Core i5-5300U
VS
A6-9400

Core i5-5300U vs A6-9400

Intel

Core i5-5300U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2015
VS
AMD

A6-9400

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2019

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. The Core i5-5300U is positioned at rank #758 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-5300U

#746
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
1083%
#747
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
1067%
#748
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
980%
#749
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
975%
#750
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
966%
#752
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
933%
#753
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
895%
#754
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
893%
#755
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
869%
#758
Core i5-5300U
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#762
Core i3-N300
MSRP: $309|Avg: $309
99%
#767
Core i7-1250U
MSRP: $426|Avg: N/A
98%
#773
Core i7-9750HF
MSRP: $395|Avg: $395
97%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The A6-9400 (2019) utilizes 28 nm technology and DDR4-2400, providing a fundamental performance advantage.
InsightCore i5-5300UA6-9400
Gaming
Lower gaming performance
Superior gaming performance
Workstation
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Better multi-core power
Price
Equivalent pricing
Equivalent pricing
Longevity
🛑 Legacy (Broadwell-U (2015) / 14 nm)
✨ Modern (Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) / 28 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core i5-5300U (2015) relies on 14 nm technology and DDR3, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.
InsightCore i5-5300UA6-9400
Cost Efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost
Equivalent pricing
Equivalent pricing

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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 i5-5300U and A6-9400

Intel

Core i5-5300U

The Core i5-5300U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,709 points. Launch price was $281.

AMD

A6-9400

The A6-9400 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 2,717 points. Launch price was $70.

Processing Power

The Core i5-5300U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the A6-9400's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-5300U versus 3.7 GHz on the A6-9400 — a 24.2% clock advantage for the A6-9400 (base: 2.3 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i5-5300U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the A6-9400 uses Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-5300U scores 2,709 against the A6-9400's 2,717 — a 0.3% lead for the A6-9400.

FeatureCore i5-5300UA6-9400
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.9 GHz
3.7 GHz+28%
Base Clock
2.3 GHz
3.4 GHz+48%
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
1 MB (total)+300%
Process
14 nm-50%
28 nm
Architecture
Broadwell-U (2015)
Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)
PassMark
2,709
2,717
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-5300U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the A6-9400 uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-5300UA6-9400
Socket
FCBGA1168
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2400
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
8
🔧

Advanced Features

The A6-9400 includes integrated graphics (AMD Radeon R5), while the Core i5-5300U requires a dedicated GPU.

FeatureCore i5-5300UA6-9400
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
AMD Radeon R5