Core i3-1115GRE vs Core i5-6442EQ

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.

Core i3-1115GRE vs Core i5-6442EQ FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-1115GRE vs Core i5-6442EQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-1115GRE

2020

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 25W, a 10W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (4 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics, while Core i5-6442EQ needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.6 vs 17.9 PassMark/$ ($338 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Core i5-6442EQ

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $88 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $338 MSRP).
✅Delivers 32.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.9 vs 13.6 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $338 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,483 vs 4,588).
❌66.7% higher power demand at 25W vs 15W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-1115GRE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-1115GRE better than Core i5-6442EQ?

Yes. Core i3-1115GRE is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-1115GRE is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-1115GRE is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-1115GRE is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-1115GRE comes in 35.2% more expensive on MSRP at $338 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-6442EQ only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 32.1% better value on paper (17.9 vs 13.6 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on that older platform.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-1115GRE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2015) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-1115GRE vs Core i5-6442EQ Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-1115GRE

The Core i3-1115GRE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, LPDDR4X. Passmark benchmark score: 4,588 points. Launch price was $338.

Core i5-6442EQ

The Core i5-6442EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 4,483 points. Launch price was $250.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-1115GRE packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-6442EQ offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-6442EQ has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-1115GRE versus 1.9 GHz on the Core i5-6442EQ — a 69% clock advantage for the Core i3-1115GRE. The Core i3-1115GRE uses the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i5-6442EQ uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1115GRE scores 4,588 against the Core i5-6442EQ's 4,483 — a 2.3% lead for the Core i3-1115GRE. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-1115GRE vs 6 MB on the Core i5-6442EQ.

Feature	Core i3-1115GRE	Core i5-6442EQ
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+105%	1.9 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	—
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)+25%	1 MB
Process	10 nm-29%	14 nm
Architecture	Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	4,588+2%	4,483
Geekbench 6 Single	1,175	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,233	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes (Core i3-1115GRE) / not specified (Core i5-6442EQ). The Core i3-1115GRE includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics), while the Core i5-6442EQ requires a dedicated GPU.

Feature	Core i3-1115GRE	Core i5-6442EQ
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics	—
AVX-512	Yes	—
Virtualization	Yes	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-1115GRE was priced at $338, while the Core i5-6442EQ came in at $250. On launch pricing ($338 vs $250), Core i5-6442EQ was $88 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-1115GRE delivers 13.6 pts/$ vs 17.9 pts/$ for the Core i5-6442EQ — making the Core i5-6442EQ the 27.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-1115GRE	Core i5-6442EQ
MSRP	$338	$250-26%
Performance per Dollar	13.6	17.9+32%
Release Date	2020	2015

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