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 i5-6440EQ 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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-6440EQ is positioned at rank #765 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 i5-6440EQ

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

14621%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

13815%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

10031%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

3022%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

2394%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

2094%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1199%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1184%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1078%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1078%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1066%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1037%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1022%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1018%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1009%

#291

Core i9-7900X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $188

98%

#765

Core i5-6440EQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: $150

100%

#767

Core i5-4590T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $130

99%

#769

Celeron G530T

MSRP: $50|Avg: $17

99%

#770

Core i7-4770K

MSRP: $339|Avg: $100

99%

#771

A10-9700

MSRP: $169|Avg: $40

99%

#772

Core i5-2400

MSRP: $184|Avg: $25

99%

#773

Core i7-5775C

MSRP: $366|Avg: $150

99%

#775

Pentium G2140

MSRP: $100|Avg: $95

98%

#776

Core i7-4790T

MSRP: $303|Avg: $102

98%

#777

Core i5-2320

MSRP: $177|Avg: $22

98%

#778

Pentium G2030

MSRP: $85|Avg: $85

98%

#779

Celeron E3500

MSRP: $62|Avg: $10

98%

#780

Athlon II X2 260

MSRP: $60|Avg: $12

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-6440EQ across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-6440EQ specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-6440EQ is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.7 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 6 MB of L3 cache, plus 1 MB of L2 cache and 256 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 5,329, 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 900, while multi-core reaches 3,136. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 3,500.

Specification	Core i5-6440EQ
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.7 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Skylake (2015−2016)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	6 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	1 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	256 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	122 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 8 GT/s
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	5,329
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	3,500
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	900
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	3,136

🧠

Memory & Platform

It supports LPDDR3-1866 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: HD Graphics 530 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i5-6440EQ
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i5
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	LPDDR3-1866
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	HD Graphics 530
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	QM170,HM170
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i5-6440EQ is primarily designed for Workstation. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i5-6440EQ
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Workstation
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

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-6440EQ 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.

Specification	Core i5-6440EQ
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	45 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $150 (MSRP: $250), the Core i5-6440EQ delivers 36 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #765 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1830 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-6440EQ
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$250
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$150
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$250
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#765
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1830
Release DateLaunch date	12 October 2015 (10 years ago)
Release Year	2015
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel