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 Xeon E3-1225 v3 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 Xeon E3-1225 v3: 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

✅+75% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core.
✅Draws 45W instead of 84W, a 39W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (900 vs 1,108).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.3 vs 23.8 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $224 MSRP).

Xeon E3-1225 v3

2013

Why buy it

✅+23.1% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $26 less on MSRP ($224 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 11.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.8 vs 21.3 PassMark/$ ($224 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (2,000 vs 3,500).
❌86.7% higher power demand at 84W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-6440EQ better than Xeon E3-1225 v3?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1225 v3 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 75% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 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 faster CPU overall, but Xeon E3-1225 v3 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i5-6440EQ comes in 11.6% more expensive on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $224 MSRP, and it still gives you 75% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. The compromise is that Xeon E3-1225 v3 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E3-1225 v3 is also 11.5% better value on MSRP (23.8 vs 21.3 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds 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 2013) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-6440EQ vs Xeon E3-1225 v3 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.

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.

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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%

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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 33.3% 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 — 100% 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	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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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

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-6440EQ was priced at $250, while the Xeon E3-1225 v3 came in at $224. On launch pricing ($250 vs $224), Xeon E3-1225 v3 was $26 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6440EQ delivers 21.3 pts/$ vs 23.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1225 v3 — making the Xeon E3-1225 v3 the 10.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-6440EQ	Xeon E3-1225 v3
MSRP	$250	$224-10%
Performance per Dollar	21.3	23.8+12%
Release Date	2015	2013

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