Intel Pentium Gold G6400 socket: LGA 1200
The Intel Pentium Gold G6400 uses the LGA 1200 socket. It pairs two cores with four threads for budget DDR4 desktops.
- Socket
- LGA 1200
- Launched
- April 2020
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 4
- Base power
- 58 W
- Codename
- Comet Lake
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Pentium Gold
- Clocks
- 4.0 GHz
Intel Pentium Gold G6400 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Skylake based cores on 14 nm |
| Clocks | 4.0 GHz fixed, no boost |
| Cache | 4 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 58 W |
| Manufacturing process | 14 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4 up to 2666 MT/s, two channels, up to 128 GB |
| PCI Express | 16 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 3.0 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 610 (350 MHz base, up to 1.05 GHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| ECC memory | Not supported |
| Package | FCLGA1200 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Pentium Gold G6400 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1200 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 500 series | Z590, H570, B560, H510, Q570, W580 | Works out of the box |
| 400 series: Z490, H470, Q470, W480 | Z490, H470, Q470, W480 | Works out of the box |
| 400 series: B460, H410 | B460, H410 | Works out of the box |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 1200.
LGA 1200 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,200 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | April 2020 |
| Memory | DDR4 only |
| Cooler mounting holes | 75 × 75 mm |
What the Pentium Gold G6400 is
The Pentium Gold G6400 is a two core, four thread desktop processor from the Comet Lake generation. It arrived in the second quarter of 2020 with Hyper-Threading enabled, which separates it from the Celeron models below. The fixed clock of 4.0 GHz gives responsive single application speed for its class.
Four megabytes of L3 back the two cores, double the Celeron amount. That cache plus threads helps browsers, office suites and light photo tools when several programs stay open. There is no Turbo Boost, so the chip holds 4.0 GHz under both idle and load.
UHD Graphics 610 handles the display side with Quick Sync for video playback. The 58 W rating keeps power and heat close to Celeron levels. For homes and small offices that need a cheap but smooth Windows machine, this Pentium often marks the sweet spot above Celeron.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The G6400 fits LGA 1200 on 400 and 500 series boards with no BIOS work for basic support. H410, B460, H510 and B560 are the usual low cost partners. The chip draws little current, so basic power stages hold full speed without strain.
Higher end Z490 and Z590 boards accept the chip as well, though their tuning options matter little for a locked dual core. Boards built for LGA 1151 do not accept it. The physical package matches, but the key position and pinout differ.
Small business builds often choose B460 or B560 for ports and slots, or Q470 and Q570 for remote management. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide shows which chipsets still allow a later move to Core i5 on the same board.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR4-2666 is the rated memory speed in two channels up to 128 GB. The board may offer faster XMP kits, but the controller holds the official limit on this SKU. Dual channel mode is worth keeping for graphics and multitasking.
Sixteen PCIe 3.0 lanes from the CPU cover a discrete card and an NVMe drive. The chipset adds USB, SATA and extra slots. A low profile GeForce or Radeon card plus one NVMe SSD fits the lane budget for a budget home PC.
The 75 mm LGA 1200 cooler pattern matches coolers back to LGA 1156. Boxed G6400 units ship with a stock Intel cooler that covers 58 W. Aftermarket towers lower noise rather than raise speed, since the clock is fixed. See the CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide for bracket notes.
Upgrade paths
Within LGA 1200 the Core i3-10100 brings four cores with boost, while the Core i5-10400 brings six cores for heavier multitasking. Both keep the same board and memory. The Pentium to i3 step is the most noticeable for everyday smoothness.
A platform change to LGA 1700 with a Intel Core i3-12100F adds newer cores and DDR5 options, but needs a new board and cooler hardware. Many G6400 offices instead extend life with an SSD and a memory lift to 16 GB.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Pentium Gold G6400 use?
It uses LGA 1200 on 400 and 500 series desktop boards.
Does the Pentium Gold G6400 have Hyper-Threading?
Yes. Two cores provide four threads, unlike the two thread Celerons.
Does the Pentium Gold G6400 have Turbo Boost?
No. It runs at a fixed 4.0 GHz.
What graphics are built into the G6400?
Intel UHD Graphics 610 with triple display output for office use.
What memory does the G6400 support?
DDR4-2666 in two channels up to 128 GB.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .