Core i5-7440HQ
CPU·Budget

Core i5-7440HQ

Intel

PassMark

5,490

3 January 2017 (8 years ago)
45 Watt
Kaby Lake-H (2017)

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 i5-7440HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,490 points. Launch price was $250.

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.

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

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-7440HQ across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3

1080p
low137 FPS
medium126 FPS
high105 FPS
ultra82 FPS
1440p
low102 FPS
medium85 FPS
high71 FPS
ultra56 FPS
4k
low59 FPS
medium50 FPS
high43 FPS
ultra33 FPS
Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

1080p
low137 FPS
medium137 FPS
high137 FPS
ultra137 FPS
1440p
low137 FPS
medium137 FPS
high137 FPS
ultra122 FPS
4k
low137 FPS
medium135 FPS
high109 FPS
ultra83 FPS
Deadlock

Deadlock

1080p
low115 FPS
medium101 FPS
high88 FPS
ultra60 FPS
1440p
low105 FPS
medium90 FPS
high79 FPS
ultra53 FPS
4k
low55 FPS
medium48 FPS
high41 FPS
ultra31 FPS
Delta Force

Delta Force

1080p
low137 FPS
medium137 FPS
high137 FPS
ultra137 FPS
1440p
low137 FPS
medium137 FPS
high137 FPS
ultra137 FPS
4k
low123 FPS
medium98 FPS
high91 FPS
ultra78 FPS
Garry's Mod

Garry's Mod

1080p
low137 FPS
medium137 FPS
high137 FPS
ultra137 FPS
1440p
low137 FPS
medium137 FPS
high137 FPS
ultra137 FPS
4k
low137 FPS
medium137 FPS
high137 FPS
ultra135 FPS
Hearts of Iron IV

Hearts of Iron IV

1080p
low137 FPS
medium129 FPS
high107 FPS
ultra70 FPS
1440p
low122 FPS
medium93 FPS
high78 FPS
ultra57 FPS
4k
low86 FPS
medium68 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra39 FPS
Honkai: Star Rail

Honkai: Star Rail

1080p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra59 FPS
1440p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra59 FPS
4k
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high55 FPS
ultra44 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

1080p
low137 FPS
medium137 FPS
high137 FPS
ultra137 FPS
1440p
low137 FPS
medium137 FPS
high137 FPS
ultra137 FPS
4k
low137 FPS
medium137 FPS
high137 FPS
ultra137 FPS
Left 4 Dead 2

Left 4 Dead 2

1080p
low137 FPS
medium137 FPS
high137 FPS
ultra137 FPS
1440p
low137 FPS
medium137 FPS
high137 FPS
ultra137 FPS
4k
low137 FPS
medium137 FPS
high137 FPS
ultra137 FPS
Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

1080p
low137 FPS
medium137 FPS
high109 FPS
ultra85 FPS
1440p
low137 FPS
medium118 FPS
high92 FPS
ultra72 FPS
4k
low70 FPS
medium60 FPS
high47 FPS
ultra37 FPS

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-7440HQ specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core i5-7440HQ is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.8 GHz from a base frequency of 2.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 6 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 5,490, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,277.

SpecificationCore i5-7440HQ
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designKaby Lake-H (2017)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores6 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor126 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score5,490
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming1,277
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7440HQ fits into the BGA1440 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2400 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 630 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCore i5-7440HQ
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Core i5
SocketMotherboard socket requiredBGA1440
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion16
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR4
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR4-2400
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory64 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorHD Graphics 630
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUHM175,QM175
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1 (Uniprocessor)
🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i5-7440HQ is primarily designed for High Performance Laptop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Ryzen 5 2500U.

SpecificationCore i5-7440HQ
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryHigh Performance Laptop
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, EPT
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerRyzen 5 2500U
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-7440HQ has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: None.

SpecificationCore i5-7440HQ
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload45 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNo
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionNone
💰

Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #1799 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore i5-7440HQ
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$250
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#1799
Release DateLaunch date3 January 2017 (8 years ago)
Release Year2017
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

8 specs

TypeLaptop
SeriesIntel Core i5
DesignerIntel
Launch Price$250
ManufacturerIntel
Release Date3 January 2017 (8 years ago)
Architecture CodenameKaby Lake-H (2017)
Performance Ranking Position1799

Technical Specifications

15 specs

Cores4
Threads4
Bus TypeDMI 3.0
Die Size126 mm2
L1 Cache64K (per core)
L2 Cache256K (per core)
L3 Cache6 MB (total)
Bus Speed8 GT/s
Multiplier28
Max Frequency3.8 GHz
64-Bit Support+
Base Frequency2.8 GHz
Process Technology14 nm
Max Core Temperature100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible-

Compatibility

4 specs

SocketBGA1440
PCIe GenerationPCIe 3.0
Power Consumption (TDP)45 Watt
Max Processors In Config1 (Uniprocessor)

Memory

4 specs

RAM TypesDDR4
Memory Channels2
Memory Bandwidth38.397 GB/s
Max Memory Capacity64 GB

Our Recommendation for Core i5-7440HQ

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

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