Intel Core i5 6400T Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£70
  • PassMark benchmark result: 4254
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 2.8 GHz

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

3.8

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%

3.6

Technical Score

10.0%

6.0

User score

Poor
3.6

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%

2.5

Performance

18.0%

4.5

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.3

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

7.6

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.0

Platform

1.0%

6.2

Integrated Graphics

Poor
6.0

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%

7.8

User reviews

30.0%

1.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.9
(7)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Good
  • 1.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    2.1

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    2.5

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.0

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 1.8
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.8

    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-i5-6400t
  • intel-core-i5-6400t
intel-core-i5-6400t
intel-core-i5-6400t

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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 i5-6400T is a 6th Gen Skylake quad-core desktop processor designed for high energy efficiency, featuring a base clock speed of 2.2 GHz, a max turbo frequency of 2.8 GHz, and 6 MB of Intel Smart Cache. Its primary characteristics include a low 35W TDP and integrated Intel HD Graphics 530, making it ideal for compact, low-power systems. The main pros are its exceptionally low power consumption and solid performance for everyday productivity and basic multitasking. However, its significant cons include lower clock speeds compared to standard i5 models, the lack of Hyper-Threading (supporting only 4 threads), and its status as an older architecture that officially lacks support for Windows 11.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 6400T

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%

2.5

Performance

18.0%

4.5

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.3

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

7.6

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.0

Platform

1.0%

6.2

Integrated Graphics

3.6
Intel Core i5 6400T has a technical score of 3.6 points, which is lower than that of 92.4% 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%

7.8

User reviews

30.0%

1.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.9
(7)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

6.0
Intel Core i5 6400T has a user score of 6.02 points, which is lower than that of 98.2% 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.
1.9
Intel Core i5 6400T has a popularity of 1.9 points, which is higher than 75.4% 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%

3.8

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

5.7
Intel Core i5 6400T has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.7 points, which is lower than 78% 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 6400T 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 6400T 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

Intel 100 Series, Intel 200 Series
Intel Core i5 6400T supports Intel 100 Series, Intel 200 Series chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 50% of processors and equal to that of 2.1% of processors.
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 6400T 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 6400T 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 6400T 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 6400T 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

2.8 GHz
Intel Core i5 6400T reaches a boost clock of 2.8 GHz which is lower than that of 94.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.1% 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 2.2 GHz
Intel Core i5 6400T has a base clock of 4x2.2 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 6400T 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 6400T 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 6400T 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 6400T 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 6400T 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 6400T 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 6400T supports memory speeds up to 2133 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 6400T supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2133 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

2,133 MHz
Intel Core i5 6400T supports XMP/EXPO memory speeds up to 2133 MHz, which is higher than that of 87.2% of processors and equal to 0.7% of processors.
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 6400T supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is more than 28.4% of processors and equal to 27.6% of processors.
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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 6400T includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors 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 6400T uses the Intel HD Graphics 530 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 78.4% of processors and equal to that in 2.3% of processors.
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 6400T 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 6400T 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

VP8 (HW decode)
Intel Core i5 6400T supports VP8 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 80% of processors and equal to 0.6% 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

35 W
Intel Core i5 6400T has a TDP of 35 W which is lower than that of 51.8% of processors and equal to that of 14.8% 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

35 W
Intel Core i5 6400T has a base power of 35 W which is lower than that of 51.7% of processors and equal to that of 15.1% 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 6400T 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 6400T does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i5 6400T vs the average processor

  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i5 6400T 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 6400T includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • 34 °C lower CPU temperature
    Intel Core i5 6400T has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (66 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
    What it is: The reported operating temperature of the processor.
    When it matters: When you monitor thermals, cooling, or system stability.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <100 °C

    Intel Core i5 6400T has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (66 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.66 °C vs 100 °C
  • 87.1% more popular
    Intel Core i5 6400T is more popular than the average processor (1.87 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 6400T is more popular than the average processor (1.87 vs 1.000).1.87 vs 1
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i5 6400T uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,151 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 6400T uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,151 vs FP2).LGA1151 vs FP2
  • 3.57x cheaper
    Intel Core i5 6400T is cheaper than the average processor (£70 vs £250).
    Intel Core i5 6400T is cheaper than the average processor (£70 vs £250).£70 vs £250
  • 22.2% lower base power
    Intel Core i5 6400T has a lower base power draw than the average processor (35 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    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

    Intel Core i5 6400T has a lower base power draw than the average processor (35 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.35 W vs 45 W
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i5 6400T uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,151 vs FP2).
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i5 6400T includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • 34 °C lower CPU temperature
    Intel Core i5 6400T has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (66 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
  • 22.2% lower base power
    Intel Core i5 6400T has a lower base power draw than the average processor (35 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i5 6400T 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).
  • 5 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i5 6400T has an older release date than the average processor (2,015 vs 2,020).
    September 2015
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i5 6400T does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 34.9% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i5 6400T has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (2.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 35.2% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 6400T has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,608 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 66.3% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i5 6400T has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (938 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 36.3% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i5 6400T has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (937 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i5 6400T has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 59.6% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i5 6400T has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,254 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i5 6400T does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i5 6400T has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 46.8% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i5 6400T has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2,552 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Intel Core i5 6400T has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • 6 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core i5 6400T has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (22 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 6400T 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 6400T 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 6400T 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 6400T 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 6400T 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 6400T 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 6400T uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Skylake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 25.5% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i5 6400T 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 6400T 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 6400T supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3L/DDR4 vs DDR4).
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i5 6400T supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (VP8 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    Intel Core i5 6400T uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 530 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i5 6400T does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 20 seconds shorter turbo duration
    Intel Core i5 6400T has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (8 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.
  • 34.9% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i5 6400T has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (2.8 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 6400T has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (2.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.2.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 35.2% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 6400T has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,608 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 6400T has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,608 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,608 vs 2,483
  • 66.3% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i5 6400T has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (938 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core i5 6400T has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (938 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.938 vs 2,783
  • 36.3% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i5 6400T has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (937 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 6400T has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (937 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.937 vs 1,471
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i5 6400T 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).
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 6400T 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).SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i5 6400T 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 6400T has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • 59.6% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i5 6400T has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,254 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 6400T has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,254 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.4,254 vs 10,532.5
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i5 6400T 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 6400T does not support multithreading, the average processor does.

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5 6400T and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i5 6400T?

  • High energy efficiency with low power consumption (35W TDP)
  • Excellent for low-power Home NAS or media server setups
  • Solid reliability and cooling performance, often running cool with stock heatsinks
  • Affordable entry point for native quad-core Skylake architecture
  • Adequate for general office tasks, web browsing, and casual media consumption
  • Multi-threaded performance is decent for lighter productivity workloads

What customers dislike about Intel Core i5 6400T?

  • Significantly lower base (2.2GHz) and turbo (2.8GHz) clocks compared to the standard i5-6400
  • Poor performance in modern AAA gaming; can cause significant stuttering or bottlenecks
  • Lacks Hyper-Threading (4 cores, 4 threads), making it feel dated for heavy multitasking
  • Weak single-core performance compared to faster-clocked dual-core alternatives from the same era
  • Limited upgrade longevity; considered borderline obsolete for intensive video editing or streaming
  • Integrated graphics (HD 530) are low-end and only suitable for older games at modest settings

Expert reviews

B
browser.geekbench.com
Updated Daily

The Intel Core i5-6400T is a 6th Generation "Skylake" quad-core processor designed for low-power, small-form-factor systems, featuring a 2.20 GHz base clock and a 35W TDP. It provides a balanced experience for general computing and, according to Geekbench 6 data, yields approximately 935 for single-core and 2,552 for multi-core performance, notes a user-contributed report. Key...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
Updated Daily

The Intel Core i5-6400T is a 6th-gen Skylake desktop processor designed for low power consumption, featuring 4 cores/4 threads, a 2.2 GHz base clock, and a strict 35W TDP ideal for small form factor systems. With a PassMark score around 5,776, it offers decent efficiency but falls 17–18% behind the standard i5-6400, while featuring integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 suitable for media...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
30/03/2026

The Intel Core i5-6400T is a 6th Generation Skylake quad-core desktop processor designed for power efficiency, featuring a 2.20 GHz base clock and a low 35W TDP. It is well-suited for small form factor PCs and home media servers due to its low heat generation and support for DDR4-2133 memory. Performance-wise, it yields a PassMark score of approximately 4,280, acting as a...Read more

B
browser.geekbench.com
30/03/2026

The Intel Core i5-6400T is a 6th Generation "Skylake" quad-core processor designed for low-power, cool-running performance with a 35W TDP, ideal for mini-PCs and compact systems. Geekbench data shows it operating at 2.2 GHz base and 2.8 GHz turbo, offering significant energy efficiency but lower, locked performance compared to standard desktop CPUs. Key benefits include low power...Read more

Video reviews

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