
Core i5-4400E
Intel
PassMark
3,251
MSRP
$266
AVG Price
$50
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.
Overview
The Core i5-4400E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 512 kB + 3 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,251 points. Launch price was $266.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-4400E is positioned at rank #1032 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-4400E
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core i5-4400E across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core i5-4400E specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core i5-4400E is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.3 GHz from a base frequency of 2.7 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB of L3 cache, plus 512 kB of L2 cache and 128 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 3,251, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Core i5-4400E |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 4T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.3 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.7 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Haswell (2013−2015) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 22 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 3 MB |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 512 kB |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 128 kB |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 130 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 960 Million |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 3,251 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-4400E fits into the BGA1364 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3L-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 4600 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | Core i5-4400E |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | Laptop |
| SeriesProduct family | Intel Core i5 |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | BGA1364 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 16 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR3 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR3L-1600 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 16 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | Yes |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | HD Graphics 4600 |
Advanced Features
The Core i5-4400E is primarily designed for Embedded. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).
| Specification | Core i5-4400E |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Embedded |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | VT-x, VT-d |
Power & Cooling
The Core i5-4400E has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 512 kB + 3 MB — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Core i5-4400E |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 512 kB + 3 MB |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $50 (MSRP: $266), the Core i5-4400E delivers 65 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1032 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2176 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core i5-4400E |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $266 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $50 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $266 |
| Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking | #1032 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #2176 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 1 October 2013 (12 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2013 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (12)












AMD (12)












Our Recommendation for Core i5-4400E
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)









Recommended (Balanced) (12)











High-End (Max Performance) (12)












Popular Comparisons
Compare Core i5-4400E with other popular CPUs












Compare Core i5-4400E
See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives
Better Alternatives (8)
















Similar or Lower Performance (8)
















