Intro
Contents
We tested the Core i5-6400, which is the entry model of the Intel sixth-generation (Skylake) Core i5 family. Let’s check how it performs!
The Core i5-6400 is a quad-core CPU with 2.7 GHz base clock, 3.3 GHz turbo clock, TDP of 65 W, and manufactured under 14 nm technology. It has no unlocked multiplier, which means it is not aimed on overclocking and the only way to make it work at higher clock rates is incrementing the reference clock if your motherboard allows it.
The direct competitors of the Core i5-6400 are the FX-8370 (with stock cooler) and the FX-8350 (with Wraith cooler) from AMD. So, we tested the performance of the Core i5-6400 against the FX-8350. We also included on the comparison the Core i3-6100, to check if the price difference between the two models is fair and if the Core i5-6400 is worth the higher price.
We ran the tests using an independent video card, the GeForce GTX 950 from Gigabyte (read this video card review here,) disabling the integrated video on the CPUs with integrated GPU. We make it for two reasons: first, the FX-8350 has no integrated video. Second, because we believe most people who buys a CPU on this price range will use it with an independent video card, since people who uses integrated video usually prefers a more inexpensive CPU.
Figure 1 unveils the box of the Core i5-6400 we used in our tests.
Figure 1: the box of the Core i5-6400
Figure 2 shows the box content: a simple aluminum cooler, the CPU itself, a small manual and a sticker for your case.
Figure 2: content of the Core i5-6400 box
Figure 3 gives a closer view of the Core i5-6400.
Figure 3: the Core i5-6400 processor
Figure 4 shows the bottom of the CPU.
Figure 4: the bottom of the Core i5-6400
Let’s compare the main specs of the reviewed CPUs in the next page.
