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.

Core i3-8300T vs Core i5-6400 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.

Core i3-8300T vs Core i5-6400: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-8300T

2018

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $44 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
✅Delivers 30.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 39.0 vs 29.8 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-6400 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,378 vs 5,417).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-6400.

Core i5-6400

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock Cooler), unlike Core i3-8300T.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 29.8 vs 39.0 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-6400 better than Core i3-8300T?

Yes. Core i5-6400 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-6400 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-6400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-6400 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-6400 comes in 31.9% more expensive on MSRP at $182 MSRP versus $138 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-8300T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2018 platform. Even with 30.9% better value on paper (39.0 vs 29.8 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

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

Core i3-8300T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2015) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-8300T vs Core i5-6400 Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-8300T versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6400 — the Core i3-8300T supports 12.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. 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+13%	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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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

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-8300T was priced at $138, while the Core i5-6400 came in at $182. On launch pricing ($138 vs $182), Core i3-8300T was $44 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-8300T delivers 39.0 pts/$ vs 29.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-6400 — making the Core i3-8300T the 26.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-8300T	Core i5-6400
MSRP	$138-24%	$182
Performance per Dollar	39.0+31%	29.8
Release Date	2018	2015

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