Core i5-6400T vs Ryzen Embedded R1606G

Intel

Core i5-6400T

4 Cores4 Thrd1 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Ryzen Embedded R1606G

2 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2019
Similar parts
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Core i5-6400T vs Ryzen Embedded R1606G Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i5-6400T vs Ryzen Embedded R1606G 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 i5-6400T vs Ryzen Embedded R1606G: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-6400T

2015

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +5.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
  • Draws 1W instead of 15W, a 14W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD 530, while Ryzen Embedded R1606G needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $192 MSRP, while Ryzen Embedded R1606G mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Ryzen Embedded R1606G

2019

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-6400T across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Lower PassMark (4,162 vs 4,243).
    • Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
    • 1400% higher power demand at 15W vs 1W.
    • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6400T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Core i5-6400T better than Ryzen Embedded R1606G?
    Yes. Core i5-6400T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Core i5-6400T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-6400T is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Core i5-6400T is the better buy right now. Core i5-6400T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $192 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (22.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Ryzen Embedded R1606G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2015). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Core i5-6400T vs Ryzen Embedded R1606G Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Core i5-6400T

    The Core i5-6400T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,243 points. Launch price was $192.

    AMD

    Ryzen Embedded R1606G

    The Ryzen Embedded R1606G is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 25 February 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Zen (2017−2020) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 4,162 points. Launch price was $69.

    Processing Power

    The Core i5-6400T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen Embedded R1606G offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-6400T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i5-6400T versus 3.5 GHz on the Ryzen Embedded R1606G — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Ryzen Embedded R1606G (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-6400T uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen Embedded R1606G uses Zen (2017−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6400T scores 4,243 against the Ryzen Embedded R1606G's 4,162 — a 1.9% lead for the Core i5-6400T. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-6400T vs 4 MB (total) on the Ryzen Embedded R1606G.

    FeatureCore i5-6400TRyzen Embedded R1606G
    Cores / Threads
    4 / 4+100%
    2 / 4
    Boost Clock
    2.8 GHz
    3.5 GHz+25%
    Base Clock
    2.2 GHz
    2.6 GHz+18%
    L3 Cache
    6 MB+50%
    4 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    1 MB+100%
    512 kB (per core)
    Process
    14 nm
    14 nm
    Architecture
    Skylake (2015−2016)
    Zen (2017−2020)
    PassMark
    4,243+2%
    4,162
    Cinebench R23 Multi
    2,200
    Geekbench 6 Single
    950
    Geekbench 6 Multi
    2,600
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Core i5-6400T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen Embedded R1606G uses FP5 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCore i5-6400TRyzen Embedded R1606G
    Socket
    LGA1151
    FP5
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0
    PCIe 3.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR4-2133
    Max RAM Capacity
    64 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    16
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-6400T) / not specified (Ryzen Embedded R1606G). The Core i5-6400T includes integrated graphics (HD 530), while the Ryzen Embedded R1606G requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6400T targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-6400T rivals Core i3-7100.

    FeatureCore i5-6400TRyzen Embedded R1606G
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    HD 530
    Unlocked
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    VT-x, VT-d
    Target Use
    Budget
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Core i5-6400T was priced at $192, while the Ryzen Embedded R1606G came in at $0. On launch pricing ($192 vs $0), Ryzen Embedded R1606G was $192 cheaper.

    FeatureCore i5-6400TRyzen Embedded R1606G
    MSRP
    $192
    $0-100%
    Performance per Dollar
    22.1
    Release Date
    2015
    2019

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