CPU
GPU
Core i5-6400
Core i5-4590
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 Core i5-4590 is on rank 624, so the Core i5-6400 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 Core i5-4590
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-6400 | Core i5-4590 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($57) | ✅ More affordable ($51) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-6400 | Core i5-4590 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+11%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($57) | ✅ More affordable ($51) |
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 Core i5-4590
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.
Core i5-4590
The Core i5-4590 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 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,376 points. Launch price was $202.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-6400 and Core i5-4590 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6400 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-4590 — a 11.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-4590 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i5-6400 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-4590 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6400 scores 5,417 against the Core i5-4590's 5,376 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i5-6400. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 950 vs 1,100, a 14.6% lead for the Core i5-4590 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Core i5-4590 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.7 GHz+12% |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.3 GHz+22% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-36% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Haswell (2013−2015) |
| PassMark | 5,417 | 5,376 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 950 | 1,100+16% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 3,200 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-6400 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4590 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6400 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4590 — the Core i5-6400 supports 28.6% 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 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H110,B150,H170,Z170 (Core i5-6400) and H81,B85,Q85,H87,Q87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4590).
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Core i5-4590 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1150 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133+33% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+100% | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 530 (Core i5-6400) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4590) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6400 targets Mainstream Desktop, Core i5-4590 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4590 rivals FX-8350.
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Core i5-4590 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 530 | HD Graphics 4600 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Mainstream Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-6400 launched at $182 MSRP, while the Core i5-4590 debuted at $192. At current prices ($57 vs $51), the Core i5-4590 is $6 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6400 delivers 95.0 pts/$ vs 105.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-4590 — making the Core i5-4590 the 10.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Core i5-4590 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $182-5% | $192 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $57 | $51-11% |
| Performance per Dollar | 95.0 | 105.4+11% |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2014 |
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