Core i5-6440EQ vs FX-8300

Core i5-6440EQ vs FX-8300 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-6440EQ

4 / 4

5,329

0.0%

5,333

+0.1%

Athlon X4 760K

Ryzen Embedded V1202B

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

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-8300 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-8300: 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

✅Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while FX-8300 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-8300 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,329 vs 5,333).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.3 vs 27.1 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $197 MSRP).

FX-8300

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +29.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $53 less on MSRP ($197 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 27.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 27.1 vs 21.3 PassMark/$ ($197 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6440EQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-8300 better than Core i5-6440EQ?

Yes. FX-8300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 29.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, FX-8300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 29.9% 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, FX-8300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.

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

FX-8300 is the better buy right now. FX-8300 comes in $53 cheaper on MSRP at $197 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 29.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 27.0% better value on MSRP (27.1 vs 21.3 PassMark/$), 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 i5-6440EQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-6440EQ vs FX-8300 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.

FX-8300

The FX-8300 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,333 points. Launch price was $149.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-6440EQ packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-8300 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8300 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-6440EQ versus 4.2 GHz on the FX-8300 — a 43.5% clock advantage for the FX-8300. The Core i5-6440EQ uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-8300 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6440EQ scores 5,329 against the FX-8300's 5,333 — a 0.1% lead for the FX-8300.

Feature	Core i5-6440EQ	FX-8300
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	4.2 GHz+56%
Base Clock	—	3.3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB	—
L2 Cache	1 MB	8192 kB+700%
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Vishera (2012−2015)
PassMark	5,329	5,333
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-8300). The Core i5-6440EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the FX-8300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6440EQ targets Workstation.

Feature	Core i5-6440EQ	FX-8300
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-8300 came in at $197. On launch pricing ($250 vs $197), FX-8300 was $53 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6440EQ delivers 21.3 pts/$ vs 27.1 pts/$ for the FX-8300 — making the FX-8300 the 23.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-6440EQ	FX-8300
MSRP	$250	$197-21%
Performance per Dollar	21.3	27.1+27%
Release Date	2015	2012

Search Core i5-6440EQ on Amazon

Search FX-8300 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.