Core i5-6440EQ vs Opteron 6328

Intel

Core i5-6440EQ

4 Cores4 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Opteron 6328

8 Cores8 Thrd115 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Core i5-6440EQ vs Opteron 6328 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 Opteron 6328 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 Opteron 6328: 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

  • +0.4% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $325 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $575 MSRP).
  • Delivers 131.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.3 vs 9.2 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $575 MSRP).
  • Draws 45W instead of 115W, a 70W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Opteron 6328 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Opteron 6328, which brings 8 cores / 8 threads.

Opteron 6328

2012

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +21.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (5,306 vs 5,329).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.2 vs 21.3 PassMark/$ ($575 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
  • 155.6% higher power demand at 115W 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 Opteron 6328?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 6328 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-6440EQ is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
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 0.4% 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 the better buy right now. Core i5-6440EQ comes in $325 cheaper on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $575 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. The compromise is that Opteron 6328 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 21.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 131.0% better value on MSRP (21.3 vs 9.2 PassMark/$), 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) 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 Opteron 6328 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

Opteron 6328

The Opteron 6328 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Abu Dhabi (2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per module). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: G34. Thermal design power (TDP): 115 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,306 points. Launch price was $575.

Processing Power

The Core i5-6440EQ packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Opteron 6328 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Opteron 6328 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-6440EQ versus 3.8 GHz on the Opteron 6328 — a 33.8% clock advantage for the Opteron 6328. The Core i5-6440EQ uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Opteron 6328 uses Abu Dhabi (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6440EQ scores 5,329 against the Opteron 6328's 5,306 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-6440EQ. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-6440EQ vs 8 MB (total) on the Opteron 6328.

FeatureCore i5-6440EQOpteron 6328
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
2.7 GHz
3.8 GHz+41%
Base Clock
3.2 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB
8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache
1 MB
2 MB (per module)+100%
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Skylake (2015−2016)
Abu Dhabi (2012)
PassMark
5,329
5,306
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 (Opteron 6328). The Core i5-6440EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Opteron 6328 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6440EQ targets Workstation.

FeatureCore i5-6440EQOpteron 6328
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 530
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Workstation
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-6440EQ was priced at $250, while the Opteron 6328 came in at $575. On launch pricing ($250 vs $575), Core i5-6440EQ was $325 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6440EQ delivers 21.3 pts/$ vs 9.2 pts/$ for the Opteron 6328 — making the Core i5-6440EQ the 79.2% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-6440EQOpteron 6328
MSRP
$250-57%
$575
Performance per Dollar
21.3+132%
9.2
Release Date
2015
2012

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