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Intel Core i5 6400 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£35
  • Avg. price in US: ~$20
  • PassMark benchmark result: 5177
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.3 GHz

Intel Core i5 6400 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.3

Technical Score

10.0%

9.4

User score

Poor
4.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.5

Performance

18.0%

4.5

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.0

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.8

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.7

Platform

1.0%

6.8

Integrated Graphics

Poor
9.4

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(552)
amazon
4.0
(12)
amazon
3.9
(2)
amazon
5.0
(2)
amazon
1.0
(1)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Exceptional
  • 2.6
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    2.9

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    3.1

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    2.5

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 1.9
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    2.0

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    1.6

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

  • intel-core-i5-6400
  • intel-core-i5-6400
  • intel-core-i5-6400
intel-core-i5-6400
intel-core-i5-6400
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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-6400 is a 6th generation 'Skylake' desktop processor featuring 4 physical cores and 4 threads, operating at a base frequency of 2.7 GHz with a maximum turbo boost speed of 3.3 GHz. Built on a 14nm process, it includes 6MB of Intel Smart Cache, a 65W TDP, and integrated Intel HD Graphics 530, supporting both DDR4-2133 and DDR3L-1600 memory. Its main advantages include high energy efficiency, reliable multi-core performance for productivity tasks like video editing, and native 4K support at 60Hz via DisplayPort. However, its primary drawbacks are a relatively low base clock speed compared to other i5 models in its generation, lack of Hyper-Threading, and no official support for Windows 11.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 6400

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.5

Performance

18.0%

4.5

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.0

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.8

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.7

Platform

1.0%

6.8

Integrated Graphics

4.3
Intel Core i5 6400 has a technical score of 4.28 points, which is lower than that of 72.3% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(552)
amazon
4.0
(12)
amazon
3.9
(2)
amazon
5.0
(2)
amazon
1.0
(1)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.4
Intel Core i5 6400 has a user score of 9.41 points, which is higher than that of 92.1% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
10
Intel Core i5 6400 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 88.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

4.8

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.4
Intel Core i5 6400 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.4 points, which is higher than 49.1% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
Intel Core i5 6400 belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA1151
Intel Core i5 6400 uses the LGA1151 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 60.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

?
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i5 6400 uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

4
Intel Core i5 6400 has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

4
Intel Core i5 6400 offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 67.3% of processors and equal to 26.6% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

1
Intel Core i5 6400 offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.7% of processors and equal to 30.3% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

3.3 GHz
Intel Core i5 6400 reaches a boost clock of 3.3 GHz which is lower than that of 86.6% of processors and equal to that of 2.5% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 x 2.7 GHz
Intel Core i5 6400 has a base clock of 4x2.7 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core i5 6400 uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i5 6400 is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

6 MB
Intel Core i5 6400 has an L3 cache of 6 MB which is smaller than that of 60.4% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

1 MB
Intel Core i5 6400 has an L2 cache of 1 MB which is smaller than that of 67.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.6% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

256 KB
Intel Core i5 6400 has an L1 cache of 256 KB which is smaller than that of 59.4% of processors and equal to that of 18.5% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR3L/DDR4
Intel Core i5 6400 supports DDR DDR3L/DDR4, which is older than that of 77.7% of processors and equal to that of 5.4% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,133 MHz
Intel Core i5 6400 supports memory speeds up to 2,133 MHz, which is lower than that of 75.6% of processors and equal to 8.8% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-2133 MHz
Intel Core i5 6400 supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2,133 MHz, which is lower than that of 75.9% of processors and equal to 5.3% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

64 GB
Intel Core i5 6400 supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is more than 28.4% of processors and equal to 27.6% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i5 6400 includes integrated graphics. 87.6% include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel HD Graphics 530
Intel Core i5 6400 uses the Intel HD Graphics 530 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 78.4% and equal to that in 2.3%.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

24
Intel Core i5 6400 has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

350 MHz
Intel Core i5 6400 has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
Intel Core i5 6400 supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), JPEG (HW decode/encode) media codecs, which is broader support than 81% of processors.
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i5 6400 has a TDP of 65 W which is higher than that of 70% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i5 6400 has a base power of 65 W which is higher than that of 70.3% of processors and equal to that of 16.4% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

?
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

8 seconds
Intel Core i5 6400 has a turbo duration of 8 seconds which is longer than that of 89.1% of processors and equal to that of 7.1% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i5 6400 does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i5 6400 vs the average processor

  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i5 6400 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
    What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
    When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 6400 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i5 6400 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
    When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 6400 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 10x more popular
    Intel Core i5 6400 is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1,000).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    Intel Core i5 6400 is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1,000).10 vs 1
  • 17.7% higher user score
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a higher user score than the average processor (9.41 vs 8,000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a higher user score than the average processor (9.41 vs 8,000).9.41 vs 8
  • 7.14x cheaper
    Intel Core i5 6400 is cheaper than the average processor (£35 vs £250).
    Intel Core i5 6400 is cheaper than the average processor (£35 vs £250).£35 vs £250
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i5 6400 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).
    What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i5 6400 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).LGA1151 vs FP2
  • 1 wider front-end design
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a higher front-end width than the average processor (5 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
    What it is: How many instructions the CPU front end can decode or dispatch per cycle at the architectural level.
    When it matters: When you are comparing deeper architectural throughput rather than user-visible speed in normal buying decisions.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: 4

    Intel Core i5 6400 has a higher front-end width than the average processor (5 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.5 vs 4
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i5 6400 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).
  • 1 wider front-end design
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a higher front-end width than the average processor (5 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i5 6400 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i5 6400 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.

Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • 5 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i5 6400 has an older release date than the average processor (2015 vs 2020).
    September 2,015
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i5 6400 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i5 6400 does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 23.3% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 21.5% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,948 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 24.2% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,115 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i5 6400 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i5 6400 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 50.8% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,177 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i5 6400 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 36.1% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (3,062 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Intel Core i5 6400 has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i5 6400 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.
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i5 6400 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 33.3% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 25% smaller L3 cache
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (6 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i5 6400 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Skylake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 25.5% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (34.1 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 27.3% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,133 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i5 6400 supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3L/DDR4 vs DDR4).
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    Intel Core i5 6400 uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 530 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i5 6400 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 20 seconds shorter turbo duration
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (8 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.
  • 23.3% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Intel Core i5 6400 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 21.5% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,948 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i5 6400 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,948 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,948 vs 2,483
  • 24.2% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,115 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core i5 6400 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,115 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.1,115 vs 1,471
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i5 6400 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i5 6400 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i5 6400 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
    What it is: Lets each physical core run more than one thread at the same time, such as with Hyper-Threading or SMT.
    When it matters: When multitasking, rendering, compiling, virtualization, or other thread-heavy work benefits from more total processing threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i5 6400 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 50.8% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,177 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Intel Core i5 6400 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,177 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.5,177 vs 10,532.5
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 6400 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i5 6400 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
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i5 6400 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
    When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 16+

    Intel Core i5 6400 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.4 vs 8
Total
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5 6400 and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
552 Reviews
amazon
4.0
12 Reviews
amazon
3.9
2 Reviews
amazon
5.0
2 Reviews
amazon
1.0
1 Reviews
amazon
5.0
1 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i5 6400?

  • Reliable quad-core performance for general productivity and casual multitasking
  • Excellent power efficiency with low heat output, making the stock cooler sufficient
  • Budget-friendly entry point into the Skylake architecture for users needing four physical cores
  • Capable of handling older or less demanding games like Valorant at stable frame rates
  • Solid performance in multi-threaded office tasks such as file compression

What customers dislike about Intel Core i5 6400?

  • Low base clock speed (2.7 GHz) compared to higher-tier i5 models like the 6600K
  • Weak single-core performance makes it less ideal for high-framerate gaming
  • Lack of Hyper-Threading support limits its effectiveness in heavy video editing or streaming
  • Significant bottlenecking when paired with modern high-end graphics cards
  • The integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 is the weakest in the standard-power Skylake i5 lineup

Expert reviews

O
openbenchmarking.org
30/03/2026
Intel Core i5-6400 Benchmarks, Linux Performance

The Intel Core i5-6400 is a Skylake-based 2.7 GHz quad-core processor offering balanced mid-range performance, particularly in Linux environments for tasks like OpenSSL. It provides a power-efficient 65W TDP solution with competent integrated HD Graphics 530, making it suitable for budget, non-dedicated GPU systems. However, low clock speeds limit its performance against cheaper...Read more

T
trustedreviews.com
12/01/2016
Benchmarks - Trusted Reviews

The Intel Core i5-6400 is a 14nm Skylake quad-core processor offering an affordable entry into desktop computing with a 2.7GHz base clock, 3.3GHz boost, and support for DDR4/DDR3L memory. Performance benchmarks highlight strong multi-threaded capabilities for creative tasks, though lower clock speeds result in weaker single-core performance compared to some dual-core i3 models. Pros...Read more

T
trustedreviews.com
12/01/2016
Performance and Verdict - Trusted Reviews

The Intel Core i5-6400 is identified as an affordable entry point into the Skylake architecture, featuring strong multi-threaded performance, exceptional power efficiency, and effective cooling with the stock cooler. However, the chip suffers from weak single-core speeds due to a low 2.7GHz base clock and features the weakest integrated HD Graphics 530 in its lineup, limiting its...Read more

T
trustedreviews.com
12/01/2016
Intel Core i5-6400 Review

The Intel Core i5-6400 is identified as an affordable, power-efficient entry point into the 6th-generation Skylake quad-core family, featuring four cores with a 2.7GHz base clock. While it offers strong multi-threaded performance suitable for heavy tasks, its lower clock speeds result in weak single-core performance compared to faster dual-core alternatives. The processor boasts...Read more

G
gathering.tweakers.net
23/05/2016
Intel i5 4460 or 6400? - Desktop buying advice - GoT

a little longerThinking a little longer This Gathering of Tweakers forum discussion analyzes the choice between the Intel Core i5-4460 (Haswell, 3.2 GHz) and the i5-6400 (Skylake, 2.7 GHz) for a desktop upgrade. Participants weigh the i5-6400’s newer LGA1151 platform, DDR4 support, and improved IPC against the higher base clock of the older i5-4460. The consensus heavily favors the...Read more

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