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 i5-6440EQ vs Core i7-2600 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 i5-6440EQ vs Core i7-2600: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-6440EQ

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $44 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Delivers 17.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.3 vs 18.2 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2600 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (3,500 vs 3,648).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-2600.

Core i7-2600

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +15.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-6440EQ.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.2 vs 21.3 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2600 better than Core i5-6440EQ?

Yes. Core i7-2600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 15.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 4.2% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, and 0.3% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 15.8% 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 i7-2600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 4.2% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Core i7-2600 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-2600 comes in 17.6% more expensive on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 15.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-6440EQ only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 17.2% better value on paper (21.3 vs 18.2 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on that older DDR4-era platform.

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 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-6440EQ vs Core i7-2600 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i7-2600

The Core i7-2600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,346 points. Launch price was $247.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-6440EQ packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2600's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-6440EQ versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600 — a 33.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-2600. The Core i5-6440EQ uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2600 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6440EQ scores 5,329 against the Core i7-2600's 5,346 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-2600. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 3,500 vs 3,648 (4.1% advantage for the Core i7-2600). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 900 vs 659, a 30.9% lead for the Core i5-6440EQ that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 3,136 vs 2,169 (36.5% advantage for the Core i5-6440EQ). L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-6440EQ vs 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-2600.

Feature	Core i5-6440EQ	Core i7-2600
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3.8 GHz+41%
Base Clock	—	3.4 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB	8192 kB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	1 MB+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	5,329	5,346
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,500	3,648+4%
Geekbench 6 Single	900+37%	659
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,136+45%	2,169

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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6440EQ versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2600 — the Core i5-6440EQ supports 60% 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: QM170,HM170 (Core i5-6440EQ) and H61,H67,P67,Z68,H77,Z77 (Core i7-2600).

Feature	Core i5-6440EQ	Core i7-2600
Socket	—	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+60%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 530 (Core i5-6440EQ) and HD Graphics 2000 (Core i7-2600) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6440EQ targets Workstation, Core i7-2600 targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i7-2600 rivals FX-8350.

Feature	Core i5-6440EQ	Core i7-2600
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 530	HD Graphics 2000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Workstation	Productivity

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-6440EQ was priced at $250, while the Core i7-2600 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($250 vs $294), Core i5-6440EQ was $44 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6440EQ delivers 21.3 pts/$ vs 18.2 pts/$ for the Core i7-2600 — making the Core i5-6440EQ the 15.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-6440EQ	Core i7-2600
MSRP	$250-15%	$294
Performance per Dollar	21.3+17%	18.2
Release Date	2015	2011

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