Core i5-4570S vs Core i5-6440HQ

Intel

Core i5-4570S

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-6440HQ

4 Cores4 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2015
Similar parts
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Core i5-4570S vs Core i5-6440HQ Performance Spectrum

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 i5-4570S vs Core i5-6440HQ 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 i5-4570S vs Core i5-6440HQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4570S

2013

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +6.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $55 less on MSRP ($195 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
  • Delivers 28.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.7 vs 20.1 PassMark/$ ($195 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (5,016 vs 5,021).
  • 44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Core i5-6440HQ

2015

Why buy it

  • +0.1% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-4570S across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.1 vs 25.7 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $195 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-6440HQ better than Core i5-4570S?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-4570S is ahead with a 6.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-6440HQ pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-6440HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-6440HQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-6440HQ comes in 28.2% more expensive on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $195 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. Core i5-4570S only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 28.1% better value on paper (25.7 vs 20.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-6440HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2013) and more multi-core headroom with 4 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 i5-4570S vs Core i5-6440HQ Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-4570S

The Core i5-4570S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (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: 5,016 points. Launch price was $410.

Intel

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 i5-4570S and Core i5-6440HQ share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-4570S versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-6440HQ — a 2.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-4570S (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-4570S uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-6440HQ uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4570S scores 5,016 against the Core i5-6440HQ's 5,021 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-6440HQ. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-4570S vs 6 MB on the Core i5-6440HQ.

FeatureCore i5-4570SCore i5-6440HQ
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 4
Boost Clock
3.6 GHz+3%
3.5 GHz
Base Clock
2.9 GHz+12%
2.6 GHz
L3 Cache
6144 kB (total)
6 MB
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
1 MB+300%
Process
22 nm
14 nm-36%
Architecture
Haswell (2013−2015)
Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark
5,016
5,021
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4570S uses the LGA1150 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 i5-4570S versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6440HQ — the Core i5-6440HQ supports 33.3% 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 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

FeatureCore i5-4570SCore i5-6440HQ
Socket
LGA1150
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
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4570S) and HD Graphics 530 (Core i5-6440HQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4570S targets Desktop, Core i5-6440HQ targets Mobile.

FeatureCore i5-4570SCore i5-6440HQ
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 4600
HD Graphics 530
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Desktop
Mobile
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4570S was priced at $195, while the Core i5-6440HQ came in at $250. On launch pricing ($195 vs $250), Core i5-4570S was $55 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4570S delivers 25.7 pts/$ vs 20.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-6440HQ — making the Core i5-4570S the 24.6% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-4570SCore i5-6440HQ
MSRP
$195-22%
$250
Performance per Dollar
25.7+28%
20.1
Release Date
2013
2015

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