Core i5-7640X vs Core i7-4770K

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 i5-7640X vs Core i7-4770K 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 i5-7640X vs Core i7-4770K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-7640X

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $90 less on MSRP ($249 MSRP vs $339 MSRP).
✅Delivers 34.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.4 vs 21.1 PassMark/$ ($249 MSRP vs $339 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4770K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (7,060 vs 7,141).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌33.3% higher power demand at 112W vs 84W.

Core i7-4770K

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 84W instead of 112W, a 28W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.1 vs 28.4 PassMark/$ ($339 MSRP vs $249 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4770K better than Core i5-7640X?

Yes. Core i7-4770K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4770K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.4% 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 i7-4770K is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Core i7-4770K is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-4770K comes in 36.1% more expensive on MSRP at $339 MSRP versus $249 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-7640X only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 34.6% better value on paper (28.4 vs 21.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA2066.

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

Core i5-7640X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-7640X vs Core i7-4770K Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-7640X

The Core i5-7640X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake-X (2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 112 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 7,060 points. Launch price was $242.

Core i7-4770K

The Core i7-4770K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,141 points. Launch price was $399.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-7640X packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4770K's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i5-7640X versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4770K — a 7.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-7640X (base: 4 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i5-7640X uses the Kaby Lake-X (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-4770K uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7640X scores 7,060 against the Core i7-4770K's 7,141 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-4770K. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7640X vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4770K.

Feature	Core i5-7640X	Core i7-4770K
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+8%	3.9 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+14%	3.5 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake-X (2017)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	7,060	7,141+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,726	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,419	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,726	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7640X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4770K uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-7640X	Core i7-4770K
Socket	LGA2066	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes (Core i5-7640X) / not specified (Core i7-4770K). Primary use case: Core i5-7640X targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i5-7640X	Core i7-4770K
Integrated GPU	No	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	Yes	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-7640X was priced at $249, while the Core i7-4770K came in at $339. On launch pricing ($249 vs $339), Core i5-7640X was $90 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7640X delivers 28.4 pts/$ vs 21.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-4770K — making the Core i5-7640X the 29.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-7640X	Core i7-4770K
MSRP	$249-27%	$339
Performance per Dollar	28.4+35%	21.1
Release Date	2017	2013

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