Core i5-6440EQ vs Core i7-4712HQ

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 i7-4712HQ 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 i7-4712HQ: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while Core i7-4712HQ needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4712HQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,329 vs 5,350).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $250 MSRP, while Core i7-4712HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌21.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 37W.

Core i7-4712HQ

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +13.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 37W instead of 45W, a 8W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6440EQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4712HQ better than Core i5-6440EQ?

Yes. Core i7-4712HQ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 13.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4712HQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 13.9% 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 i7-4712HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, 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 i7-4712HQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-4712HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 13.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-6440EQ only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (21.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-6440EQ vs Core i7-4712HQ 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 i7-4712HQ

The Core i7-4712HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,350 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-6440EQ packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4712HQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-6440EQ versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-4712HQ — a 20% clock advantage for the Core i7-4712HQ. The Core i5-6440EQ uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-4712HQ uses Crystalwell (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6440EQ scores 5,329 against the Core i7-4712HQ's 5,350 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-4712HQ. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-6440EQ vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4712HQ.

Feature	Core i5-6440EQ	Core i7-4712HQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3.3 GHz+22%
Base Clock	—	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	1 MB	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Crystalwell (2013−2014)
PassMark	5,329	5,350
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,500	—
Geekbench 6 Single	900	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,136	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-6440EQ) / not specified (Core i7-4712HQ). The Core i5-6440EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Core i7-4712HQ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6440EQ targets Workstation.