CPU
GPU
N100
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 N100 is positioned at rank 102 and the Core i5-6400 is on rank 600, so the N100 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar N100
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | N100 | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($128) | ✅ More affordable ($57) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / Intel 7 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | N100 | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+127%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($128) | ✅ More affordable ($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 N100 and Core i5-6400
N100
The N100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2023 (2 years ago). It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800, LPDDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 5,355 points. Launch price was $149.
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
Both the N100 and Core i5-6400 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the N100 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6400 — a 3% clock advantage for the N100. The Core i5-6400 is built on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. In PassMark, the N100 scores 5,355 against the Core i5-6400's 5,417 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i5-6400. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the N100 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6400.
| Feature | N100 | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz+3% | 3.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | — | 2.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 256K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | — | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 5,355 | 5,417+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 950 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 3,200 |
Memory & Platform
The N100 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i5-6400 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | N100 | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1264 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | 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 (N100) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-6400). The Core i5-6400 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 530), while the N100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6400 targets Mainstream Desktop.
| Feature | N100 | 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 |
Value Analysis
The N100 launched at $128 MSRP, while the Core i5-6400 debuted at $182. At current prices ($128 vs $57), the Core i5-6400 is $71 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the N100 delivers 41.8 pts/$ vs 95.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-6400 — making the Core i5-6400 the 77.7% better value option.
| Feature | N100 | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $128-30% | $182 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $128 | $57-55% |
| Performance per Dollar | 41.8 | 95.0+127% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2015 |
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