Intel Pentium Gold G6400T

Intel Pentium Gold G6400T: Budget Processor for Basic Tasks
April 2025
Key Specifications: Architecture, Process Technology, and Key Features
The Intel Pentium Gold G6400T processor, released as part of the Comet Lake line, is positioned as an affordable solution for office PCs, home systems, and media centers.
- Architecture and Process Technology:
It is based on the Comet Lake microarchitecture (14 nm), which, despite its age, remains relevant for the budget segment. The processor features 2 cores and 4 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading technology. The base frequency is 3.4 GHz, and it has 4 MB of L3 cache.
- Performance:
In the Geekbench 6 (2025) test, it scores 727 points in single-core mode and 1468 in multi-core mode. These results are sufficient for working with office applications, web browsing, and streaming video.
- Integrated Graphics:
Intel UHD Graphics 610 supports resolutions up to 4K@60 Hz via HDMI or DisplayPort, but is not suitable for gaming. For instance, in CS:GO at low settings, you can expect 30–40 FPS at 720p resolution.
- TDP and Energy Efficiency:
With a thermal design power (TDP) of 35 W, the processor can be used in compact systems without the need for powerful cooling solutions.
Compatible Motherboards: Sockets, Chipsets, and Selection Nuances
The processor uses the LGA 1200 socket, which limits the choice of motherboards to 400-series chipsets:
- H410 / B460: Budget options (starting at $60). They support up to 64 GB of DDR4-2666 but lack PCIe 4.0 and overclocking capabilities.
- H470 / Z490: More advanced boards (starting at $90) that support USB 3.2 Gen 2 and additional PCIe lanes.
Practical Example: For office PC builds, ASRock H410M-HDV (around $65) or Gigabyte B460M DS3H ($85) are commonly chosen. They provide basic functionality and stability.
Important: Ensure that the motherboard's BIOS is updated to a version that supports Comet Lake.
Supported Memory: Types and Configurations
The processor works with DDR4-2666 memory in dual-channel mode. The maximum capacity depends on the motherboard (typically up to 128 GB).
Recommendations:
- For Windows 10/11 and office tasks, 8 GB is sufficient.
- For a media center or light video editing, 16 GB is advisable.
- Optimal modules: Kingston ValueRAM DDR4-2666 (8 GB — $25).
DDR5 and higher frequencies are not supported.
Power Supply: Power Calculation and Recommendations
With a TDP of 35 W, even considering a low-end discrete graphics card (e.g., GT 1030) and an SSD, a power supply of 300–400 W is enough.
Examples:
- EVGA 400W (80+ White, $35) — suitable for basic builds.
- Corsair CX450 (80+ Bronze, $55) — with a reserve for upgrades.
Tip: Don’t skimp on the power supply — cheap models can damage components.
Pros and Cons of Pentium Gold G6400T
Pros:
- Low power consumption.
- Affordable price (around $60 in 2025).
- Support for 4K video.
Cons:
- Weak performance in multi-threaded tasks (e.g., rendering in Blender will take 3–4 times longer than with a Ryzen 3).
- Outdated 14 nm process technology.
- Integrated graphics are inferior to AMD Vega.
Use Cases: Where the Processor Will Shine
1. Office PCs: Working with documents, video conferencing, browsing with 10+ tabs.
2. Home Media Center: Streaming video (Netflix, YouTube), music, light retro gaming emulators.
3. Educational Systems: Suitable for students working with text and spreadsheets.
Example: A G6400T PC owner notes that the system handles running Zoom, Excel, and Chrome simultaneously, but starts lagging when editing photos in Photoshop.
Comparison with Competitors: AMD Athlon and Others
- AMD Athlon 3000G (2 cores/4 threads, Vega 3):
- Cheaper ($45) but weaker in single-threaded tasks (Geekbench 6 Single Core — ~650).
- Better graphics: Fortnite at low settings gives 40 FPS compared to 25 FPS with UHD 610.
- Intel Core i3-10100 (4 cores/8 threads):
- More powerful in multitasking (Geekbench 6 Multi Core — ~2800) but more expensive ($90).
Conclusion: The G6400T outperforms the Athlon in per-core performance but falls behind in graphics.
Assembly Tips: How to Avoid Mistakes
1. Case: Choose a compact Mini-ITX (e.g., Cooler Master Elite 110) to save space.
2. Storage: Be sure to use an SSD (Crucial BX500 240 GB — $30). An HDD will slow down the system.
3. Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but for quieter operation, consider the Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 ($20).
4. Check Ports: Make sure the motherboard has HDMI/DisplayPort if you need video output.
Final Conclusion: Who Is This Processor For
The Intel Pentium Gold G6400T is suitable for those who:
- Are building a PC for study or office work with a budget of up to $300.
- Need an energy-efficient system (such as for a home server).
- Do not plan to play modern games or work with "heavy" applications.
Alternative: If the budget allows for an additional $30–40, consider the Ryzen 3 3200G — it will offer better graphics and multi-threading performance.
Prices are current as of April 2025. Shown for new devices in retail stores in the USA.