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 i5-6400 vs Core i7-3770T 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 i5-6400 vs Core i7-3770T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-6400

2015

Why buy it

✅+11.9% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅Costs $96 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $278 MSRP).
✅Delivers 53.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 29.8 vs 19.4 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $278 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3770T across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Core i7-3770T

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (2,859 vs 3,200).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.4 vs 29.8 PassMark/$ ($278 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-6400 better than Core i7-3770T?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-3770T is ahead with a 11.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-6400 pulls ahead with 11.9% better Geekbench multi-core. Core i7-3770T also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-6400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 11.9% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-6400 is the better buy right now. Core i5-6400 comes in $96 cheaper on MSRP at $182 MSRP versus $278 MSRP, and it still gives you 11.9% better Geekbench multi-core. The compromise is that Core i7-3770T is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 11.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 53.1% better value on MSRP (29.8 vs 19.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-6400 vs Core i7-3770T Technical Specifications

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

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 i7-3770T

The Core i7-3770T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,403 points. Launch price was $330.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-6400 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3770T's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6400 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3770T — a 11.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-3770T (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-6400 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3770T uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6400 scores 5,417 against the Core i7-3770T's 5,403 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-6400. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 950 vs 850, a 11.1% lead for the Core i5-6400 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 3,200 vs 2,859 (11.3% advantage for the Core i5-6400). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6400 vs 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-3770T.

Feature	Core i5-6400	Core i7-3770T
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.7 GHz+12%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+8%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8192 kB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	5,417	5,403
Geekbench 6 Single	950+12%	850
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,200+12%	2,859

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-6400 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3770T uses LGA1155 (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 i7-3770T — the Core i5-6400 supports 33.3% 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 — 100% 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 H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i7-3770T).

Feature	Core i5-6400	Core i7-3770T
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1155
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	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-6400) vs Yes (Core i7-3770T). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 530 (Core i5-6400) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3770T) — 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	Core i7-3770T
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 530	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	Yes
Target Use	Mainstream Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-6400 was priced at $182, while the Core i7-3770T came in at $278. On launch pricing ($182 vs $278), Core i5-6400 was $96 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6400 delivers 29.8 pts/$ vs 19.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-3770T — making the Core i5-6400 the 42% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-6400	Core i7-3770T
MSRP	$182-35%	$278
Performance per Dollar	29.8+54%	19.4
Release Date	2015	2012

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