Core i7-2600 vs Core i5-6440EQ
Core i7-2600
Core i5-6440EQ
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. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-2600 is positioned at rank 835 and the Core i5-6440EQ is on rank 765, so the Core i5-6440EQ offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2600
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6440EQ
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-2600 | Core i5-6440EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-2600 | Core i5-6440EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+201%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) |
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 i7-2600 and Core i5-6440EQ
Core i7-2600
The Core i7-2600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,346 points. Launch price was $247.
Core i5-6440EQ
The Core i5-6440EQ 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: 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 5,329 points. Launch price was $250.
Processing Power
The Core i7-2600 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i5-6440EQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600 versus 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-6440EQ — a 33.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-2600. The Core i7-2600 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-6440EQ uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2600 scores 5,346 against the Core i5-6440EQ's 5,329 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-2600. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 3,648 vs 3,500 (4.1% advantage for the Core i7-2600). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 659 vs 900, a 30.9% lead for the Core i5-6440EQ that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,169 vs 3,136 (36.5% advantage for the Core i5-6440EQ). L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-2600 vs 6 MB on the Core i5-6440EQ.
| Feature | Core i7-2600 | Core i5-6440EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz+41% | 2.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 8192 kB (total)+33% | 6 MB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 1 MB+300% |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 5,346 | 5,329 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 3,648+4% | 3,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 659 | 900+37% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,169 | 3,136+45% |
Memory & Platform
Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2600 versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6440EQ — the Core i5-6440EQ supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-6440EQ supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,P67,Z68,H77,Z77 (Core i7-2600) and QM170,HM170 (Core i5-6440EQ).
| Feature | Core i7-2600 | Core i5-6440EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | — |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR4-2133+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 64 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2000 (Core i7-2600) and HD Graphics 530 (Core i5-6440EQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2600 targets Productivity, Core i5-6440EQ targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-2600 rivals FX-8350.
| Feature | Core i7-2600 | Core i5-6440EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 2000 | HD Graphics 530 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Productivity | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-2600 launched at $294 MSRP, while the Core i5-6440EQ debuted at $250. At current prices ($50 vs $150), the Core i7-2600 is $100 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2600 delivers 106.9 pts/$ vs 35.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-6440EQ — making the Core i7-2600 the 100.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-2600 | Core i5-6440EQ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $294 | $250-15% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $50-67% | $150 |
| Performance per Dollar | 106.9+201% | 35.5 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2015 |
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