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.

Overview

The Core i5-6350HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-H (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,255 points. Launch price was $306.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-6350HQ is positioned at rank #1002 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6350HQ

#990

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

2109%

#991

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

2078%

#992

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

1908%

#993

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

1899%

#994

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

1882%

#996

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

1817%

#997

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

1743%

#998

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

1740%

#999

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

1693%

#1002

Core i5-6350HQ

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#1005

Pentium P6000

MSRP: $150|Avg: $90

98%

#1007

Core i7-3630QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

98%

#1008

Core i7-3610QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

98%

#1009

Core i3-1115GRE

MSRP: $338|Avg: $480

98%

#1010

Pentium A1020

MSRP: $86|Avg: $86

98%

#1011

Core i7-4702MQ

MSRP: $383|Avg: $50

97%

#1012

Pentium N4200

MSRP: $161|Avg: $30.89

96%

#1013

Pentium J2900

MSRP: $94|Avg: $20

96%

#1014

Celeron T1700

MSRP: $80|Avg: $5

95%

#1015

Celeron T3500

MSRP: $80|Avg: $10

95%

#1016

A12-9720P

MSRP: $200|Avg: $25

94%

#1017

Core i5-4300M

MSRP: $227|Avg: N/A

94%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-6350HQ across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-6350HQ specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-6350HQ is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Skylake-H (2015−2016) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.2 GHz from a base frequency of 2.3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 6 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 4,255, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 803.

Specification	Core i5-6350HQ
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.3 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Skylake-H (2015−2016)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	6 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	4,255
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	803

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-6350HQ fits into the BGA1440 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3, DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2133 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Iris Pro Graphics 580 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i5-6350HQ
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i5
SocketMotherboard socket required	BGA1440
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3, DDR4
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2133
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	64 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Iris Pro Graphics 580
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	Skylake-H
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i5-6350HQ is primarily designed for High Performance Laptop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the FX-9830P.

Specification	Core i5-6350HQ
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	High Performance Laptop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	FX-9830P

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-6350HQ has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: None.

Specification	Core i5-6350HQ
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	45 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	None

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #1002 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1978 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-6350HQ
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$306
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1002
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1978
Release DateLaunch date	24 January 2016 (9 years ago)
Release Year	2016
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel