Intel Core i5-6400 vs Intel Core i3-8100

The Intel Core i5-6400, introduced in the third quarter of 2015, is based on the Skylake S architecture and was manufactured using a 14 nm fabrication process.

It features 4 cores and 4 threads and was designed for the mainstream desktop market. In terms of pure computing power, this processor shows lower performance in single-core and multi-core benchmarks compared to the Intel Core i3-8100.

For older or less demanding games, it is still sufficient, but it may reach its limits in modern titles. The thermal design power (TDP) is 65 watts. It supports PCIe 3.0 and offers a maximum memory bandwidth of 34 GB/s. The integrated graphics unit is the Intel HD Graphics 530. On the used market, it can represent a cost-effective option for simple system upgrades.

The Intel Core i3-8100 was released in the fourth quarter of 2017 and uses the Coffee Lake S architecture, also manufactured using a 14 nm fabrication process. It also offers 4 cores and 4 threads but was aimed at the entry-level to mainstream segment. This processor delivers significantly higher performance in single-core and multi-core applications compared to the Intel Core i5-6400, which is due to architectural improvements.

This also leads to better performance in games, especially those that benefit from strong single-core performance. Its TDP is also 65 watts. It supports PCIe 3.0 and achieves a maximum memory bandwidth of 38 GB/s. The integrated graphics unit is the Intel UHD Graphics 630. The Intel Core i3-8100 offers a good performance-to-price ratio for systems with a moderate budget.

In summary, the Intel Core i5-6400 is suitable for basic computing tasks and older games when the budget is severely limited and an upgrade of an existing Skylake system is pending. The Intel Core i3-8100 is the better choice for overall more responsive system performance and improved gaming experiences in many titles, thanks to its newer architecture and higher clock speeds.