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 i5-4590 vs Core i5-6440EQ 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 i5-4590 vs Core i5-6440EQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4590

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +12.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $58 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 31.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.0 vs 21.3 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-6440EQ.

Trade-offs

❌86.7% higher power demand at 84W vs 45W.

Core i5-6440EQ

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 84W, a 39W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-4590 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,329 vs 5,376).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.3 vs 28.0 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4590.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4590 better than Core i5-6440EQ?

Yes. Core i5-4590 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 12.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4590 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 12.0% 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 i5-4590 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4590 is the better buy right now. Core i5-4590 comes in $58 cheaper on MSRP at $192 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 31.4% better value on MSRP (28.0 vs 21.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-6440EQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4590 vs Core i5-6440EQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4590

The Core i5-4590 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,376 points. Launch price was $202.

Core i5-6440EQ

The Core i5-6440EQ 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: 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 5,329 points. Launch price was $250.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-4590 and Core i5-6440EQ share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-4590 versus 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-6440EQ — a 31.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-4590. The Core i5-4590 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-6440EQ uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4590 scores 5,376 against the Core i5-6440EQ's 5,329 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i5-4590. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,100 vs 900, a 20% lead for the Core i5-4590 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4590 vs 6 MB on the Core i5-6440EQ.

Feature	Core i5-4590	Core i5-6440EQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+37%	2.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz	—
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	5,376	5,329
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	3,500
Geekbench 6 Single	1,100+22%	900
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	3,136

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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4590 versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6440EQ — the Core i5-6440EQ supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-6440EQ 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. Chipset compatibility: H81,B85,Q85,H87,Q87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4590) and QM170,HM170 (Core i5-6440EQ).

Feature	Core i5-4590	Core i5-6440EQ
Socket	LGA1150	—
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

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4590) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-6440EQ). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4590) and HD Graphics 530 (Core i5-6440EQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4590 targets Desktop, Core i5-6440EQ targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i5-4590 rivals FX-8350.

Feature	Core i5-4590	Core i5-6440EQ
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	HD Graphics 530
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Desktop	Workstation

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4590 was priced at $192, while the Core i5-6440EQ came in at $250. On launch pricing ($192 vs $250), Core i5-4590 was $58 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4590 delivers 28.0 pts/$ vs 21.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-6440EQ — making the Core i5-4590 the 27.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4590	Core i5-6440EQ
MSRP	$192-23%	$250
Performance per Dollar	28.0+31%	21.3
Release Date	2014	2015

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