What To Know
- The Intel Core i5 2400 has a 6 MB L3 cache, while the AMD FX 6300 has a 8 MB L3 cache.
- Both the Intel Core i5 2400 and the AMD FX 6300 come with integrated graphics, which can be useful for users who don’t plan on installing a dedicated graphics card.
- However, the Intel Core i5 2400 offers better single-threaded performance and overclocking potential, while the AMD FX 6300 has more cores and a larger cache, making it better for multi-threaded applications.
When building a budget-friendly PC, selecting the right processor is crucial. Two popular options in the affordable segment are the Intel Core i5 2400 and the AMD FX 6300. Both CPUs offer decent performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, but which one is the better choice? In this in-depth comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Intel Core i5 2400 vs FX 6300, helping you make an informed decision.
Architecture and Core Count
The Intel Core i5 2400 is based on the Sandy Bridge architecture and features 4 cores and 4 threads. On the other hand, the AMD FX 6300 is built on the Vishera architecture and boasts 6 cores and 6 threads. While more cores generally indicate better multitasking capabilities, the Intel Core i5 2400’s superior architecture often compensates for its lower core count.
Clock Speed and Turbo Boost
The Intel Core i5 2400 has a base clock speed of 3.1 GHz, which can be boosted up to 3.4 GHz with Turbo Boost technology. The AMD FX 6300 has a slightly higher base clock speed of 3.5 GHz, but it lacks Turbo Boost, meaning its performance is capped at that speed.
Cache Size
Cache size plays a vital role in processor performance, as it stores frequently accessed data for faster retrieval. The Intel Core i5 2400 has a 6 MB L3 cache, while the AMD FX 6300 has a 8 MB L3 cache. The larger cache size of the FX 6300 gives it an advantage in applications that handle large datasets.
Integrated Graphics
Both the Intel Core i5 2400 and the AMD FX 6300 come with integrated graphics, which can be useful for users who don’t plan on installing a dedicated graphics card. The Intel Core i5 2400 features Intel HD Graphics 2000, while the AMD FX 6300 has AMD Radeon HD 6550D. The Radeon HD 6550D offers slightly better graphics performance than the HD Graphics 2000, making it a better choice for casual gaming.
Power Consumption and Overclocking
The Intel Core i5 2400 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 95W, while the AMD FX 6300 has a TDP of 125W. This means that the FX 6300 consumes more power, which can be a consideration for users concerned about energy efficiency. Both CPUs support overclocking, but the Intel Core i5 2400 typically has better overclocking potential due to its more efficient architecture.
Performance Benchmarks
In real-world performance benchmarks, the Intel Core i5 2400 and the AMD FX 6300 perform similarly in most applications. However, the Core i5 2400 tends to have an edge in single-threaded tasks, while the FX 6300 performs better in heavily multi-threaded applications. In terms of gaming, both CPUs can handle older and less demanding games, but the FX 6300 may struggle with modern titles at higher resolutions.
Price and Availability
The Intel Core i5 2400 is currently discontinued and can be found on the used market. The AMD FX 6300 is still available new from some retailers. The price of either CPU will vary depending on its condition and availability.
Summary: Choosing the Right CPU for Your Needs
Both the Intel Core i5 2400 and the AMD FX 6300 are capable budget CPUs that can handle everyday tasks and light gaming. However, the Intel Core i5 2400 offers better single-threaded performance and overclocking potential, while the AMD FX 6300 has more cores and a larger cache, making it better for multi-threaded applications. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
What You Need to Know
1. Which CPU is better for gaming?
In general, the Intel Core i5 2400 is better for gaming due to its superior single-threaded performance.
2. Which CPU consumes less power?
The Intel Core i5 2400 has a lower TDP (95W) than the AMD FX 6300 (125W).
3. Which CPU is more overclockable?
The Intel Core i5 2400 typically has better overclocking potential than the AMD FX 6300.
4. Which CPU is available new?
The AMD FX 6300 is still available new from some retailers, while the Intel Core i5 2400 is discontinued and can only be found on the used market.
5. Which CPU is cheaper?
The price of either CPU will vary depending on its condition and availability. However, in general, the AMD FX 6300 is more affordable than the Intel Core i5 2400.
