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 i5-7442EQ vs Core i7-3612QE 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 i5-7442EQ vs Core i7-3612QE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-7442EQ

2017

Why buy it

✅+8.5% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅Costs $176 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
✅Delivers 67.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.3 vs 11.6 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
✅Draws 25W instead of 35W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3612QE across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Core i7-3612QE

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +14.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (2,200 vs 2,387).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.6 vs 19.3 PassMark/$ ($426 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
❌40% higher power demand at 35W vs 25W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-7442EQ better than Core i7-3612QE?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-3612QE is ahead with a 14.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-7442EQ pulls ahead with 8.5% better Geekbench multi-core.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-7442EQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 8.5% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-7442EQ is the better buy right now. Core i5-7442EQ comes in $176 cheaper on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $426 MSRP, and it still gives you 8.5% better Geekbench multi-core. The compromise is that Core i7-3612QE is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 14.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 67.1% better value on MSRP (19.3 vs 11.6 PassMark/$), 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 i5-7442EQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2012) 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 i5-7442EQ vs Core i7-3612QE Technical Specifications

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

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 i7-3612QE

The Core i7-3612QE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 4,929 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-7442EQ packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3612QE's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core i5-7442EQ versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3612QE — a 38.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-3612QE. The Core i5-7442EQ uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3612QE uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7442EQ scores 4,834 against the Core i7-3612QE's 4,929 — a 1.9% lead for the Core i7-3612QE. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 728 vs 640, a 12.9% lead for the Core i5-7442EQ that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,387 vs 2,200 (8.2% advantage for the Core i5-7442EQ). L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-7442EQ vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i7-3612QE.

Feature	Core i5-7442EQ	Core i7-3612QE
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	2.1 GHz	3.1 GHz+48%
Base Clock	—	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB	6144 kB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	4,834	4,929+2%
Geekbench 6 Single	728+14%	640
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,387+9%	2,200

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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-7442EQ versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3612QE — the Core i5-7442EQ supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-7442EQ supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: QM175,HM175,CM238 (Core i5-7442EQ) and HM76,QM77 (Core i7-3612QE).

Feature	Core i5-7442EQ	Core i7-3612QE
Socket	—	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+50%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+300%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7442EQ) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3612QE). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7442EQ) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3612QE) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7442EQ targets Embedded, Core i7-3612QE targets Industrial/Embedded.

Feature	Core i5-7442EQ	Core i7-3612QE
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Embedded	Industrial/Embedded

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-7442EQ was priced at $250, while the Core i7-3612QE came in at $426. On launch pricing ($250 vs $426), Core i5-7442EQ was $176 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7442EQ delivers 19.3 pts/$ vs 11.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-3612QE — making the Core i5-7442EQ the 50.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-7442EQ	Core i7-3612QE
MSRP	$250-41%	$426
Performance per Dollar	19.3+66%	11.6
Release Date	2017	2012

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