Core i5-6402P vs Core i5-6440EQ

Intel

Core i5-6402P

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-6440EQ

4 Cores4 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2015
Similar parts
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Core i5-6402P vs Core i5-6440EQ 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 i5-6402P 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 i5-6402P 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 i5-6402P

2015

Why buy it

  • Costs $68 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
  • Delivers 37.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 29.4 vs 21.3 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • 44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6440EQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-6440EQ

2015

Why buy it

  • Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while Core i5-6402P needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (5,329 vs 5,343).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.3 vs 29.4 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-6402P better than Core i5-6440EQ?
Yes. Core i5-6402P is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% 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, Core i5-6402P is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.8% 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, Core i5-6402P is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-6402P is the better buy right now. Core i5-6402P comes in $68 cheaper on MSRP at $182 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 37.7% better value on MSRP (29.4 vs 21.3 PassMark/$), 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 i5-6402P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 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 i5-6402P vs Core i5-6440EQ Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-6402P

The Core i5-6402P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 December 2015 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 5,343 points. Launch price was $187.

Intel

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.

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-6402P and Core i5-6440EQ share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-6402P versus 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-6440EQ — a 23% clock advantage for the Core i5-6402P. Both are built on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-6402P scores 5,343 against the Core i5-6440EQ's 5,329 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-6402P. Both processors carry 6 MB of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i5-6402PCore i5-6440EQ
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 4
Boost Clock
3.4 GHz+26%
2.7 GHz
Base Clock
2.8 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB
6 MB
L2 Cache
1 MB
1 MB
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Skylake (2015−2016)
Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark
5,343
5,329
Cinebench R23 Multi
3,500
Geekbench 6 Single
900
Geekbench 6 Multi
3,136
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-6402P) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-6440EQ). The Core i5-6440EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Core i5-6402P requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6440EQ targets Workstation.

FeatureCore i5-6402PCore i5-6440EQ
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 530
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Workstation
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-6402P was priced at $182, while the Core i5-6440EQ came in at $250. On launch pricing ($182 vs $250), Core i5-6402P was $68 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6402P delivers 29.4 pts/$ vs 21.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-6440EQ — making the Core i5-6402P the 31.7% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-6402PCore i5-6440EQ
MSRP
$182-27%
$250
Performance per Dollar
29.4+38%
21.3
Release Date
2015
2015

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