Intel Core i5-4590T vs Intel Core i5-6400 Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher base clock speed?

A: The Intel Core i5-6400 has a base clock of 2.70 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-4590T is listed at 2.00 GHz. The 6400 also boosts higher, reaching 3.30 GHz compared to the 4590T’s 3.00 GHz.

Q: How do the two chips compare in power consumption?

A: The Intel Core i5-4590T is rated at 35W TDP, making it the more power-efficient option. The Intel Core i5-6400 has a 65W TDP, which is nearly double the thermal design power of the 4590T.

Q: What memory types do these processors support?

A: The Intel Core i5-4590T supports DDR3 memory, while the Intel Core i5-6400 supports DDR4. Both use a dual-channel memory bus, but the 6400 has a higher memory bandwidth at 34.1 GB/s versus 25.6 GB/s for the 4590T.

Q: Are there any benchmark categories where the 4590T wins?

A: No. Across all seven recorded head-to-head benchmark tests, the Intel Core i5-6400 wins every single one. The 4590T does not secure a single victory in the database’s comparative results.

Q: What are the average benchmark scores for each processor?

A: The Intel Core i5-4590T has an average benchmark score of 1340, while the Intel Core i5-6400 has an average benchmark score of 1307. Despite the 6400 winning every head-to-head test, its overall average is slightly lower due to differing test sets.

Q: Do both processors have the same number of cores and threads?

A: Yes, both are 4-core, 4-thread desktop processors. They also share the same cache structure: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 6 MB shared L3.

The Verdict

The data paints a clear picture: the Intel Core i5-6400 is the outright performance winner in this comparison. It takes all 7 head-to-head benchmark wins, with margins ranging from 4.7% to 19% depending on the workload. If raw compute performance is the sole criterion, the 6400 is the obvious choice.

However, the Intel Core i5-4590T presents a compelling alternative for a different priority. Its 35W TDP versus the 6400’s 65W TDP suggests it is designed for thermally constrained or power-sensitive systems. The 4590T also uses the older Haswell architecture on Socket 1150 with DDR3 support, while the 6400 uses Skylake on Socket 1151 with DDR4. For users building a new system with DDR4 memory, the 6400 is the natural fit. For those upgrading an existing DDR3 platform or seeking lower power draw, the 4590T remains relevant despite its performance deficit.

The verdict is straightforward: choose the 6400 for maximum benchmark performance, choose the 4590T for lower power consumption and DDR3 compatibility.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core i5-6400 dominates every recorded benchmark comparison. The smallest margins appear in Cinebench tests, where the 6400 consistently leads by 4.7%. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the 6400 scores 364 against the 4590T’s 347. The same 4.7% gap appears in Cinebench R20 multicore (1517 vs 1446), R20 singlecore (214 vs 204), R23 multicore (3614 vs 3445), and R23 singlecore (510 vs 486).

The largest performance gap emerges in Geekbench tests. In Geekbench multicore, the 6400 scores 3134 versus 2540 for the 4590T, a massive 19% advantage. The singlecore Geekbench result shows a 13.1% lead for the 6400, with scores of 1048 and 911 respectively.

Interestingly, the database lists a Cinebench R15 singlecore score for the 6400 of 51, but no comparable singlecore score for the 4590T in that specific test. The available data consistently favors the 6400, and the magnitude of the Geekbench multicore gap suggests the Skylake architecture provides a significant advantage in certain multi-threaded workloads beyond what the clock speed difference alone would predict.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several fundamental specifications. The Intel Core i5-4590T has a base clock of 2.00 GHz and boost clock of 3.00 GHz, while the 6400 runs at 2.70 GHz base and 3.30 GHz boost. TDP differs substantially: 35W for the 4590T versus 65W for the 6400.

Socket compatibility is entirely different: the 4590T uses Intel Socket 1150, while the 6400 uses Intel Socket 1151. This means they are not interchangeable in the same motherboard.

Memory support diverges as well. The 4590T supports DDR3 with a memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. The 6400 supports DDR4 with a higher bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. Both use dual-channel memory buses.

The integrated graphics differ: the 4590T features Intel HD 4600, while the 6400 includes HD Graphics 530. The 6400 also has a different part number (SR2L7 versus SR1S6) and a later release date. The 4590T launched in May 2014, while the 6400 launched in July 2015.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap between these two chips is significant. The Intel Core i5-4590T is built on the Haswell architecture using a 22 nm process node, manufactured by Intel. The Intel Core i5-6400 uses the Skylake architecture on a 14 nm process node, also by Intel.

The 4590T has a transistor count of 1,400 million, while the 6400’s transistor count is not recorded in the database. Both share the same die size of 177 mm², which is notable given the process node difference.

Cache structures are identical: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 6 MB shared L3. Neither chip supports ECC memory, and both have locked multipliers.

The 4590T’s generation is listed as “Core i5 (Haswell)”, while the 6400 is “Core i5 (Skylake)”. This generational leap brings the architectural improvements of Skylake, including the transition to DDR4 memory support and the newer HD Graphics 530 integrated GPU.

Both processors offer PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), so expansion capabilities remain equal in that regard.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-6400 wins in every performance category recorded. Its advantages are most pronounced in Geekbench multicore, where it leads by 19%. This suggests workloads that scale well across cores see the biggest benefit from the 6400. The consistent 4.7% lead across all Cinebench tests indicates a uniform performance advantage in rendering and 3D workloads, regardless of single or multi-threaded execution.

The 6400 also wins in memory bandwidth, offering 34.1 GB/s compared to 25.6 GB/s for the 4590T. This makes the 6400 better suited for memory-intensive applications, though the benchmark data does not directly isolate this factor.

The Intel Core i5-4590T wins in power efficiency. Its 35W TDP is dramatically lower than the 6400’s 65W TDP. For small form factor builds, silent PCs, or systems running continuous workloads where heat and power draw matter, the 4590T is the superior choice despite lower performance.

The 4590T also wins on platform compatibility for DDR3 users. Anyone with an existing Socket 1150 motherboard and DDR3 RAM can upgrade to the 4590T without replacing memory or the board. The 6400 requires a Socket 1151 motherboard and DDR4 memory, representing a larger platform investment.

In summary: the 6400 is the performance champion across all benchmark tests, while the 4590T offers lower power consumption and an easier upgrade path for legacy DDR3 platforms. Users prioritizing raw speed should select the 6400; those prioritizing efficiency or compatibility should consider the 4590T.