Core i5-7442EQ vs Processor N100

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 Processor N100 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 Processor N100: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Processor N100 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,834 vs 4,869).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.3 vs 38.0 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $128 MSRP).

Processor N100

2023

Why buy it

✅Costs $122 less on MSRP ($128 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 96.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 38.0 vs 19.3 PassMark/$ ($128 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-7442EQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Processor N100 better than Core i5-7442EQ?

Yes. Processor N100 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Processor N100 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.6% 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, Processor N100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Processor N100 is the better buy right now. Processor N100 comes in $122 cheaper on MSRP at $128 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 96.7% better value on MSRP (38.0 vs 19.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Processor N100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2017), a healthier platform with FCBGA1264 and DDR5 instead of the older platform, and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-7442EQ vs Processor N100 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.

Processor N100

The Processor N100 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 0.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 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. Passmark benchmark score: 4,869 points. Launch price was $128.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-7442EQ and Processor N100 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core i5-7442EQ versus 3.4 GHz on the Processor N100 — a 47.3% clock advantage for the Processor N100. The Core i5-7442EQ uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Processor N100 uses Alder Lake-N (2023) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7442EQ scores 4,834 against the Processor N100's 4,869 — a 0.7% lead for the Processor N100. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-7442EQ vs 6 MB (total) on the Processor N100.

Feature	Core i5-7442EQ	Processor N100
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	2.1 GHz	3.4 GHz+62%
Base Clock	—	0.1 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB	2 MB (total)+100%
Process	14 nm	10 nm-29%
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Alder Lake-N (2023)
PassMark	4,834	4,869
Geekbench 6 Single	728	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,387	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7442EQ) / not specified (Processor N100). The Core i5-7442EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Processor N100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7442EQ targets Embedded.

Feature	Core i5-7442EQ	Processor N100
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Embedded	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-7442EQ was priced at $250, while the Processor N100 came in at $128. On launch pricing ($250 vs $128), Processor N100 was $122 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7442EQ delivers 19.3 pts/$ vs 38.0 pts/$ for the Processor N100 — making the Processor N100 the 65.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-7442EQ	Processor N100
MSRP	$250	$128-49%
Performance per Dollar	19.3	38.0+97%
Release Date	2017	2023

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