CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4570R vs Core i5-6400
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-4570R is a unique quad-core desktop processor launched in June 2013. Unlike standard Haswell chips, it belongs to the Crystalwell family and features a Ball Grid Array (BGA) 1364 socket, meaning it is soldered directly to the motherboard. Its standout feature is the integrated Intel Iris Pro 5200 graphics, backed by 128MB of embedded DRAM (eDRAM). This made it exceptionally powerful for integrated graphics at the time, capable of playing games like BioShock Infinite at 1080p without a dedicated GPU. Operating at 2.7 GHz base and 3.2 GHz turbo, it prioritizes graphical prowess over raw CPU frequency. With a 65W TDP, it was designed for compact systems like the Intel NUC and certain Apple iMac models. Although its L3 cache is reduced to 4MB, the eDRAM acts as an L4 cache, boosting both graphics and compute performance.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Solid quad-core performance, though slightly lower clocks than 4670.
Sufficient for basic office applications and web browsing, but struggles with heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Surprisingly good for an iGPU from 2013, thanks to eDRAM.
Severely bottlenecks modern GPUs. Only playable in older or very light eSports titles.
Virtualization
Limited by 4 threads.
Limited to very light virtualization due to 4 threads.
Efficiency
Highly optimized for 65W given the graphical power.
Efficient for its time, but superseded by modern 10nm/Intel 7 processes.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- eDRAM doesn't significantly help modern AI workloads
- No AI acceleration
- Insufficient threads for modern AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Can play Bioshock Infinite at 1080p
- Handles older titles at 720p/1080p medium
- Still outdated for modern 3D games
- Low base clock limits frame rates
- 4 cores cause stuttering in modern games
- Acceptable only for retro gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Powerful Iris Pro 5200 integrated graphics
- 128MB eDRAM boosts memory bandwidth
- Compact BGA form factor
- Great for mini PCs and NUCs
- Supports Intel Quick Sync for fast video encoding
Cons
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA), no upgrades
- Lower CPU clocks than standard Haswell parts
- Only 4MB L3 cache
- Obsolete DDR3 platform
- Difficult to find standalone
Pros
- Low 65W TDP for easy cooling
- Supports both DDR4 and DDR3L memory
- Solid single-core performance for its generation
- Includes HD Graphics 530 for display tasks
Cons
- Only 4 cores and 4 threads
- Low base clock of 2.7 GHz
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
- Not supported by Windows 11
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-4570R
- AMD A10-6800KRival
High-End APU
- AMD A10-7850KRival
High-End APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4570SRival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4770RRival
Crystalwell Desktop
- AMD FX-4300Rival
Budget Desktop
Lower power LGA alternative if socketed is needed.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GAlt
Modern APU alternative with much better graphics.
Modern entry-level alternative with superior IPC.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GAlt
Budget modern APU alternative.
Core i5-6400
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-6500Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-6300Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i3-6100Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 1400Rival
Desktop
Vastly better performance and platform for a similar budget.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
More cores and threads for better multi-threaded workloads.
Slight performance bump on the same socket if upgrading cheaply.
Compare head-to-headHyper-threading on the same socket for better multi-core performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Alt
Modern alternative with more threads and better upgrade path.
Our Verdict on Each
A pioneering processor that brought console-class integrated graphics to compact PCs via eDRAM.
Best for: Buying a used Intel NUC or iMac with this chip for a retro compact PC.
Read the full reviewThe Core i5-6400 was a fantastic budget CPU in 2015, but its 4-core/4-thread design and low clock speeds make it heavily outdated for modern gaming and productivity.
Best for: Building a retro gaming PC or basic office machine from used parts
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-4570R or Core i5-6400?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4570R comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-4570R or Core i5-6400?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4570R leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Intel Core i5-4570R and Core i5-6400.
Do Intel Core i5-4570R and Core i5-6400 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4570R: Intel BGA 1364, Core i5-6400: LGA 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-4570R posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4570R (3,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.