CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4440S vs Intel Core i7-4771
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-4440S is a 4-core, 4-thread desktop processor launched in September 2013 as part of the Haswell generation. Operating on a 22nm manufacturing process, this CPU was designed for budget-conscious builders who needed reliable performance without the high power draw. With a base clock of 2.8 GHz and a turbo boost of up to 3.3 GHz, it delivered solid everyday computing and moderate multitasking capabilities. The 'S' suffix denotes a lower power profile, locking the TDP at 65 watts compared to the standard 84-watt models. This made it an ideal choice for small form factor builds and office environments where thermal management was crucial. It includes Intel HD 4600 integrated graphics, allowing for media playback and light gaming without a dedicated GPU. Although long surpassed by modern standards, it remains a notable example of Intel's efficiency-focused engineering during the early 2010s.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles basic office tasks well but struggles with heavy multitasking.
Handles office tasks well but slow for modern rendering.
Gaming
Bottlenecks modern GPUs; suitable only for older titles.
Bottlenecks modern GPUs; okay for older titles.
Virtualization
Limited to very light VM usage due to 4 threads.
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 cores.
Efficiency
Good efficiency for its era thanks to the 65W TDP.
84W TDP is inefficient by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Extremely slow for modern AI inference
- No AI hardware
- Slow CPU inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Requires a dedicated GPU for any 3D workloads
- Will severely bottleneck modern mid-range GPUs
- Capable of running CS:GO and older source engine games
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Suitable for older games
- Lacks modern security features
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Low 65W TDP for efficient cooling
- Solid quad-core performance for legacy tasks
- Includes Intel HD 4600 graphics
- Affordable on the used market
- Good for basic office and home theater PCs
Cons
- Obsolete DDR3 platform
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
- Lacks modern instruction sets
- Will bottleneck modern GPUs
- No official Windows 11 support
Pros
- Matches 4770K stock performance
- 4 cores with Hyper-Threading
- Supports AVX2
- Includes VT-d
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- End-of-life platform
- No Windows 11 support
- High 84W TDP
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-4440S
- AMD FX-6300Rival
Budget Desktop
- AMD FX-4300Rival
Budget Desktop
- Intel Core i5-4440Rival
Standard Desktop
- Intel Core i3-4360Rival
Budget Desktop
- AMD A8-6600KRival
Budget APU
Newer Haswell Refresh with slightly better clocks.
Compare head-to-headHyper-threading and more L3 cache for heavier loads.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 1200Alt
Modern platform with upgrade path.
Modern quad-core budget alternative.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Pentium G4560Alt
Budget dual-core with HT, similar performance in many tasks.
Intel Core i7-4771
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-8320Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4770Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4670Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-6300Rival
Desktop
Slightly faster drop-in upgrade for old boards.
Compare head-to-headModern budget CPU that vastly outperforms it.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Modern budget alternative.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Best value modern gaming CPU.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500Alt
Cheap and highly capable.
Our Verdict on Each
A reliable 65W quad-core CPU ideal for basic legacy systems, but obsolete for modern builds.
Best for: Drop-in upgrade for an existing LGA 1150 system.
Read the full reviewA solid 2013 CPU that matches the 4770K in stock performance but lacks overclocking, making it obsolete today.
Best for: The Core i7-4771 is a processor that should only be encountered in legacy systems. If you already own a motherboard with this chip, it can still serve adequately for basic web browsing, office applications, and older games. However, it is not recommended for purchase today. The LGA 1150 platform is dead, meaning there is no upgrade path. Additionally, the lack of official Windows 11 support and high 84W TDP make it inefficient compared to modern budget processors. Avoid buying this CPU for new builds. It is best utilized by keeping existing hardware alive for light duties or retro gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-4440S or Intel Core i7-4771?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4440S comes out ahead with a score of 6.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-4440S or Intel Core i7-4771?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4440S leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Intel Core i5-4440S and Intel Core i7-4771.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-4440S has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-4440S (65 W), Intel Core i7-4771 (84 W).
Do Intel Core i5-4440S and Intel Core i7-4771 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4440S: LGA 1150, Intel Core i7-4771: Intel Socket 1150), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-4440S posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4440S (3,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.