
Core i5-6442EQ vs Ryzen 5 7600X

Core i5-6442EQ
Popular choices:

Ryzen 5 7600X
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 7600X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-6442EQ | Ryzen 5 7600X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) | ✅ More affordable ($178) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-6442EQ | Ryzen 5 7600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+787%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) | ✅ More affordable ($178) |
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 7600X

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 7600X
The Ryzen 5 7600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 4.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 28,325 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core i5-6442EQ packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 5 7600X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 7600X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.9 GHz on the Core i5-6442EQ versus 5.3 GHz on the Ryzen 5 7600X — a 94.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 7600X. The Core i5-6442EQ uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 5 7600X uses Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) (5 nm, 6 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6442EQ scores 4,483 against the Ryzen 5 7600X's 28,325 — a 145.3% lead for the Ryzen 5 7600X. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-6442EQ vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 7600X.
| Feature | Core i5-6442EQ | Ryzen 5 7600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 1.9 GHz | 5.3 GHz+179% |
| Base Clock | — | 4.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB | 32 MB (total)+433% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB | 6 MB+500% |
| Process | 14 nm | 5 nm, 6 nm-64% |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) |
| PassMark | 4,483 | 28,325+532% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 15,300 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,900 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 13,800 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-6442EQ) / AMD-V (Ryzen 5 7600X). The Ryzen 5 7600X includes integrated graphics (AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core)), while the Core i5-6442EQ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 7600X targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 7600X rivals Intel Core i5-13600K.
| Feature | Core i5-6442EQ | Ryzen 5 7600X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core) |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | Yes |
| Virtualization | — | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-6442EQ launched at $250 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 7600X debuted at $299. At current prices ($250 vs $178), the Ryzen 5 7600X is $72 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6442EQ delivers 17.9 pts/$ vs 159.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 7600X — making the Ryzen 5 7600X the 159.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-6442EQ | Ryzen 5 7600X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $250-16% | $299 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $250 | $178-29% |
| Performance per Dollar | 17.9 | 159.1+789% |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2022 |
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