Xeon X5687 vs Core i5-6400
Xeon X5687
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 Xeon X5687 is positioned at rank 877 and the Core i5-6400 is on rank 600, 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 Xeon X5687
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon X5687 | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($189) | ✅ More affordable ($57) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Westmere-EP (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon X5687 | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+233%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($189) | ✅ 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 Xeon X5687 and Core i5-6400
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.
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 Xeon X5687 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i5-6400's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.86 GHz on the Xeon X5687 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6400 — a 15.6% clock advantage for the Xeon X5687 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Xeon X5687 uses the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-6400 uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon X5687 scores 5,386 against the Core i5-6400's 5,417 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-6400. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,643 vs 950, a 53.5% lead for the Xeon X5687 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 5,386 vs 3,200 (50.9% advantage for the Xeon X5687). L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5687 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6400.
| Feature | Xeon X5687 | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.86 GHz+17% | 3.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+33% | 2.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total)+100% | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Westmere-EP (2010−2011) | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 5,386 | 5,417 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,643+73% | 950 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 5,386+68% | 3,200 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon X5687 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-6400 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5687 versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6400 — 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: 3 (Xeon X5687) vs 2 (Core i5-6400). PCIe lanes: 36 (Xeon X5687) vs 16 (Core i5-6400) — the Xeon X5687 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X58 (Xeon X5687) and H110,B150,H170,Z170 (Core i5-6400).
| Feature | Xeon X5687 | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1366 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR4-2133+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 288 GB+350% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 3+50% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 36+125% | 16 |
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: Xeon X5687 targets Server, Core i5-6400 targets Mainstream Desktop.
| Feature | Xeon X5687 | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| 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 | Server | Mainstream Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon X5687 launched at $552 MSRP, while the Core i5-6400 debuted at $182. At current prices ($189 vs $57), the Core i5-6400 is $132 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon X5687 delivers 28.5 pts/$ vs 95.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-6400 — making the Core i5-6400 the 107.7% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon X5687 | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $552 | $182-67% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $189 | $57-70% |
| Performance per Dollar | 28.5 | 95.0+233% |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2015 |
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