Core i5-7640X vs Core i7-4771

Intel

Core i5-7640X

4 Cores4 Thrd112 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-4771

4 Cores8 Thrd84 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Core i5-7640X vs Core i7-4771 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i5-7640X vs Core i7-4771 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 i7-4771: 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 $71 less on MSRP ($249 MSRP vs $320 MSRP).
  • Delivers 27.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.4 vs 22.3 PassMark/$ ($249 MSRP vs $320 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4771 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (3,726 vs 3,910).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
  • 33.3% higher power demand at 112W vs 84W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4771 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-4771

2013

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +5.4% 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.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4600, while Core i5-7640X needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i5-7640X.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 22.3 vs 28.4 PassMark/$ ($320 MSRP vs $249 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4771 better than Core i5-7640X?
Yes. Core i7-4771 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 4.9% better Geekbench multi-core, and 1.1% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4771 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.4% 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 i7-4771 is the stronger fit. You are getting 4.9% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 i7-4771 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-4771 comes in 28.5% more expensive on MSRP at $320 MSRP versus $249 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-7640X only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 27.1% better value on paper (28.4 vs 22.3 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4771 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Core i7-4771

The Core i7-4771 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 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: 256 kB (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 $450.

Processing Power

The Core i5-7640X packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4771's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i5-7640X versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4771 — 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 i7-4771 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7640X scores 7,060 against the Core i7-4771's 7,141 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-4771. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,419 vs 1,139, a 21.9% lead for the Core i5-7640X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 3,726 vs 3,910 (4.8% advantage for the Core i7-4771). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7640X vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4771.

FeatureCore i5-7640XCore i7-4771
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)
256 kB (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+25%
1,139
Geekbench 6 Multi
3,726
3,910+5%
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7640X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4771 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-7640X versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-4771 — the Core i5-7640X supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-7640X supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i5-7640X) and H81,B85,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i7-4771).

FeatureCore i5-7640XCore i7-4771
Socket
LGA2066
LGA1150
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666+67%
DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB+100%
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i5-7640X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: Yes (Core i5-7640X) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4771). The Core i7-4771 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i5-7640X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7640X targets Desktop, Core i7-4771 targets Desktop.

FeatureCore i5-7640XCore i7-4771
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
Yes
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Desktop
Desktop
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-7640X was priced at $249, while the Core i7-4771 came in at $320. On launch pricing ($249 vs $320), Core i5-7640X was $71 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7640X delivers 28.4 pts/$ vs 22.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-4771 — making the Core i5-7640X the 23.8% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-7640XCore i7-4771
MSRP
$249-22%
$320
Performance per Dollar
28.4+27%
22.3
Release Date
2017
2013

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