A6-6400K vs Core i5-4210Y

A6-6400K vs Core i5-4210Y Performance Spectrum

A6-6400K

2 / 2

1,511

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i5-4210Y

2 / 4

1,530

+1.3%

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

A6-6400K vs Core i5-4210Y FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A6-6400K vs Core i5-4210Y: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A6-6400K

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i5-4210Y.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,511 vs 1,530).

Core i5-4210Y

2013

Why buy it

✅+1.3% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A6-6400K.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4210Y better than A6-6400K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A6-6400K is ahead with a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4210Y pulls ahead with 1.3% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4210Y is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-4210Y still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-4210Y comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.3% better PassMark.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-4210Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A6-6400K vs Core i5-4210Y Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

A6-6400K

The A6-6400K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Richland (2013−2014) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,511 points. Launch price was $70.

Core i5-4210Y

The Core i5-4210Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 11.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,530 points. Launch price was $297.

⚡

Processing Power

The A6-6400K packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-4210Y's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the A6-6400K versus 1.9 GHz on the Core i5-4210Y — a 73.3% clock advantage for the A6-6400K (base: 3.9 GHz vs 1.5 GHz). The A6-6400K uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-4210Y uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the A6-6400K scores 1,511 against the Core i5-4210Y's 1,530 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i5-4210Y. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A6-6400K vs 3 MB on the Core i5-4210Y.

Feature	A6-6400K	Core i5-4210Y
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz+116%	1.9 GHz
Base Clock	3.9 GHz+160%	1.5 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB
L2 Cache	1024 kB+100%	512 kB
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Richland (2013−2014)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,511	1,530+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	580

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Memory & Platform

The A6-6400K uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4210Y uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A6-6400K versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-4210Y — the A6-6400K supports 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-6400K supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (A6-6400K) vs 12 (Core i5-4210Y) — the A6-6400K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: FM2 (A6-6400K) and HM86,HM87,QM87 (Core i5-4210Y).

Feature	A6-6400K	Core i5-4210Y
Socket	FM2	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	1866+17%	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+33%	12

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the A6-6400K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (A6-6400K) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i5-4210Y). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 8470D (A6-6400K) and HD Graphics 4200 (Core i5-4210Y) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4210Y targets Tablet/2-in-1. Direct competitor: A6-6400K rivals Pentium G3258; Core i5-4210Y rivals A4-6210.