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. The Core i5-6440HQ is positioned at rank #879 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 i5-6440HQ

#867

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

1461%

#868

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

1440%

#869

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

1322%

#870

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

1316%

#871

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

1304%

#873

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

1259%

#874

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

1207%

#875

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

1205%

#876

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

1173%

#879

Core i5-6440HQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A

100%

#882

Celeron Dual-Core T1600

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

100%

#884

Athlon II N330

MSRP: $100|Avg: $50

100%

#889

Core i7-7820EQ

MSRP: $378|Avg: $378

98%

#890

Celeron 7305

MSRP: $128|Avg: $107

98%

#891

E-300

MSRP: $60|Avg: $20

98%

#892

Core i7-7820HK

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

97%

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.

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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. It currently holds Rank #879 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#879
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