CPU
GPU
Core i5-6400
Processor N97
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. The Core i5-6400 is positioned at rank #600 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6400
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-6400 | Processor N97 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (Alder Lake-N (2023) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-6400 | Processor N97 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Processor N97
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.
Processor N97
The Processor N97 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): + 6 MB. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 4800 MHz Single-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 5,445 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-6400 and Processor N97 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6400 versus 3.6 GHz on the Processor N97 — a 8.7% clock advantage for the Processor N97 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-6400 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Processor N97 uses Alder Lake-N (2023) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6400 scores 5,417 against the Processor N97's 5,445 — a 0.5% lead for the Processor N97. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Processor N97 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.6 GHz+9% |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz+35% | 2 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) | Alder Lake-N (2023) |
| PassMark | 5,417 | 5,445 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 950 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 3,200 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-6400 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Processor N97 uses FCBGA1264 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Processor N97 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | FCBGA1264 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-6400) / not specified (Processor N97). The Core i5-6400 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 530), while the Processor N97 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6400 targets Mainstream Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Processor N97 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 530 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Mainstream Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-6400 launched at $182 MSRP, while the Processor N97 debuted at $0. At current prices ($57 vs $0), the Processor N97 is $57 cheaper.
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Processor N97 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $182 | $0-100% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $57 | $0-100% |
| Performance per Dollar | 95.0 | — |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2023 |
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