Quick Verdict
A unique mobile processor that combined capable quad-core CPU performance with Intel's best integrated graphics of its era, though it is now outdated.
Overview
Launch
2016
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
6th Gen Core i5
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i5-6350HQ is a 6th generation Skylake-H quad-core mobile processor introduced in early 2016, featuring Iris Pro Graphics 580 for high-performance laptops and mobile workstations.
The Core i5-6350HQ leverages Intel's Skylake architecture to deliver 4 cores and 4 threads alongside the rare Iris Pro Graphics 580. This made it an excellent choice for thin laptops requiring capable 1080p gaming and media processing. While its 45W TDP and 14nm process are dated, it remains a significant chip in Intel's history of integrated graphics.
Specifications
Performance
Quad-core performance handles everyday applications and moderate content creation well.
Adequate for light virtual machine workloads but limited by 4 threads.
Capable of playing older or well-optimized titles at 1080p thanks to the Iris Pro 580 graphics.
The 14nm process and 45W TDP run warm compared to modern mobile chips.
- •Iris Pro 580 provides playable framerates in older esports titles
- •Lacks the horsepower of modern integrated solutions
- •Benefited from 128MB eDRAM buffer for texture caching
- •No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- •Iris Pro execution units can handle very basic inference workloads
Architecture
14nm
Process Node
Skylake-H
Codename
4C / 4T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
45 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i5-6350HQ utilizes the Skylake microarchitecture, representing a significant step forward in efficiency and instruction throughput. Skylake-H denotes the high-performance mobile variant, optimizing the 14nm process for a 45-watt TDP. The processor features four physical cores operating at a 2.3 GHz base clock, capable of boosting to 3.2 GHz under load. It includes 6 MB of L3 cache, ensuring rapid data access for multi-threaded applications. The defining architectural feature of this specific model is the integration of Intel Iris Pro Graphics 580. Unlike standard integrated graphics, Iris Pro 580 incorporates 72 execution units and a dedicated 128 MB L4 eDRAM cache. This eDRAM acts as a high-speed memory buffer for both the GPU and the CPU, significantly reducing memory latency and boosting bandwidth. The architecture supports dual-channel memory and 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes, providing robust connectivity for mobile platforms and external devices.
CPU Design
4 physical cores, 4 threads, Skylake microarchitecture.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR4-2133 or DDR3L-1600 support.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes directly from the CPU.
Overclocking
Multiplier locked, but features configurable TDP for system builders.
- Moved from 2 cores to 4 cores
- Increased L3 cache from 4MB to 6MB
- Upgraded graphics from Iris Pro 6200 to Iris Pro 580
- Added DDR4 memory support
Key Highlights
- Powerful Iris Pro 580 integrated graphics for its time
- True quad-core design for solid multitasking
- Configurable TDP for mobile flexibility
- Supports fast DDR4 memory
- Includes 128MB eDRAM cache
- End-of-life and outdated architecture
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
- 45W TDP is inefficient by modern standards
- Soldered to the motherboard (BGA)
- Only 4 threads limits modern multitasking
History
The Core i5-6350HQ was officially launched on January 24, 2016, during a period when Intel was heavily pushing integrated graphics performance. <br> Skylake itself was a crucial architecture for Intel, marking the transition to DDR4 memory support in mobile platforms while maintaining backward compatibility with DDR3. The introduction of Iris Pro 580 in a non-extreme edition mobile processor was particularly noteworthy.
It allowed manufacturers to build thin and light laptops capable of respectable 1080p gaming and fast media encoding without the need for a discrete GPU. While the desktop Broadwell generation with Iris Pro had limited availability, Skylake-H brought this powerful integrated solution to a slightly broader mobile audience. Today, the i5-6350HQ is considered end-of-life, having been superseded by newer architectures with significantly improved power efficiency and integrated graphics technologies.
It remains a fascinating example of Intel's attempt to bridge the gap between entry-level discrete graphics and integrated solutions in the mobile space.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Moved from 2 cores to 4 cores
- Increased L3 cache from 4MB to 6MB
- Upgraded graphics from Iris Pro 6200 to Iris Pro 580
- Added DDR4 memory support
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Purchasing a heavily discounted used laptop for basic retro gaming.
Avoid if…
- Building a new system
- Needing modern gaming performance
- Requiring long battery life
- Doing heavy video editing
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The Iris Pro 580 was Intel's fastest integrated GPU until the release of Ice Lake years later.
It featured a dedicated 128MB eDRAM die alongside the main CPU silicon.
This chip was notably used in the 2016 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar.
It bridged the gap between standard integrated graphics and entry-level discrete GPUs.
The 'HQ' suffix denoted High-performance graphics (H) and Quad-core (Q).
Skylake was the first Intel mobile architecture to support DDR4.
The eDRAM cache could also be utilized by the CPU to accelerate certain workloads.
It was built on the same 14nm process that Intel used for several generations.
Despite being an i5, its graphics outperformed standard i7 mobile chips of the same era.
The configurable TDP allowed laptops to switch between 35W and 45W modes.
People Also Ask
Is the Intel Core i5-6350HQ good for gaming?
For older games and esports titles at 1080p, the Iris Pro 580 graphics perform decently, but it cannot handle modern AAA games.
Can you overclock the Core i5-6350HQ?
No, the multiplier is locked, and it is a BGA soldered chip, preventing traditional overclocking.
What is the TDP of the i5-6350HQ?
The default TDP is 45 Watts, but it is configurable down to 35 Watts by manufacturers.
Does the i5-6350HQ support DDR4 memory?
Yes, it supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory types.
What graphics does the Core i5-6350HQ have?
It features Intel Iris Pro Graphics 580 with 128MB of eDRAM.
Is the i5-6350HQ still good in 2024?
It is outdated for heavy workloads but still usable for basic office tasks, web browsing, and media consumption.
How many cores does the i5-6350HQ have?
It has 4 physical cores and 4 threads.
What socket does the i5-6350HQ use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1440 socket, meaning it is permanently soldered to the motherboard.
What is the max turbo frequency of the i5-6350HQ?
The maximum turbo frequency is 3.2 GHz.
Does the i5-6350HQ have hyper-threading?
No, it has 4 cores and 4 threads, meaning no hyper-threading support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the launch price of the Intel Core i5-6350HQ?
The recommended customer price at launch was $306.
Does the Core i5-6350HQ support hardware virtualization?
Yes, it supports both VT-x and VT-d for hardware virtualization.
What generation is the Core i5-6350HQ?
It is a 6th Generation Intel Core processor, codenamed Skylake.
Can I upgrade the i5-6350HQ in my laptop?
No, it is soldered to the motherboard using the BGA 1440 package and cannot be upgraded.
Does it support 4K video playback?
Yes, the integrated Iris Pro 580 graphics and media engine can handle 4K video playback smoothly.
What is the L3 cache size of the i5-6350HQ?
It has 6 MB of shared L3 cache.
Is the Intel Core i5-6350HQ good for video editing?
It can handle light 1080p video editing, but 4K editing would be very slow due to the lack of modern hardware encoders.
What operating systems are compatible with the i5-6350HQ?
It supports Windows 10, Windows 11 (though officially not supported), and various Linux distributions.
Does the i5-6350HQ have an unlocked multiplier?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the maximum memory supported by the i5-6350HQ?
It supports up to 64 GB of RAM across two memory channels.