Core i5-6440HQ vs Core i7-4770TE

Intel

Core i5-6440HQ

4 Cores4 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-4770TE

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Core i5-6440HQ vs Core i7-4770TE 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 i5-6440HQ vs Core i7-4770TE 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 i5-6440HQ vs Core i7-4770TE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-6440HQ

2015

Why buy it

  • Costs $53 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $303 MSRP).
  • Delivers 21.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.1 vs 16.6 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $303 MSRP).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while Core i7-4770TE needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4770TE across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (5,021 vs 5,023).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-4770TE

2013

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +18.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.6 vs 20.1 PassMark/$ ($303 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6440HQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4770TE better than Core i5-6440HQ?
Yes. Core i7-4770TE is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 18.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4770TE is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 18.8% 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, Core i7-4770TE is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% 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?
Core i7-4770TE is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i7-4770TE comes in 21.2% more expensive on MSRP at $303 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 18.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-6440HQ only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 18.8% in the shared gaming data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-6440HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-6440HQ vs Core i7-4770TE Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Intel

Core i5-6440HQ

The Core i5-6440HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,021 points. Launch price was $250.

Intel

Core i7-4770TE

The Core i7-4770TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,023 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Core i5-6440HQ packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4770TE's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-6440HQ versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-4770TE — a 5.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-6440HQ (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i5-6440HQ uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-4770TE uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6440HQ scores 5,021 against the Core i7-4770TE's 5,023 — a 0% lead for the Core i7-4770TE. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-6440HQ vs 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-4770TE.

FeatureCore i5-6440HQCore i7-4770TE
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.5 GHz+6%
3.3 GHz
Base Clock
2.6 GHz+13%
2.3 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 (2013−2015)
PassMark
5,021
5,023
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-6440HQ uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4770TE uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-6440HQCore i7-4770TE
Socket
BGA1440
LGA1150
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-6440HQ) / not specified (Core i7-4770TE). The Core i5-6440HQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Core i7-4770TE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6440HQ targets Mobile.

FeatureCore i5-6440HQCore i7-4770TE
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 530
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Mobile
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-6440HQ was priced at $250, while the Core i7-4770TE came in at $303. On launch pricing ($250 vs $303), Core i5-6440HQ was $53 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6440HQ delivers 20.1 pts/$ vs 16.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-4770TE — making the Core i5-6440HQ the 19.1% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-6440HQCore i7-4770TE
MSRP
$250-17%
$303
Performance per Dollar
20.1+21%
16.6
Release Date
2015
2013

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