Core i5-6440EQ vs N100

Intel

Core i5-6440EQ

4 Cores4 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

N100

4 Cores4 Thrd6 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2023
Similar parts
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Core i5-6440EQ vs N100 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 N100 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 N100: 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 N100 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (5,329 vs 5,355).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.3 vs 41.8 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $128 MSRP).
  • 650% higher power demand at 45W vs 6W.

N100

2023

Why buy it

  • Costs $122 less on MSRP ($128 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
  • Delivers 96.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 41.8 vs 21.3 PassMark/$ ($128 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
  • Draws 6W instead of 45W, a 39W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is N100 better than Core i5-6440EQ?
Yes. N100 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, N100 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.9% 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, N100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
N100 is the better buy right now. N100 comes in $122 cheaper on MSRP at $128 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 96.3% better value on MSRP (41.8 vs 21.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
N100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2015), a healthier platform with FCBGA1264 and DDR5 instead of the older platform, and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-6440EQ vs N100 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.

Intel

N100

The N100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2023 (2 years ago). It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800, LPDDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 5,355 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-6440EQ and N100 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-6440EQ versus 3.4 GHz on the N100 — a 23% clock advantage for the N100. The Core i5-6440EQ is built on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-6440EQ scores 5,329 against the N100's 5,355 — a 0.5% lead for the N100. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-6440EQ vs 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the N100.

FeatureCore i5-6440EQN100
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 4
Boost Clock
2.7 GHz
3.4 GHz+26%
L3 Cache
6 MB
6 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache
1 MB
Process
14 nm
Intel 7 nm-50%
Architecture
Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark
5,329
5,355
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 (N100). The Core i5-6440EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the N100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6440EQ targets Workstation.

FeatureCore i5-6440EQN100
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 N100 came in at $128. On launch pricing ($250 vs $128), N100 was $122 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6440EQ delivers 21.3 pts/$ vs 41.8 pts/$ for the N100 — making the N100 the 65% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-6440EQN100
MSRP
$250
$128-49%
Performance per Dollar
21.3
41.8+96%
Release Date
2015
2023

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