Core i5-6300HQ vs Xeon E5640

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 i5-6300HQ vs Xeon E5640 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 i5-6300HQ vs Xeon E5640: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-6300HQ

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 80W, a 35W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while Xeon E5640 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5640 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,672 vs 4,755).

Xeon E5640

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +19.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌77.8% higher power demand at 80W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6300HQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5640 better than Core i5-6300HQ?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5640 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-6300HQ is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E5640 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 19.8% 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, Xeon E5640 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.8% better PassMark.

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

Xeon E5640 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E5640 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 19.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i5-6300HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-6300HQ vs Xeon E5640 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-6300HQ

The Core i5-6300HQ 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 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 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: 4,672 points. Launch price was $250.

Xeon E5640

The Xeon E5640 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Passmark benchmark score: 4,755 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-6300HQ is built on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-6300HQ scores 4,672 against the Xeon E5640's 4,755 — a 1.8% lead for the Xeon E5640.

Feature	Core i5-6300HQ	Xeon E5640
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	—
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	—
L3 Cache	6 MB	—
L2 Cache	1 MB	—
Process	14 nm	—
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	—
PassMark	4,672	4,755+2%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,000	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-6300HQ) / not specified (Xeon E5640). The Core i5-6300HQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Xeon E5640 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6300HQ targets Gaming Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-6300HQ rivals A12-9730P.