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. 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

#811

Ryzen Embedded V3C14

MSRP: $305|Avg: $305

110%

#812

Athlon II X4 651

MSRP: $92|Avg: $92

110%

#813

Athlon II X2 210e

MSRP: $60|Avg: $28

109%

#814

Phenom X4 9100e

MSRP: $200|Avg: $35

109%

#815

Athlon II X3 425e

MSRP: $79|Avg: $58

109%

#816

Celeron 2.60

MSRP: $53|Avg: $10

108%

#817

Core i7-9700T

MSRP: $323|Avg: $276

108%

#818

Athlon X4 740

MSRP: $71|Avg: $71

105%

#819

Core i9-13900TE

MSRP: $554|Avg: $554

105%

#820

Core i5-655K

MSRP: $216|Avg: $55

103%

#821

Ryzen Embedded V2546

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

102%

#822

Core i7-920

MSRP: $284|Avg: $79

102%

#823

Phenom II X3 700e

MSRP: $125|Avg: $40

102%

#824

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7945WX

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $1399

100%

#825

A4-3420

MSRP: $65|Avg: $30

100%

#826

Core i5-6440EQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: $150

100%

#827

Core i7-6700TE

MSRP: $303|Avg: $175

100%

#828

Core i3-6100TE

MSRP: $250|Avg: $90

99%

#829

Core i7-870S

MSRP: $300|Avg: $80

97%

#830

Core i3-9100HL

MSRP: $225|Avg: $100

97%

#831

Core i9-12900TE

MSRP: $494|Avg: $664

97%

#832

Athlon XP 2600+

MSRP: $98|Avg: $10

96%

#833

Athlon 64 X2 5000+

MSRP: $136|Avg: $42

95%

#834

Core i7-940

MSRP: $562|Avg: $90

95%

#835

Ryzen 7 5800X3D

MSRP: $449|Avg: $849.99

94%

#836

Athlon 64 FX-74

MSRP: $499|Avg: $50

93%

#837

Core i9-9940X

MSRP: $1387|Avg: $850

93%

#838

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

MSRP: $1899|Avg: $1836

92%

#839

Celeron 2.30

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

91%

#840

Core i3-7102E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $80

91%

#841

Ryzen Embedded V1756B

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

91%

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. 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
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

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	Laptop
Series	Intel Core i5
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$250
Release Date	12 October 2015 (10 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Skylake (2015−2016)
Performance Ranking Position	1830

Technical Specifications

13 specs

Cores	4
Threads	4
Bus Type	DMI 3.0
Die Size	122 mm2
L1 Cache	256 kB
L2 Cache	1 MB
L3 Cache	6 MB
Bus Speed	4 × 8 GT/s
Multiplier	27
Max Frequency	2.7 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Process Technology	14 nm
Windows 11 Compatible	-