Core i7-2700K vs Core i5-7440EQ
Core i7-2700K
Core i5-7440EQ
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 i7-2700K is positioned at rank 863 and the Core i5-7440EQ is on rank 729, so the Core i5-7440EQ offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2700K
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-7440EQ
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-2700K | Core i5-7440EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($45) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-2700K | Core i5-7440EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+51%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($45) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
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 i7-2700K and Core i5-7440EQ
Core i7-2700K
The Core i7-2700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) 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 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,689 points. Launch price was $514.
Core i5-7440EQ
The Core i5-7440EQ 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: 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 5,711 points. Launch price was $250.
Processing Power
The Core i7-2700K packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i5-7440EQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-2700K versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-7440EQ — a 29.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-2700K. The Core i7-2700K uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-7440EQ uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2700K scores 5,689 against the Core i5-7440EQ's 5,711 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-7440EQ. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 701 vs 892, a 24% lead for the Core i5-7440EQ that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2700K vs 6 MB on the Core i5-7440EQ.
| Feature | Core i7-2700K | Core i5-7440EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz+34% | 2.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% | 6 MB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 1 MB+300% |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 5,689 | 5,711 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 701 | 892+27% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 2,937 |
Memory & Platform
Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2700K versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-7440EQ — the Core i5-7440EQ supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-7440EQ supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: P67,Z68,Z77,H67,H61,B75 (Core i7-2700K) and 100-series,CM230 (Core i5-7440EQ).
| Feature | Core i7-2700K | Core i5-7440EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | — |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR4-2400+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 64 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-2700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i7-2700K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-7440EQ). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2700K) and HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7440EQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2700K targets Gaming Desktop, Core i5-7440EQ targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i7-2700K rivals FX-8150; Core i5-7440EQ rivals Ryzen Embedded V1605B.
| Feature | Core i7-2700K | Core i5-7440EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 3000 | HD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Gaming Desktop | Budget |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-2700K launched at $332 MSRP, while the Core i5-7440EQ debuted at $250. At current prices ($45 vs $30), the Core i5-7440EQ is $15 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2700K delivers 126.4 pts/$ vs 190.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-7440EQ — making the Core i5-7440EQ the 40.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-2700K | Core i5-7440EQ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $332 | $250-25% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $45 | $30-33% |
| Performance per Dollar | 126.4 | 190.4+51% |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2017 |
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