Core i7-4700EQ vs Core i5-7400

The Core i7-4700EQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i5-7400's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-4700EQ versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-7400 — a 2.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-7400 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i7-4700EQ uses the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-7400 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4700EQ scores 5,417 against the Core i5-7400's 5,477 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-7400. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-4700EQ vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7400.

The Core i7-4700EQ uses the BGA1364 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-7400 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i7-4700EQ versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-7400 — the Core i5-7400 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-7400 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.

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4700EQ) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7400). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4600 (Core i7-4700EQ) and HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7400) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-4700EQ targets Mobile, Core i5-7400 targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-7400 rivals Ryzen 3 3300X.

The Core i7-4700EQ launched at $378 MSRP, while the Core i5-7400 debuted at $294. At current prices ($180 vs $70), the Core i5-7400 is $110 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4700EQ delivers 30.1 pts/$ vs 78.2 pts/$ for the Core i5-7400 — making the Core i5-7400 the 88.9% better value option.