Core i5-3570K vs Core i5-6440HQ
Core i5-3570K
Core i5-6440HQ
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.
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. The Core i5-3570K is positioned at rank 749 and the Core i5-6440HQ is on rank 879, so the Core i5-3570K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3570K
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6440HQ
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3570K | Core i5-6440HQ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($35) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3570K | Core i5-6440HQ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+607%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($35) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-3570K and Core i5-6440HQ
Core i5-3570K
The Core i5-3570K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,971 points. Launch price was $235.
Core i5-6440HQ
The Core i5-6440HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,021 points. Launch price was $250.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-3570K and Core i5-6440HQ share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-3570K versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-6440HQ — a 8.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-3570K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-3570K uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-6440HQ uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3570K scores 4,971 against the Core i5-6440HQ's 5,021 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-6440HQ. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3570K vs 6 MB on the Core i5-6440HQ.
| Feature | Core i5-3570K | Core i5-6440HQ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz+9% | 3.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+31% | 2.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 6 MB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1 MB+300% |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 4,971 | 5,021+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3570K uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-6440HQ uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3570K versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6440HQ — the Core i5-6440HQ supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-6440HQ supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i5-3570K | Core i5-6440HQ |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | BGA1440 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR4-2133+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 64 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-3570K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i5-3570K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-6440HQ). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3570K) and HD Graphics 530 (Core i5-6440HQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3570K targets Legacy Gaming Desktop, Core i5-6440HQ targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i5-3570K rivals FX-8350.
| Feature | Core i5-3570K | Core i5-6440HQ |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4000 | HD Graphics 530 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Legacy Gaming Desktop | Mobile |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3570K launched at $225 MSRP, while the Core i5-6440HQ debuted at $250.
| Feature | Core i5-3570K | Core i5-6440HQ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225-10% | $250 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $35 | — |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2015 |
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