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 i5-6442EQ 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: 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 4,483 points. Launch price was $250.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-6442EQ is positioned at rank #843 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 i5-6442EQ

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

17385%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

16427%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

11927%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

3593%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

2846%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

2490%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1426%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1407%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1282%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1281%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1267%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1233%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1216%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1211%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1200%

#842

Core i7-4785T

MSRP: $306|Avg: $32

100%

#843

Core i5-6442EQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

100%

#844

Core i5-4690S

MSRP: $306|Avg: $189

100%

#845

Core i3-3250

MSRP: $138|Avg: $40

99%

#846

Core i3-3240

MSRP: $132|Avg: $15

99%

#847

Pentium G640T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $69

99%

#848

Core i7-5930K

MSRP: $583|Avg: $410

99%

#850

Core i3-3240T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $8

99%

#851

Athlon II X2 240

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

99%

#853

Core i5-2500S

MSRP: $192|Avg: $61

98%

#855

Athlon X2 BE-2400

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

98%

#856

Pentium G850

MSRP: $86|Avg: $75

97%

#857

Core i3-2102

MSRP: $117|Avg: $15

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-6442EQ across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-6442EQ specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-6442EQ 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 1.9 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 4,483, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i5-6442EQ
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	1.9 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	4,483

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-6442EQ has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 25 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i5-6442EQ
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	25 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $250, the Core i5-6442EQ delivers 18 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #843 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1942 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-6442EQ
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$250
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$250
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$250
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#843
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1942
Release DateLaunch date	12 October 2015 (10 years ago)
Release Year	2015
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel