Core i5-4400E
CPU·Budget

Core i5-4400E

Intel

PassMark

3,251

MSRP

$266

AVG Price

$50

1 October 2013 (12 years ago)
512 kB + 3 MB
Haswell (2013−2015)

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-4400E

#1020
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
2401%
#1021
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
2366%
#1022
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
2172%
#1023
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
2162%
#1024
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
2142%
#1026
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
2069%
#1027
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
1984%
#1028
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
1980%
#1029
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
1927%
#1032
Core i5-4400E
MSRP: $266|Avg: $50
100%
#1034
Pentium Dual Core T4400
MSRP: $107|Avg: $5
98%
#1037
Core i7-8665UE
MSRP: $409|Avg: $409
97%
#1038
Celeron T3300
MSRP: $86|Avg: $15
96%
#1039
Celeron Dual-Core T3300
MSRP: $86|Avg: $30
96%
#1042
Core i7-3612QE
MSRP: $426|Avg: $50
95%
#1043
A10-7300
MSRP: $150|Avg: $50
95%
#1044
Pentium Dual Core T4200
MSRP: $100|Avg: $10
94%
#1045
A6 Micro-6500T
MSRP: $100|Avg: $15
94%
#1046
Pentium N3520
MSRP: $100|Avg: $10
94%
#1047
E2-3800
MSRP: $100|Avg: $20
93%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

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.

SpecificationCore i5-4400E
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.7 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designHaswell (2013−2015)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores3 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data512 kB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache128 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor130 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities960 Million
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score3,251
🧠

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.

SpecificationCore i5-4400E
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Core i5
SocketMotherboard socket requiredBGA1364
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion16
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR3L-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionYes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorHD 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).

SpecificationCore i5-4400E
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryEmbedded
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-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.

SpecificationCore i5-4400E
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload512 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.

SpecificationCore 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 date1 October 2013 (12 years ago)
Release Year2013
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel

Our Recommendation for Core i5-4400E

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