
Core i5-6440EQ vs Xeon E3-1225 v3

Core i5-6440EQ

Xeon E3-1225 v3
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-6440EQ is positioned at rank 765 and the Xeon E3-1225 v3 is on rank 575, so the Xeon E3-1225 v3 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6440EQ
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1225 v3
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-6440EQ | Xeon E3-1225 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) | ✅ More affordable ($29) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell-WS (2013−2014) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-6440EQ | Xeon E3-1225 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+417%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) | ✅ More affordable ($29) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-6440EQ and Xeon E3-1225 v3

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.

Xeon E3-1225 v3
The Xeon E3-1225 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,324 points. Launch price was $384.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-6440EQ and Xeon E3-1225 v3 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-6440EQ versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E3-1225 v3 — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1225 v3. The Core i5-6440EQ uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1225 v3 uses Haswell-WS (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6440EQ scores 5,329 against the Xeon E3-1225 v3's 5,324 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-6440EQ. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 3,500 vs 2,000 (54.5% advantage for the Core i5-6440EQ). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 900 vs 1,108, a 20.7% lead for the Xeon E3-1225 v3 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 3,136 vs 3,324 (5.8% advantage for the Xeon E3-1225 v3). L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-6440EQ vs 8192 kB (total) on the Xeon E3-1225 v3.
| Feature | Core i5-6440EQ | Xeon E3-1225 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.6 GHz+33% |
| Base Clock | — | 3.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB | 8192 kB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB+300% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-36% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Haswell-WS (2013−2014) |
| PassMark | 5,329 | 5,324 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 3,500+75% | 2,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 900 | 1,108+23% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 3,136 | 3,324+6% |
Memory & Platform
Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6440EQ versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E3-1225 v3 — the Core i5-6440EQ supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-6440EQ supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: QM170,HM170 (Core i5-6440EQ) and C226,B85,Q87,H81,Z87 (Xeon E3-1225 v3).
| Feature | Core i5-6440EQ | Xeon E3-1225 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | — | LGA1150 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133+33% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+100% | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 530 (Core i5-6440EQ) and HD Graphics P4600 (Xeon E3-1225 v3) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6440EQ targets Workstation, Xeon E3-1225 v3 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon E3-1225 v3 rivals Core i5-4570.
| Feature | Core i5-6440EQ | Xeon E3-1225 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 530 | HD Graphics P4600 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Workstation | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-6440EQ launched at $250 MSRP, while the Xeon E3-1225 v3 debuted at $224. At current prices ($150 vs $29), the Xeon E3-1225 v3 is $121 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6440EQ delivers 35.5 pts/$ vs 183.6 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1225 v3 — making the Xeon E3-1225 v3 the 135.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-6440EQ | Xeon E3-1225 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $250 | $224-10% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $150 | $29-81% |
| Performance per Dollar | 35.5 | 183.6+417% |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2013 |
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