K 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 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,886 points. Launch price was $179.
Processing Power
The Core i5-7442EQ packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-7350K offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-7442EQ has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core i5-7442EQ versus 4.2 GHz on the Core i3-7350K — a 66.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-7350K. Both are built on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-7442EQ scores 4,834 against the Core i3-7350K's 4,886 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i3-7350K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 728 vs 1,298, a 56.3% lead for the Core i3-7350K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,387 vs 2,740 (13.8% advantage for the Core i3-7350K). L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-7442EQ vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7350K.
| Feature | Core i5-7442EQ | Core i3-7350K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.1 GHz | 4.2 GHz+100% |
| Base Clock | — | 4.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB+50% | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB+300% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 4,834 | 4,886+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 3,100 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 728 | 1,298+78% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,387 | 2,740+15% |
Memory & Platform
Both support up to DDR4-2400 memory speed. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: QM175,HM175,CM238 (Core i5-7442EQ) and Intel Z270,Intel Z170,Intel H270,Intel B250,Intel Q270,Intel Q250 (Core i3-7350K).
| Feature | Core i5-7442EQ | Core i3-7350K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | — | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400 | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7442EQ) vs true (Core i3-7350K). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7442EQ) and Intel HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7350K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7442EQ targets Embedded.
| Feature | Core i5-7442EQ | Core i3-7350K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 630 | Intel HD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | true |
| Target Use | Embedded | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-7442EQ launched at $250 MSRP, while the Core i3-7350K debuted at $179. At current prices ($50 vs $45), the Core i3-7350K is $5 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7442EQ delivers 96.7 pts/$ vs 108.6 pts/$ for the Core i3-7350K — making the Core i3-7350K the 11.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-7442EQ | Core i3-7350K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $250 | $179-28% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $50 | $45-10% |
| Performance per Dollar | 96.7 | 108.6+12% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2017 |
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