Intel Core i5-7400 vs Intel Core i5-6400

Intel Core i5-6400 (architecture codename: Skylake S) and Intel Core i5-7400 (architecture codename: Kaby Lake S) are desktop processors from Intel aimed at mainstream users looking for balanced performance for everyday tasks and light gaming scenarios.

Both CPUs are manufactured using the 14nm process and feature four cores and four threads. They support PCIe 3.0 and offer a 6 MB Level 3 cache. In a direct performance comparison, the Intel Core i5-7400 shows slight advantages over the Intel Core i5-6400. However, this performance increase, reflected in higher clock frequencies and improved max.

memory bandwidth (38 GB/s versus 34 GB/s), is below a threshold of 10 percent. Consequently, the differences in single-core and multi-core performance are mostly not noticeable in daily use. For gaming scenarios, both processors offer similar performance. The integrated graphics unit (Intel HD Graphics 530 for the Intel Core i5-6400 and Intel HD Graphics 630 for the Intel Core i5-7400) is designed for simple applications; a dedicated graphics card is necessary for demanding games.

Both CPUs have a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 65 Watts, which indicates moderate power consumption and low cooling requirements. Both models are available at attractive prices in the used market. The Intel Core i5-7400 tends to be slightly more expensive due to its minimally better performance. The Intel Core i5-6400 offers a cost-effective solution for standard applications, while the Intel Core i5-7400 provides a slight performance boost for a marginally higher budget.