Core i5-6442EQ vs Ryzen 5 3600
Core i5-6442EQ
Ryzen 5 3600
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-6442EQ is positioned at rank #843 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6442EQ
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 3600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-6442EQ | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-6442EQ | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1133%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-6442EQ and Ryzen 5 3600
Core i5-6442EQ
The Core i5-6442EQ 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: 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 4,483 points. Launch price was $250.
Ryzen 5 3600
The Ryzen 5 3600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 17,685 points. Launch price was $199.
Processing Power
The Core i5-6442EQ packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 3600 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.9 GHz on the Core i5-6442EQ versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 75.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600. The Core i5-6442EQ uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6442EQ scores 4,483 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 119.1% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-6442EQ vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Core i5-6442EQ | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 1.9 GHz | 4.2 GHz+121% |
| Base Clock | — | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB | 32 MB (total)+433% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB+100% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 4,483 | 17,685+294% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 9,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,295 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,898 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-6442EQ) / Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.
| Feature | Core i5-6442EQ | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | No |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | Yes |
| Target Use | — | Gaming/Budget Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-6442EQ launched at $250 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 3600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($250 vs $80), the Ryzen 5 3600 is $170 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6442EQ delivers 17.9 pts/$ vs 221.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 170% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-6442EQ | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $250 | $199-20% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $250 | $80-68% |
| Performance per Dollar | 17.9 | 221.1+1135% |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2019 |
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