Core i5-6440HQ vs FX-8320E

CPU

GPU

Core i5-6440HQ

4 Cores4 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2015

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FX-8320E

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4 GHz2014

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Core i5-6440HQ vs FX-8320E Performance Spectrum

Core i5-6440HQ

4 / 4

5,021

+1.2%

4,960

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

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 FX-8320E 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 FX-8320E: 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

✅+1.2% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while FX-8320E needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-8320E across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.1 vs 33.7 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $147 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike FX-8320E.

FX-8320E

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +25.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $103 less on MSRP ($147 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 68.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 33.7 vs 20.1 PassMark/$ ($147 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-6440HQ.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,960 vs 5,021).
❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6440HQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-6440HQ better than FX-8320E?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, FX-8320E is ahead with a 25.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-6440HQ pulls ahead with 1.2% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-6440HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-6440HQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-6440HQ comes in 70.1% more expensive on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $147 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.2% better PassMark. FX-8320E only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 68.0% better value on paper (33.7 vs 20.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM3+.

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 2014) 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 i5-6440HQ vs FX-8320E Technical Specifications

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

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.

FX-8320E

The FX-8320E is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,960 points. Launch price was $147.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-6440HQ packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-8320E offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8320E has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-6440HQ versus 4 GHz on the FX-8320E — a 13.3% clock advantage for the FX-8320E (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-6440HQ uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-8320E uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6440HQ scores 5,021 against the FX-8320E's 4,960 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i5-6440HQ.

Feature	Core i5-6440HQ	FX-8320E
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	4 GHz+14%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	3.2 GHz+23%
L3 Cache	6 MB	—
L2 Cache	1 MB	8192 kB+700%
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Vishera (2012−2015)
PassMark	5,021+1%	4,960
Geekbench 6 Single	—	439
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,734

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-6440HQ uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-8320E uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6440HQ versus DDR3-1866 on the FX-8320E — the Core i5-6440HQ supports 14.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-6440HQ 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. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-6440HQ) vs 0 (FX-8320E) — the Core i5-6440HQ offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i5-6440HQ	FX-8320E
Socket	BGA1440	AM3+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+14%	DDR3-1866
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	0

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Advanced Features

Only the FX-8320E has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-6440HQ) vs AMD-V (FX-8320E). The Core i5-6440HQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the FX-8320E requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6440HQ targets Mobile.

Feature	Core i5-6440HQ	FX-8320E
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 530	—
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	AMD-V
Target Use	Mobile	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-6440HQ was priced at $250, while the FX-8320E came in at $147. On launch pricing ($250 vs $147), FX-8320E was $103 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6440HQ delivers 20.1 pts/$ vs 33.7 pts/$ for the FX-8320E — making the FX-8320E the 50.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-6440HQ	FX-8320E
MSRP	$250	$147-41%
Performance per Dollar	20.1	33.7+68%
Release Date	2015	2014

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