CPU
GPU
Core i5-6400
Atom x7425E
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. The Core i5-6400 is positioned at rank 600 and the Atom x7425E is on rank 213, so the Atom x7425E offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6400
Performance Per Dollar Atom x7425E
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-6400 | Atom x7425E |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($57) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Gracemont (2023) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-6400 | Atom x7425E |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($57) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i5-6400 and Atom x7425E
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.
Atom x7425E
The Atom x7425E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Gracemont (2023) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 12 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 4800 MHz Single-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 5,427 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-6400 and Atom x7425E share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6400 versus 3.4 GHz on the Atom x7425E — a 3% clock advantage for the Atom x7425E (base: 2.7 GHz vs 1.5 GHz). The Core i5-6400 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Atom x7425E uses Gracemont (2023) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6400 scores 5,417 against the Atom x7425E's 5,427 — a 0.2% lead for the Atom x7425E. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Atom x7425E |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.4 GHz+3% |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz+80% | 1.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 2 MB (total)+700% |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Gracemont (2023) |
| PassMark | 5,417 | 5,427 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 950 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 3,200 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-6400 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Atom x7425E uses FCBGA1744 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6400 versus DDR5-4800 on the Atom x7425E — the Atom x7425E supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-6400 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-6400) vs 1 (Atom x7425E). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-6400) vs 9 (Atom x7425E) — the Core i5-6400 offers 7 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H110,B150,H170,Z170 (Core i5-6400) and Intel BGA1264 (Atom x7425E).
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Atom x7425E |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | FCBGA1744 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | DDR5-4800+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+300% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2+100% | 1 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+78% | 9 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-6400) / not specified (Atom x7425E). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 530 (Core i5-6400) and Intel UHD Graphics (24EU) (Atom x7425E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6400 targets Mainstream Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Atom x7425E |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 530 | Intel UHD Graphics (24EU) |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Mainstream Desktop | — |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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