Core i3-8300T vs Core i5-6400
Core i3-8300T
Core i5-6400
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-8300T
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-8300T | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($25) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($57) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-8300T | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+126%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($25) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($57) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-8300T and Core i5-6400
Core i3-8300T
The Core i3-8300T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 5,378 points. Launch price was $138.
Core i5-6400
The Core i5-6400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 July 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,417 points. Launch price was $187.
Processing Power
Both the Core i3-8300T and Core i5-6400 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-8300T versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6400 — a 3.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-6400 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i3-8300T uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-6400 uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8300T scores 5,378 against the Core i5-6400's 5,417 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-6400. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i3-8300T vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6400.
| Feature | Core i3-8300T | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.3 GHz+3% |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+19% | 2.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 5,378 | 5,417 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 950 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 3,200 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR4-2400 memory speed. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i3-8300T | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400 | DDR4-2133 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-8300T) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-6400). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i3-8300T) and Intel HD Graphics 530 (Core i5-6400) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8300T targets Desktop, Core i5-6400 targets Mainstream Desktop.
| Feature | Core i3-8300T | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 630 | Intel HD Graphics 530 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Desktop | Mainstream Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-8300T launched at $138 MSRP, while the Core i5-6400 debuted at $182. At current prices ($25 vs $57), the Core i3-8300T is $32 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-8300T delivers 215.1 pts/$ vs 95.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-6400 — making the Core i3-8300T the 77.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-8300T | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $138-24% | $182 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $25-56% | $57 |
| Performance per Dollar | 215.1+126% | 95.0 |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2015 |
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