Core i5-4440S vs Ryzen 5 5600X

CPU

GPU

Core i5-4440S

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2013

Similar parts

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Ryzen 5 5600X

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2020

Ryzen family

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Core i5-4440S vs Ryzen 5 5600X Performance Spectrum

Core i5-4440S

4 / 4

4,370

0.0%

21,845

+399.9%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

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.

Core i5-4440S vs Ryzen 5 5600X 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 i5-4440S vs Ryzen 5 5600X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4440S

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $117 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Ryzen 5 5600X needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Ryzen 5 5600X.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 5600X across 29 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,370 vs 21,845).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 32 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 24.0 vs 73.1 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).

Ryzen 5 5600X

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +153.2% higher average FPS across 29 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+433.3% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Delivers 204.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 73.1 vs 24.0 PassMark/$ ($299 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
✅50% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌
64.3% HIGHER MSRP
$299 MSRPvs$182 MSRP
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4440S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4440S.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 5600X better than Core i5-4440S?

Yes. Ryzen 5 5600X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 153.2% average FPS lead across 29 shared CPU game tests in our data, 399.9% 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, Ryzen 5 5600X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 153.2% more average FPS across 29 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 5 5600X is the stronger fit. You are getting 399.9% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 433.3% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Ryzen 5 5600X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 5 5600X comes in 64.3% more expensive on MSRP at $299 MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 153.2% average FPS lead across 29 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 204.3% better value on MSRP (73.1 vs 24.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Ryzen 5 5600X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2013), 433.3% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 6 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-4440S vs Ryzen 5 5600X Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4440S

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.

Ryzen 5 5600X

The Ryzen 5 5600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4440S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 5600X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-4440S versus 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X — a 32.9% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i5-4440S uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4440S scores 4,370 against the Ryzen 5 5600X's 21,845 — a 133.3% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600X. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4440S vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X.

Feature	Core i5-4440S	Ryzen 5 5600X
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	4.6 GHz+39%
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	3.7 GHz+32%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	32 MB+433%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512K (per core)+100%
Process	22 nm	7 nm, 12 nm-68%
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022)
PassMark	4,370	21,845+400%
Geekbench 6 Single	808	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4440S uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4440S versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600X — the Ryzen 5 5600X supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 5600X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-4440S) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) — the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H81,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4440S) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X).

Feature	Core i5-4440S	Ryzen 5 5600X
Socket	LGA1150	AM4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR4-3200+100%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	128 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	24+50%

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Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 5 5600X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4440S) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600X). The Core i5-4440S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Ryzen 5 5600X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4440S targets Desktop, Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4440S rivals A10-6800K.

Feature	Core i5-4440S	Ryzen 5 5600X
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	—
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	AMD-V
Target Use	Desktop	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4440S was priced at $182, while the Ryzen 5 5600X came in at $299. On launch pricing ($182 vs $299), Core i5-4440S was $117 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4440S delivers 24.0 pts/$ vs 73.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600X — making the Ryzen 5 5600X the 101.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4440S	Ryzen 5 5600X
MSRP	$182-39%	$299
Performance per Dollar	24.0	73.1+205%
Release Date	2013	2020

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