CPU
GPU
Processor N97
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Processor N97 | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($57) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-N (2023) / 10 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Processor N97 | 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 Processor N97 and Core i5-6400
Processor N97
The Processor N97 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): + 6 MB. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 4800 MHz Single-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 5,445 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 Processor N97 and Core i5-6400 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Processor N97 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6400 — a 8.7% clock advantage for the Processor N97 (base: 2 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Processor N97 uses the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i5-6400 uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Processor N97 scores 5,445 against the Core i5-6400's 5,417 — a 0.5% lead for the Processor N97. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Processor N97 | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz+9% | 3.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 2.7 GHz+35% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (total)+700% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm-29% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-N (2023) | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 5,445 | 5,417 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 950 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 3,200 |
Memory & Platform
The Processor N97 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-6400 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Processor N97 | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1264 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | 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 (Processor N97) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-6400). The Core i5-6400 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 530), while the Processor N97 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6400 targets Mainstream Desktop.
| Feature | Processor N97 | 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 Processor N97 launched at $0 MSRP, while the Core i5-6400 debuted at $182. At current prices ($0 vs $57), the Processor N97 is $57 cheaper.
| Feature | Processor N97 | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $0-100% | $182 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $0-100% | $57 |
| Performance per Dollar | — | 95.0 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2015 |
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