Core i5-4690S vs Core i5-6400

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 i5-4690S 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 i5-4690S 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 i5-4690S

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.9 vs 29.8 PassMark/$ ($306 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6400 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-6400.

Core i5-6400

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $124 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $306 MSRP).
✅Delivers 66.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 29.8 vs 17.9 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $306 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 530, while Core i5-4690S needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock Cooler), unlike Core i5-4690S.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,417 vs 5,476).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4690S better than Core i5-6400?

Yes. Core i5-4690S is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4690S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.1% 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 i5-4690S is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4690S is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-4690S comes in 68.1% more expensive on MSRP at $306 MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-6400 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 66.3% better value on paper (29.8 vs 17.9 PassMark/$), 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 i5-6400 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4690S vs Core i5-6400 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4690S

The Core i5-4690S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 5,476 points. Launch price was $224.

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 i5-4690S and Core i5-6400 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-4690S versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6400 — a 16.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-4690S (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i5-4690S uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-6400 uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4690S scores 5,476 against the Core i5-6400's 5,417 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-4690S. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-4690S	Core i5-6400
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+18%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+19%	2.7 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	5,476+1%	5,417
Geekbench 6 Single	—	950
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	3,200

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4690S uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-6400 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4690S	Core i5-6400
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	—	64 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-4690S) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-6400). The Core i5-6400 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 530), while the Core i5-4690S requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6400 targets Mainstream Desktop.

Feature	Core i5-4690S	Core i5-6400
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel HD Graphics 530
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Mainstream Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4690S was priced at $306, while the Core i5-6400 came in at $182. On launch pricing ($306 vs $182), Core i5-6400 was $124 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4690S delivers 17.9 pts/$ vs 29.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-6400 — making the Core i5-6400 the 49.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4690S	Core i5-6400
MSRP	$306	$182-41%
Performance per Dollar	17.9	29.8+66%
Release Date	2014	2015

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