CPU
GPU
Core i5-6400
Core i7-2600K
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 i7-2600K is on rank 860, 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 i7-2600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-6400 | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($57) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($109) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-6400 | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+89%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($57) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($109) |
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 i7-2600K
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 i7-2600K
The Core i7-2600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,484 points. Launch price was $317.
Processing Power
The Core i5-6400 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2600K's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6400 versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600K — a 14.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-2600K (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i5-6400 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2600K uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6400 scores 5,417 against the Core i7-2600K's 5,484 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i7-2600K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 950 vs 707, a 29.3% lead for the Core i5-6400 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6400 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2600K.
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.8 GHz+15% |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.4 GHz+26% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 8 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 5,417 | 5,484+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 950+34% | 707 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 3,200 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-6400 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2600K uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6400 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2600K — 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 P67,Z68,Z77,H67,H61,B75 (Core i7-2600K).
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133+33% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+100% | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-2600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-6400) vs VT-x (Core i7-2600K). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 530 (Core i5-6400) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2600K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6400 targets Mainstream Desktop, Core i7-2600K targets Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2600K rivals FX-8150.
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 530 | HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x |
| Target Use | Mainstream Desktop | Gaming Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-6400 launched at $182 MSRP, while the Core i7-2600K debuted at $317. At current prices ($57 vs $109), the Core i5-6400 is $52 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6400 delivers 95.0 pts/$ vs 50.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-2600K — making the Core i5-6400 the 61.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $182-43% | $317 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $57-48% | $109 |
| Performance per Dollar | 95.0+89% | 50.3 |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2011 |
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