Core i5-6440EQ vs FX-8150

Intel

Core i5-6440EQ

4 Cores4 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

FX-8150

8 Cores8 Thrd125 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2011

Core i5-6440EQ vs FX-8150 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 i5-6440EQ vs FX-8150 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 FX-8150: 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

  • +0.2% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 45W instead of 125W, a 80W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while FX-8150 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-8150 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
  • 2% HIGHER MSRP
    $250 MSRPvs$245 MSRP

FX-8150

2011

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +26.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Costs $5 less on MSRP ($245 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (5,318 vs 5,329).
  • 177.8% higher power demand at 125W vs 45W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6440EQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-6440EQ better than FX-8150?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, FX-8150 is ahead with a 26.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-6440EQ pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark. FX-8150 also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-6440EQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-6440EQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-6440EQ comes in 2.0% more expensive on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $245 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% better PassMark. FX-8150 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 1.8% better value on paper (21.7 vs 21.3 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM3+.
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) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 8/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-6440EQ vs FX-8150 Technical Specifications

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

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.

AMD

FX-8150

The FX-8150 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 12 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,318 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Core i5-6440EQ packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-8150 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8150 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-6440EQ versus 4.2 GHz on the FX-8150 — a 43.5% clock advantage for the FX-8150. The Core i5-6440EQ uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-8150 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6440EQ scores 5,329 against the FX-8150's 5,318 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-6440EQ. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-6440EQ vs 8192 kB on the FX-8150.

FeatureCore i5-6440EQFX-8150
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
2.7 GHz
4.2 GHz+56%
Base Clock
3.6 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB
8192 kB+33%
L2 Cache
1 MB
8192 kB+700%
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Skylake (2015−2016)
Zambezi (2011−2012)
PassMark
5,329
5,318
Cinebench R23 Multi
3,500
Geekbench 6 Single
900
Geekbench 6 Multi
3,136
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-6440EQ) / not specified (FX-8150). The Core i5-6440EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the FX-8150 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6440EQ targets Workstation.

FeatureCore i5-6440EQFX-8150
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 530
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-6440EQ was priced at $250, while the FX-8150 came in at $245. On launch pricing ($250 vs $245), FX-8150 was $5 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6440EQ delivers 21.3 pts/$ vs 21.7 pts/$ for the FX-8150 — making the FX-8150 the 1.8% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-6440EQFX-8150
MSRP
$250
$245-2%
Performance per Dollar
21.3
21.7+2%
Release Date
2015
2011

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