Core i5-6440EQ vs Core i5-4590

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

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6440EQ versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4590 — the Core i5-6440EQ supports 28.6% 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 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: QM170,HM170 (Core i5-6440EQ) and H81,B85,Q85,H87,Q87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4590).

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

The Core i5-6440EQ launched at $250 MSRP, while the Core i5-4590 debuted at $192. At current prices ($150 vs $51), the Core i5-4590 is $99 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6440EQ delivers 35.5 pts/$ vs 105.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-4590 — making the Core i5-4590 the 99.2% better value option.