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 i5-6440HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,021 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 i5-6440HQ

#262

Core i3-4100M

MSRP: $225|Avg: $99

127%

#263

Celeron Dual-Core SU2300

MSRP: $134|Avg: $50

125%

#264

Core 2 Solo SU3300

MSRP: $262|Avg: $50

124%

#265

N200

MSRP: $193|Avg: N/A

122%

#266

Celeron B810

MSRP: $86|Avg: $86

121%

#267

Core i7-1365UE

MSRP: $429|Avg: $429

120%

#268

Celeron 7305

MSRP: $128|Avg: $107

117%

#269

Pentium P6000

MSRP: $150|Avg: $90

113%

#270

Pentium Dual Core T3400

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $89

113%

#271

Core i5-1145GRE

MSRP: $362|Avg: N/A

113%

#272

Core i7-10710U

MSRP: $415|Avg: N/A

111%

#273

Core 2 Duo E8335

MSRP: $200|Avg: $50

109%

#274

Z-01

MSRP: $50|Avg: $10

107%

#275

Core i7-1160G7

MSRP: $426|Avg: N/A

102%

#276

Pentium Gold 4417U

MSRP: $161|Avg: N/A

100%

#277

Core i5-6440HQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A

100%

#278

Celeron Dual-Core T1600

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

100%

#279

Core i7-7820EQ

MSRP: $378|Avg: $378

98%

#280

Core i7-7820HK

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

97%

#281

Core i5-8305G

MSRP: $350|Avg: $350

97%

#282

Core i7-8705G

MSRP: $400|Avg: $400

95%

#283

Core i7-5850EQ

MSRP: $435|Avg: $370

95%

#284

Pentium Dual Core T2410

MSRP: $100|Avg: $100

94%

#285

Core i7-8809G

MSRP: $450|Avg: $450

93%

#286

Ryzen 5 2500U

MSRP: $349|Avg: N/A

93%

#287

Core i7-6820HK

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

92%

#288

Core i5-8365UE

MSRP: $297|Avg: $297

91%

#289

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

86%

#290

Celeron T3000

MSRP: $150|Avg: $54

83%

#291

Pentium U5600

MSRP: $100|Avg: $50

83%

#292

Core i7-4810MQ

MSRP: $378|Avg: $378

80%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

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

Technical Analysis

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

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-6440HQ 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 3.5 GHz from a base frequency of 2.6 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 5,021, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i5-6440HQ
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.6 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
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	5,021

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-6440HQ 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: HD Graphics 530 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i5-6440HQ
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	HD Graphics 530
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

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

Specification	Core i5-6440HQ
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Mobile
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 i5-6440HQ 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.

Specification	Core i5-6440HQ
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	45 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $250, the Core i5-6440HQ delivers 20 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1876 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-6440HQ
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$250
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$250
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1876
Release DateLaunch date	1 September 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	1 September 2015 (10 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Skylake (2015−2016)
Performance Ranking Position	1876

Technical Specifications

15 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	26
Max Frequency	3.5 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.6 GHz
Process Technology	14 nm
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-