Core i5-6440EQ vs Xeon E3-1240

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 E3-1240 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 E3-1240: 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

✅Costs $23 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $273 MSRP).
✅Delivers 8.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.3 vs 19.6 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $273 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 80W, a 35W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while Xeon E3-1240 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E3-1240 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,329 vs 5,361).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E3-1240, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon E3-1240

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +14.4% 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: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.6 vs 21.3 PassMark/$ ($273 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
❌77.8% higher power demand at 80W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6440EQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1240 better than Core i5-6440EQ?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1240 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 gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E3-1240 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 14.4% 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, Xeon E3-1240 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Xeon E3-1240 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E3-1240 comes in 9.2% more expensive on MSRP at $273 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-6440EQ only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 8.5% better value on paper (21.3 vs 19.6 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on that older DDR4-era platform.

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 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-6440EQ vs Xeon E3-1240 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 E3-1240

The Xeon E3-1240 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,361 points. Launch price was $209.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-6440EQ packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1240's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-6440EQ versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon E3-1240 — a 31.3% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1240. The Core i5-6440EQ uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1240 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6440EQ scores 5,329 against the Xeon E3-1240's 5,361 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon E3-1240. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-6440EQ vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1240.

Feature	Core i5-6440EQ	Xeon E3-1240
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3.7 GHz+37%
Base Clock	—	3.3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	1 MB+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	5,329	5,361
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 (Xeon E3-1240). The Core i5-6440EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Xeon E3-1240 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6440EQ targets Workstation.

Feature	Core i5-6440EQ	Xeon E3-1240
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 Xeon E3-1240 came in at $273. On launch pricing ($250 vs $273), Core i5-6440EQ was $23 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6440EQ delivers 21.3 pts/$ vs 19.6 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1240 — making the Core i5-6440EQ the 8.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-6440EQ	Xeon E3-1240
MSRP	$250-8%	$273
Performance per Dollar	21.3+9%	19.6
Release Date	2015	2011

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