CPU
GPU
Core i5-6400
FX-8320
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 FX-8320 is on rank 566, so the FX-8320 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 FX-8320
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-6400 | FX-8320 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($57) | ✅ More affordable ($50) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Vishera (2012−2015) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-6400 | FX-8320 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+15%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($57) | ✅ More affordable ($50) |
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 FX-8320
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.
FX-8320
The FX-8320 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,472 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i5-6400 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-8320 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8320 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6400 versus 4 GHz on the FX-8320 — a 19.2% clock advantage for the FX-8320 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i5-6400 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-8320 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6400 scores 5,417 against the FX-8320's 5,472 — a 1% lead for the FX-8320. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 950 vs 458, a 69.9% lead for the Core i5-6400 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 3,200 vs 1,791 (56.5% advantage for the Core i5-6400).
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | FX-8320 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 8 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 4 GHz+21% |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.5 GHz+30% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 8192 kB+3100% |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Vishera (2012−2015) |
| PassMark | 5,417 | 5,472+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 4,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 950+107% | 458 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 3,200+79% | 1,791 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-6400 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-8320 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6400 versus DDR3-1866 on the FX-8320 — 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 970,990X,990FX (FX-8320).
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | FX-8320 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133+33% | DDR3-1866 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+100% | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the FX-8320 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 AMD-V (FX-8320). The Core i5-6400 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 530), while the FX-8320 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6400 targets Mainstream Desktop, FX-8320 targets Productivity. Direct competitor: FX-8320 rivals Core i5-3570.
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | FX-8320 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 530 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Mainstream Desktop | Productivity |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-6400 launched at $182 MSRP, while the FX-8320 debuted at $169. At current prices ($57 vs $50), the FX-8320 is $7 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6400 delivers 95.0 pts/$ vs 109.4 pts/$ for the FX-8320 — making the FX-8320 the 14.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | FX-8320 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $182 | $169-7% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $57 | $50-12% |
| Performance per Dollar | 95.0 | 109.4+15% |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2012 |
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