OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Intel Core i5-6442EQ review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£210PassMark multi-core score:4483N. of physical cores:4CPU boost clock speed:2.7 GHzCPU socket:FCBGA1440TDP (Thermal design power):25 W

Intel Core i5-6442EQ Review: Compare 74 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

5.9/10

Overall score

Score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components

40%

3.7

Technical score

25%

?

Reviews scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.2, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

▼Worse than 82% of processors
6.9

Value for money

Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 75% of models
Score components

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

▼Worse than 75%
3.7

Technical score

Technical score
3.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components

60%

2.7

Performance

18%

4.5

Architecture

10%

4.6

Memory & PCIe

7%

7.7

Power & Thermal

4%

6.7

Platform

1%

6.9

Integrated graphics

▼Worse than 92%
?

Reviews score

Reviews score
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (0)
We have not found an independent test of this model yet. Until we do, its review part counts as 7.2.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
No expert tests yet
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £210
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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    Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5-6442EQ

    Technical score
    Technical score
    3.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
    Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
    Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 92% of models
    Score components:

    60%

    2.7

    Performance

    18%

    4.5

    Architecture

    10%

    4.6

    Memory & PCIe

    7%

    7.7

    Power & Thermal

    4%

    6.7

    Platform

    1%

    6.9

    Integrated graphics

    3.7
    Reviews score
    7.2
    List score
    ?
    Value for money
    Value for money
    6.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
    When it matters
    When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 75% of models
    Score components:

    70%

    5.9

    Overall score

    30%

    9.4

    Price

    6.9
    Processor type
    embedded
    This processor belongs to the embedded processor class, which is less advanced than that of 93.1% of processors and equal to that of 6.9% of processors.
    CPU socket
    FCBGA1440
    This processor uses the FCBGA1440 CPU socket, which is older than that of 82.6% of processors and equal to that of 4.5% of processors.
    Chipset
    Intel 100 Series
    This processor supports Intel 100 Series chipsets, which is narrower compatibility than 50.6% of processors and equal to that of 2.5% of processors.
    CPU architecture
    x86-64
    This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
    Instruction sets
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2
    This processor supports SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 instruction sets, which is narrower support than 88.2% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
    Show more
    N. of physical cores
    4
    Market range: <2 – >12
    This processor has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 52.8% of processors and equal to 27.5% of processors.
    CPU threads
    4
    Market range: <4 – >24
    This processor offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 69% of processors and equal to 25.2% of processors.
    CPU boost clock speed
    2.7 GHz
    Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
    This processor reaches a boost clock of 2.7 GHz which is lower than that of 96.3% of processors and equal to that of 0.7% of processors.
    CPU base clock speed
    4x 1.9 GHz
    This processor has a base clock of 4x1.9 GHz which is lower than that of 76.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.3% of processors.
    PassMark multi-core score
    4,483
    Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
    This processor scores 4,483 in PassMark, which is lower than 75.7% of processors.
    Show more
    Semiconductor size
    14 nm
    Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
    This processor uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 52% of processors and equal to that of 32.9% of processors.
    Foundry
    Intel 14 nm
    This processor is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.9% of processors and equal to that of 29% of processors.
    L3 cache
    6 MB
    Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
    This processor has an L3 cache of 6 MB which is smaller than that of 62.3% of processors and equal to that of 9.4% of processors.
    L2 cache
    1 MB
    Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
    This processor has an L2 cache of 1 MB which is smaller than that of 68.3% of processors and equal to that of 17% of processors.
    L1 cache
    256 KB
    Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
    This processor has an L1 cache of 256 KB which is smaller than that of 60.4% of processors and equal to that of 18.1% of processors.
    Show more
    DDR memory version
    DDR3L/DDR4/LPDDR3
    This processor supports DDR DDR3L/DDR4/LPDDR3, which is older than that of 75.3% of processors and equal to that of 3.2% of processors.
    Maximum memory speed
    2,133 MHz
    Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
    This processor supports memory speeds up to 2,133 MHz, which is lower than that of 76.4% of processors and equal to 8.4% of processors.
    Max memory speed (JEDEC)
    DDR4-2133 MHz
    This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2133 MHz, which is lower than that of 78.8% of processors and equal to 5.5% of processors.
    Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
    N/A
    Maximum memory capacity
    64 GB
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This processor supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is more than 27.2% of processors and equal to 26.1% of processors.
    Show more
    Integrated graphics
    yes
    This processor includes integrated graphics. 14.7% of processors offer this.
    Integrated GPU model
    Intel HD Graphics 530
    This processor uses the Intel HD Graphics 530 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 76.2% of processors and equal to that in 2.2% of processors.
    Integrated GPU execution units
    24
    Market range: <6 – >64
    This processor has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.1% of processors and equal to 20.8% of processors.
    Integrated GPU base frequency
    350 MHz
    Market range: <300 MHz – >800 MHz
    This processor has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 42.7% of processors and equal to that of 25.4% of processors.
    Integrated media encoders/decoders
    H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decod
    Show more
    TDP (Thermal design power)
    25 W
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    This processor has a TDP of 25 W which is lower than that of 75.2% of processors and equal to that of 1.7% of processors.
    Base power (PL1)
    25 W
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    This processor has a base power of 25 W which is lower than that of 74.8% of processors and equal to that of 1.6% of processors.
    Boost power (PL2)
    ?
    Tau (power duration limit)
    ?
    Configurable TDP
    yes
    This processor supports configurable TDP. 46.4% of processors offer this.
    Show more

    Intel Core i5-6442EQ vs the average processor

    246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
    • 71.8% faster Blender rendering
      This processor has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (683.9 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
      683.92 vs 398.015
    • 44.4% lower base power
      This processor has a lower base power draw than the average processor (25 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
      25 W vs 45 W
    • 44.4% lower TDP
      This processor has a lower TDP than the average processor (25 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
      25 W vs 45 W
    • 71.8% faster Blender rendering
      This processor has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (683.9 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
      683.92 vs 398.015
    • 44.4% lower base power
      This processor has a lower base power draw than the average processor (25 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
      25 W vs 45 W
    • 44.4% lower TDP
      This processor has a lower TDP than the average processor (25 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
      25 W vs 45 W
    • 83.7% lower multi-core score
      This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (851 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
      851 vs 5,209
    • 38.6% lower boost clock
      This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (2.7 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
      2.7 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
    • 35.6% weaker single-core performance
      This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,647 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
      1,647 vs 2,558
    • 60.9% lower PassMark score
      This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,483 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
      4,483 vs 11,469
    • 44.6% lower single-core score
      This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (851 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
      851 vs 1,535
    • 68.4% weaker multi-core performance
      This processor has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (886 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
      886 vs 2,804.5
    • 2 fewer CPU cores
      This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
      4 vs 6
    • Narrower instruction support
      This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
      SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
    • 5% worse value for money
      Intel Core i5-6442EQ has worse value for money than the average processor (6.94 vs 7.3).
      6.94 vs 7.29
    • Narrower instruction support
      This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
      SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
    • 5 years older release date
      This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2015 vs 2020).
      October 2015
      2015 vs 2020
    • Weaker security extensions
      This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, TXT, MPX, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
      AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, TXT, MPX, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
    • Older CPU socket
      This processor uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1440 vs FP5).
      FCBGA1440 vs FP5
    • More limited crypto acceleration
      This processor offers more limited crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES vs AES, SHA).
      AES vs AES, SHA
    • 83.7% lower multi-core score
      This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (851 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
      851 vs 5,209
    • 38.6% lower boost clock
      This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (2.7 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
      2.7 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
    • 35.6% weaker single-core performance
      This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,647 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
      1,647 vs 2,558
    • 60.9% lower PassMark score
      This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,483 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
      4,483 vs 11,469
    • 68.4% weaker multi-core performance
      This processor has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (886 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
      886 vs 2,804.5
    • 44.6% lower single-core score
      This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (851 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
      851 vs 1,535
    • 2 fewer CPU cores
      This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
      4 vs 6
    • 4 fewer CPU threads
      This processor has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
      4 vs 8
    • No simultaneous multithreading
      This processor does not support simultaneous multithreading, while the average processor does. 73.8% of processors support it.
    • Lower base clock
      This processor has a lower base clock than the average processor (4x1.9 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
      4x1.9 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
    • 9 lower clock multiplier
      This processor has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (19 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
      19 vs 28
    • 66.7% smaller L2 cache
      This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
      1 MB vs 3 MB
    • 16.7% larger process node
      This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
      14 nm vs 12 nm
    • 50% less L2 per core
      This processor has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
      0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
    • 18.9% less L3 per core
      This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
      1.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
    • 33.3% smaller L1 cache
      This processor has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
      256 KB vs 384 KB
    • 33.3% smaller L3 cache
      This processor has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (6 MB vs 9 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 9 MB.
      6 MB vs 9 MB
    • Less advanced microarchitecture
      This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Skylake vs Kaby Lake).
      Skylake vs Kaby Lake
    • 33.3% lower memory speed
      This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,133 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
      2,133 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
    • 27.3% lower memory bandwidth
      This processor has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (34.1 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
      34.1 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
    • Lower JEDEC memory speed
      This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR4-2133 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
      DDR4-2,133 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
    • Older DDR support
      This processor supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3L/DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).
      DDR3L/DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4
    • Limited PCIe bifurcation
      This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
      x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
    • Narrower media codec support
      This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decod vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
      H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decod vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
    • Inferior integrated GPU
      This processor uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 530 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
      Intel HD Graphics 530 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630

    Third-party reviews

    What customers like about Intel Core i5-6442EQ

    • Efficient power consumption with a low Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 25W, making it suitable for low-heat environments.
    • Reliable for basic daily tasks like web browsing, office work, and standard productivity apps.
    • Features 4 physical cores, which provides better multi-core performance compared to same-generation dual-core i3 or Pentium chips.
    • Cost-effective option for budget-conscious users when purchased pre-owned for simple systems.
    • Higher maximum operating temperature (100°C) compared to some other desktop models, offering better thermal headroom in compact builds.

    What customers don't like about Intel Core i5-6442EQ

    • Significantly outdated technology that struggles to meet the system requirements of modern software and AAA games.
    • Low base clock speed of 1.9 GHz and a modest turbo boost of 2.7 GHz limit its single-core performance.
    • Lacks hyper-threading (4 cores/4 threads), which hinders multitasking efficiency compared to newer or higher-tier CPUs.
    • Integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 is inadequate for 4K video rendering or high-end gaming.
    • Commonly only available as a used or 'end-of-servicing' part, which may lead to reliability concerns for new critical builds.

    Verdict

    The Intel Core i5-6442EQ is an embedded 6th-generation Skylake processor launched in Q4 2015, featuring 4 cores and 4 threads with a base frequency of 1.90 GHz and a max turbo boost of 2.70 GHz. Built on a 14nm lithography with a 25W TDP, it includes 6MB of Intel Smart Cache and integrated Intel HD Graphics 530, supporting up to 64GB of DDR4-2133 or DDR3L-1600 memory. Its main advantages include a very low power envelope for its class, high thermal tolerance (100°C T-Junction), and suitability for industrial or multi-display embedded applications. However, it is hindered by its relatively low clock speeds compared to standard desktop counterparts, the lack of Hyper-Threading, and its status as an end-of-life product that is no longer competitive for modern, high-performance computing or gaming.

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