Core i5-6440HQ vs Xeon E3-1235L v5

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 Xeon E3-1235L v5 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 Xeon E3-1235L v5: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while Xeon E3-1235L v5 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $250 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1235L v5 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌80% higher power demand at 45W vs 25W.

Xeon E3-1235L v5

2015

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 25W instead of 45W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,013 vs 5,021).
❌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 Xeon E3-1235L v5?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1235L v5 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-6440HQ is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-6440HQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.9% 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 i5-6440HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% 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 the better buy right now. Core i5-6440HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at $250 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (20.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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 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 i5-6440HQ vs Xeon E3-1235L v5 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.

Xeon E3-1235L v5

The Xeon E3-1235L v5 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-DT (2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 5,013 points. Launch price was $250.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-6440HQ and Xeon E3-1235L v5 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-6440HQ versus 3 GHz on the Xeon E3-1235L v5 — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-6440HQ (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-6440HQ uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1235L v5 uses Skylake-DT (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6440HQ scores 5,021 against the Xeon E3-1235L v5's 5,013 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-6440HQ. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-6440HQ vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1235L v5.

Feature	Core i5-6440HQ	Xeon E3-1235L v5
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+17%	3 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+30%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	1 MB+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Skylake-DT (2015)
PassMark	5,021	5,013

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-6440HQ uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1235L v5 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-6440HQ	Xeon E3-1235L v5
Socket	BGA1440	LGA1151
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 (Xeon E3-1235L v5). The Core i5-6440HQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Xeon E3-1235L v5 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6440HQ targets Mobile.