CPU
GPU
Core i5-6400
Xeon X5687
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 Xeon X5687 is on rank 877, 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 Xeon X5687
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-6400 | Xeon X5687 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($57) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($189) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Westmere-EP (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-6400 | Xeon X5687 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+233%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($57) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($189) |
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 Xeon X5687
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.
Xeon X5687
The Xeon X5687 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.86 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,386 points. Launch price was $121.
Processing Power
The Core i5-6400 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon X5687's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6400 versus 3.86 GHz on the Xeon X5687 — a 15.6% clock advantage for the Xeon X5687 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-6400 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon X5687 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6400 scores 5,417 against the Xeon X5687's 5,386 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-6400. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 950 vs 1,643, a 53.5% lead for the Xeon X5687 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 3,200 vs 5,386 (50.9% advantage for the Xeon X5687). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6400 vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5687.
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Xeon X5687 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.86 GHz+17% |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.6 GHz+33% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 12 MB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Westmere-EP (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 5,417 | 5,386 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 950 | 1,643+73% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 3,200 | 5,386+68% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-6400 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5687 uses LGA1366 (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 Xeon X5687 — the Core i5-6400 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon X5687 supports up to 288 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 127.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-6400) vs 3 (Xeon X5687). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-6400) vs 36 (Xeon X5687) — the Xeon X5687 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H110,B150,H170,Z170 (Core i5-6400) and X58 (Xeon X5687).
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Xeon X5687 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1366 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133+33% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 288 GB+350% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 3+50% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 36+125% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. The Core i5-6400 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 530), while the Xeon X5687 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6400 targets Mainstream Desktop, Xeon X5687 targets Server.
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Xeon X5687 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 530 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Mainstream Desktop | Server |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-6400 launched at $182 MSRP, while the Xeon X5687 debuted at $552. At current prices ($57 vs $189), the Core i5-6400 is $132 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6400 delivers 95.0 pts/$ vs 28.5 pts/$ for the Xeon X5687 — making the Core i5-6400 the 107.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-6400 | Xeon X5687 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $182-67% | $552 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $57-70% | $189 |
| Performance per Dollar | 95.0+233% | 28.5 |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2011 |
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