CPU
GPU
Core i5-6400
Popular choices:
Ryzen 5 5600X
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 Ryzen 5 5600X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-6400 | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($57) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($135) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-6400 | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+70%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($57) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($135) |
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 Ryzen 5 5600X
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.
Ryzen 5 5600X
The Ryzen 5 5600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core i5-6400 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 5600X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6400 versus 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X — a 32.9% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i5-6400 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6400 scores 5,417 against the Ryzen 5 5600X's 21,845 — a 120.5% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600X. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6400 vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X.
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 4.6 GHz+39% |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.7 GHz+37% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 32 MB+433% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 512K (per core)+100% |
| Process | 14 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) |
| PassMark | 5,417 | 21,845+303% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 950 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 3,200 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-6400 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2133 memory speed. The Ryzen 5 5600X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-6400) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) — the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H110,B150,H170,Z170 (Core i5-6400) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X).
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 128 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 24+50% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 5 5600X 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 (Ryzen 5 5600X). The Core i5-6400 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 530), while the Ryzen 5 5600X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6400 targets Mainstream Desktop, Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-6400 launched at $182 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 5600X debuted at $299. At current prices ($57 vs $135), the Core i5-6400 is $78 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6400 delivers 95.0 pts/$ vs 161.8 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600X — making the Ryzen 5 5600X the 52% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $182-39% | $299 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $57-58% | $135 |
| Performance per Dollar | 95.0 | 161.8+70% |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2020 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i5-6400 and Ryzen 5 5600X
