CPU Comparison
Core i5-6400 vs Intel Core i5-4460
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-6400 is a 6th generation desktop processor launched in July 2015 as part of the Skylake architecture. Designed for the LGA 1151 socket, it brought the 14nm manufacturing process to the mainstream market. This quad-core processor operates at a base frequency of 2.7 GHz and boosts up to 3.3 GHz. Unlike its predecessor, the 6400 natively supports DDR4 memory alongside DDR3L, offering a transitional platform for motherboard manufacturers. It features 6MB of L3 cache and a modest 65W TDP, making it highly energy efficient for its time. The inclusion of Intel HD Graphics 530 provided competent integrated graphics for non-gaming workloads. While it lacked an unlocked multiplier, it became a favorite for budget builders and system integrators. Its reliable quad-core performance made it a staple in office PCs and budget gaming rigs when paired with a dedicated GPU, serving as a workhorse for years before multi-threading demands outpaced its capabilities.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Sufficient for basic office applications and web browsing, but struggles with heavy multitasking.
Adequate for basic office tasks and web browsing but struggles with heavy multitasking or large spreadsheet calculations.
Gaming
Severely bottlenecks modern GPUs. Only playable in older or very light eSports titles.
Can handle older or eSports titles at 1080p with a dedicated GPU, but bottlenecks modern AAA games significantly.
Virtualization
Limited to very light virtualization due to 4 threads.
Limited by four threads and no Hyper-Threading; running multiple VMs is impractical.
Efficiency
Efficient for its time, but superseded by modern 10nm/Intel 7 processes.
The 22nm Haswell node was efficient for its time, but 84W TDP for this performance level is high by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
- Insufficient threads for modern AI workloads
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- AVX2 provides minimal benefit for inference workloads
- DDR3 bandwidth is a severe bottleneck for AI tasks
- Not viable for any meaningful local AI inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Low base clock limits frame rates
- 4 cores cause stuttering in modern games
- Acceptable only for retro gaming
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs in CPU-intensive titles
- Suitable for eSports games like CS:GO and League of Legends
- Lacks AVX2-heavy game optimizations in newer titles
- DDR3 memory bandwidth limits frame pacing in open-world games
- No Hyper-Threading reduces minimum frame rates in threaded engines
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Affordable on the used market
- Four real cores without SMT scheduling quirks
- Integrated HD 4600 for basic display needs
- Wide availability of used LGA 1150 motherboards
- Low enough power for basic cooling solutions
Cons
- Only 4 threads with no Hyper-Threading
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
- DDR3 memory is obsolete and slower
- 84W TDP is inefficient for the performance delivered
- No longer receives microcode updates for new security mitigations
- Minimal turbo boost of only 200 MHz
- Outpaced by modern budget CPUs like the i3-12100
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core i5-4460
- AMD FX-6300Rival
Budget Desktop
- AMD FX-8320Rival
Budget Desktop
- Intel Core i3-4360Rival
Budget Desktop
- AMD A10-7850KRival
APU Desktop
- Intel Core i5-4440Rival
Mid-Range Desktop
Same platform with higher clocks and turbo boost for slightly more money.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 1600Alt
Modern 6-core/12-thread CPU with DDR4 support at similar used pricing.
Modern budget CPU that vastly outperforms the i5-4460 in single-threaded tasks.
Compare head-to-headSkylake successor with DDR4 support and better efficiency on the same class of motherboard pricing.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GAlt
Modern APU with vastly superior integrated graphics and six cores.
Our Verdict on Each
The 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 reviewA dependable mid-range Haswell processor that delivered excellent value during its prime, but struggles to meet modern workload demands due to its locked multiplier and aging DDR3 platform.
Best for: Used spare part for repairing an existing LGA 1150 system
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-6400 or Intel Core i5-4460?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4460 comes out ahead with a score of 7/10. 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, Core i5-6400 or Intel Core i5-4460?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4460 leads with a gaming performance score of 45/100 among Core i5-6400 and Intel Core i5-4460.
Which uses less power?
The Core i5-6400 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i5-6400 (65 W), Intel Core i5-4460 (84 W).
Do Core i5-6400 and Intel Core i5-4460 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i5-6400: LGA 1151, Intel Core i5-4460: LGA 1150), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-4460 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4460 (4,210). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.