Core i5-4440S
CPU·Budget

Core i5-4440S

Intel

PassMark

4,370

MSRP

$182

AVG Price

$30

1 September 2013 (12 years ago)
65 Watt
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 i5-4440S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,370 points. Launch price was $239.

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 Core i5-4440S

#139
Core i7-930
MSRP: $294|Avg: $20
103%
#140
Core i9-9960X
MSRP: $1684|Avg: $200
103%
#141
Core Ultra 5 225T
MSRP: $240|Avg: $180
102%
#142
Ryzen 3 3300X
MSRP: $120|Avg: $90
102%
#143
Core i5-12600K
MSRP: $289|Avg: $185
102%
#144
Athlon X4 760K
MSRP: $100|Avg: $20
102%
#145
Core Ultra 5 235
MSRP: $257|Avg: $269
102%
#146
Ryzen 7 5700
MSRP: $179|Avg: $164
102%
#147
Ryzen 5 PRO 2600
MSRP: $199|Avg: $90
102%
#148
Ryzen 3 4100
MSRP: $99|Avg: $75
101%
#149
FX-6100
MSRP: $165|Avg: $25
101%
#150
Ryzen 9 9900X
MSRP: $499|Avg: $370
101%
#151
Core 2 Quad Q9450
MSRP: $316|Avg: $15
101%
#152
Ryzen 5 7600
MSRP: $229|Avg: $185
100%
#153
Athlon X4 880K
MSRP: $95|Avg: $25
100%
#154
Core i5-4440S
MSRP: $182|Avg: $30
100%
#155
Core i5-2380P
MSRP: $177|Avg: $25
100%
#156
Core i5-14490F
MSRP: $209|Avg: $190
100%
#157
Core i5-12600KF
MSRP: $264|Avg: $190
100%
#158
Core i5-13600KF
MSRP: $249|Avg: $258
100%
#159
Ryzen Threadripper 1900X
MSRP: $549|Avg: $116
100%
#160
Athlon II X4 630
MSRP: $129|Avg: $15
100%
#161
Ryzen 5 5500GT
MSRP: $125|Avg: $130
100%
#162
Ryzen 7 PRO 4750G
MSRP: $309|Avg: $140
99%
#163
Ryzen 7 7700X
MSRP: $399|Avg: $249
98%
#164
Core i7-3970X
MSRP: $990|Avg: $60
98%
#165
Core i5-2450P
MSRP: $177|Avg: $30
98%
#166
Core i3-6100
MSRP: $125|Avg: $30
98%
#167
Core i7-6850K
MSRP: $617|Avg: $80
98%
#168
Core i5-3570K
MSRP: $225|Avg: $35
98%
#169
Ryzen 9 5900XT
MSRP: $349|Avg: $311
97%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-4440S specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core i5-4440S is a 4-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 2.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 6 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 4,370, 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 808.

SpecificationCore i5-4440S
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designHaswell (2013−2015)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores6 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor177 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities1,400 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency5 GT/s
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score4,370
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming808
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4440S fits into the LGA1150 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 4600 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCore i5-4440S
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA1150
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 frequencyDDR3-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorHD Graphics 4600
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUH81,H87,Z87,H97,Z97
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i5-4440S is primarily designed for Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the A10-6800K.

SpecificationCore i5-4440S
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryDesktop
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 manufacturerA10-6800K
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-4440S has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Yes stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

SpecificationCore i5-4440S
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload65 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxYes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionStock
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $30 (MSRP: $182), the Core i5-4440S delivers 146 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1962 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore i5-4440S
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$182
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$30
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$239
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#1962
Release DateLaunch date1 September 2013 (12 years ago)
Release Year2013
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Our Recommendation for Core i5-4440S

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

Compare Core i5-4440S

See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives

Compare with other CPUs