Core i7-4712HQ vs Core i5-6400
Core i7-4712HQ
Core i5-6400
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 i7-4712HQ is positioned at rank 62 and the Core i5-6400 is on rank 600, so the Core i7-4712HQ offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-4712HQ
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-4712HQ | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($57) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Crystalwell (2013−2014) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-4712HQ | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($57) |
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 i7-4712HQ and Core i5-6400
Core i7-4712HQ
The Core i7-4712HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,350 points. Launch price was $378.
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.
Processing Power
The Core i7-4712HQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i5-6400's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-4712HQ versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6400 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i7-4712HQ uses the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-6400 uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4712HQ scores 5,350 against the Core i5-6400's 5,417 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i5-6400. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4712HQ vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6400.
| Feature | Core i7-4712HQ | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.3 GHz | 2.7 GHz+17% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | Crystalwell (2013−2014) | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 5,350 | 5,417+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 950 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 3,200 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-4712HQ uses the BGA1364 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-6400 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-4712HQ | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1364 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR4-2133 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-4712HQ) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-6400). The Core i5-6400 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 530), while the Core i7-4712HQ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6400 targets Mainstream Desktop.
| Feature | Core i7-4712HQ | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 530 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Mainstream Desktop |
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