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Intel Core i5 8400 Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£160
Avg. price in US: ~$140
PassMark benchmark result: 9230
N. of physical cores: 6
CPU boost clock speed: 4.0 GHz

Intel Core i5 8400 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.9

Poor

4.3

Poor

9.4

Exceptional

3.6
Gaming
Score components:
30.0%
3.8
PassMark single-core benchmark score
25.0%
3.9
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
20.0%
4.6
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
2.3
L3 cache
8.0%
2.6
N. of physical cores
2.5
Video editing
Score components:
45.0%
2.7
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
20.0%
2.6
N. of physical cores
20.0%
2.2
CPU threads
15.0%
2.3
L3 cache

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Verdict

The Intel Core i5-8400 is a mid-range 8th-generation 'Coffee Lake' processor featuring 6 cores and 6 threads with a 65W TDP. It operates at a base frequency of 2.80 GHz, reaching a max turbo boost of 4.00 GHz, and includes 9 MB of Intel Smart Cache and integrated UHD Graphics 630. Main pros include a significant 50% core count increase over its predecessor, strong gaming performance that rivals previous-gen i7 chips, and high power efficiency. However, it lacks Hyper-Threading, has a locked multiplier that prevents traditional overclocking, and requires a 300-series motherboard due to a lack of backward compatibility with older LGA 1151 sockets.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 8400

Overall score

4.9

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.

Platform

7.5

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel

Processor type

What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.

When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

CPU socket

What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.

When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

Chipset

What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.

When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

CPU architecture

What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.

When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

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Performance

3.4

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N. of physical cores

What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.

When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

CPU threads

What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.

When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

Threads per core

What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.

When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

CPU boost clock speed

What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.

When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

CPU base clock speed

What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.

When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Cache & Architecture

4.9

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Semiconductor size

What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.

When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

Foundry

What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.

When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

L3 cache

What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.

When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

L2 cache

What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.

When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

L1 cache

What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.

When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

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Memory & PCIe

5.9

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DDR memory version

What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.

When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

Maximum memory speed

What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.

When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.

When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

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Maximum memory capacity

What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

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Integrated Graphics

7.1

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Integrated graphics

What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.

When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

Integrated GPU model

What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.

When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Integrated GPU execution units

What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.

When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

Integrated GPU base frequency

What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.

When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

Integrated media encoders/decoders

What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.

When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

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Power & Thermal

6.3

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TDP (Thermal design power)

What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.

When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

Base power (PL1)

What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.

When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

Boost power (PL2)

What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.

When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

Tau (power duration limit)

What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.

When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

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Configurable TDP

What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.

When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

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Intel Core i5 8400 vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i5 8400 better than the average processor?

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Includes stock cooler
Intel Core i5 8400 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.
Importance: MEDIUM
Intel Core i5 8400 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
Supports memory overclocking
Intel Core i5 8400 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.
Importance: MEDIUM
Intel Core i5 8400 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
2x more memory capacity
Intel Core i5 8400 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >=128 GB
Intel Core i5 8400 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.128 GB vs 64 GB
10x more popular
Intel Core i5 8400 is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1.000).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
Intel Core i5 8400 is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1.000).10 vs 1
18% higher user score
Intel Core i5 8400 has a higher user score than the average processor (9.44 vs 8.000).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
Intel Core i5 8400 has a higher user score than the average processor (9.44 vs 8.000).9.44 vs 8
30.8% faster Blender rendering
Intel Core i5 8400 has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (434 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
What it is: A Blender render result based on the BMW27 scene, used to show how quickly the processor can finish a heavy 3D rendering task.
When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >290
Intel Core i5 8400 has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (434 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.434 vs 331.88
13.5% smaller die size
Intel Core i5 8400 has a lower die size than the average processor (154 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <150 mm²
Intel Core i5 8400 has a lower die size than the average processor (154 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².154 mm² vs 178 mm²
Modern CPU socket
Intel Core i5 8400 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.
Importance: HIGH
Intel Core i5 8400 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).LGA1151 vs FP2
Modern CPU socket
Intel Core i5 8400 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).
30.8% faster Blender rendering
Intel Core i5 8400 has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (434 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
13.5% smaller die size
Intel Core i5 8400 has a lower die size than the average processor (154 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
Supports memory overclocking
Intel Core i5 8400 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
2x more memory capacity
Intel Core i5 8400 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
Includes stock cooler
Intel Core i5 8400 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.

Cache & Architecture

Power & Thermal

Why is Intel Core i5 8400 worse than the average processor?

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Narrower instruction support
Intel Core i5 8400 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
3 year/s older release date
Intel Core i5 8400 has an older release date than the average processor (2017 vs 2020).
October 2017
No crypto acceleration
Intel Core i5 8400 does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
No multithreading support
Intel Core i5 8400 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
13.6% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
Intel Core i5 8400 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (418 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
7% lower boost clock
Intel Core i5 8400 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
17.7% weaker multi-core performance
Intel Core i5 8400 has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (2291 vs 2783). The average processor scores 2783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
1 fewer threads per core
Intel Core i5 8400 has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
2 fewer CPU threads
Intel Core i5 8400 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (6 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
6.1% lower single-core score
Intel Core i5 8400 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1382 vs 1471). The average processor scores 1471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
4.7% weaker single-core performance
Intel Core i5 8400 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2366 vs 2483). The average processor scores 2483 in PassMark single-core.
12.4% lower PassMark score
Intel Core i5 8400 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (9230 vs 10532.5). The average processor scores 10532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
16.7% larger process node
Intel Core i5 8400 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
50% less L2 per core
Intel Core i5 8400 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
12.5% less L3 per core
Intel Core i5 8400 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
40% smaller L2 cache
Intel Core i5 8400 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
9.2% lower memory bandwidth
Intel Core i5 8400 has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (41.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
9.1% lower memory speed
Intel Core i5 8400 has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2666 MHz vs 2933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2933 MHz.
44.4% higher base power
Intel Core i5 8400 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i5 8400 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
44.4% higher TDP
Intel Core i5 8400 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
27% higher boost power
Intel Core i5 8400 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (81.3 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
No multithreading support
Intel Core i5 8400 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
What it is: Lets each physical core run more than one thread at the same time, such as with Hyper-Threading or SMT.
When it matters: When multitasking, rendering, compiling, virtualization, or other thread-heavy work benefits from more total processing threads.
Importance: HIGH
Intel Core i5 8400 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
16.7% larger process node
Intel Core i5 8400 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <10 nm
Intel Core i5 8400 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.14 nm vs 12 nm
13.6% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
Intel Core i5 8400 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (418 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
What it is: A Cinebench R20 benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
When it matters: When you care about lighter workloads, interface responsiveness, or software that still depends heavily on one fast core.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >600
Intel Core i5 8400 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (418 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.418 vs 484
44.4% higher base power
Intel Core i5 8400 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <30 W
Intel Core i5 8400 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W
50% less L2 per core
Intel Core i5 8400 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=1 MB/core
Intel Core i5 8400 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
7% lower boost clock
Intel Core i5 8400 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >4.7 GHz
Intel Core i5 8400 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.4.0 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i5 8400 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.
Importance: LOW
Intel Core i5 8400 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
Narrower instruction support
Intel Core i5 8400 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.
Importance: MEDIUM
Intel Core i5 8400 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA

Cache & Architecture

Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5 8400 and other processors

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i5 8400?

Excellent gaming performance for its price point, often rivaling previous-generation i7 flagship processors
First mainstream i5 to feature six physical cores, providing a significant multi-threaded boost over older quad-core models
Highly power-efficient with a low 65W TDP, making it easy to cool even in smaller builds
Includes a stock thermal cooler in the box, saving users from additional immediate costs
Strong single-core performance that benefits older applications and many modern games

What customers dislike about Intel Core i5 8400?

Locked multiplier means the processor cannot be overclocked for extra performance
Lack of Hyper-Threading (6 cores/6 threads) puts it at a disadvantage in heavy multi-tasking compared to Ryzen competitors
Requires a 300-series motherboard, lacking backward compatibility with older LGA 1151 (100/200 series) boards
Relatively low base clock speed of 2.8GHz, though it does boost higher under load
The included stock cooler can be loud and less effective under sustained heavy workloads

Expert reviews

discover.hubpages.com

08/11/2017

Intel Core i5-8400 Coffee Lake CPU Review and Benchmarks - HubPages

The Intel Core i5-8400 (6 cores, 2.8GHz-4.0GHz) offers a significant performance leap for mid-range systems, boasting superior gaming frame rates compared to the previous i5-7600K in titles like Battlefield 1 and GTA V. A key benefit is its 65W TDP, allowing for efficient, cool operation with standard cooling. However, significant drawbacks include a lack of backward compatibility,...Read more

phoronix.com

05/10/2017

Intel Core i5 8400 Linux Performance Review - Phoronix

The Intel Core i5-8400, reviewed on Linux, marks a significant shift to a 6-core/6-thread design for the mid-range Coffee Lake lineup, delivering a roughly 45% increase in multi-threaded performance over the previous i5-7600K. Running on Ubuntu 17.10 with kernel 4.13, the CPU demonstrated strong IPC performance, often competing with higher-tier parts in video encoding and code...Read more

hothardware.com

05/10/2017

Intel Core i7-8700K And Core i5-8400 Review - HotHardware

HotHardware's review of Intel's 8th Gen Coffee Lake processors highlights the introduction of six-core configurations to the mainstream market, with the i7-8700K (6C/12T) and i5-8400 (6C/6T) delivering a significant 45% multi-threaded performance leap over previous generations. Key pros include this high performance at competitive prices, while a major con is the requirement for new...Read more

pcgamer.com

06/10/2017

Intel i5-8400 review - the best new gaming CPU in years - PC Gamer

PC Gamer's review highlights the Intel Core i5-8400 as a landmark, budget-friendly six-core processor that delivers high-end gaming performance, often matching the previous-gen i7-7700K. Key advantages include an exceptional price-to-performance ratio, a bundled cooler, low power consumption (65W TDP), and a significant increase in multitasking capability. Conversely, the chip lacks...Read more

pcgamesn.com

22/01/2019

Intel Core i5 8400 review: this is THE gaming Coffee Lake - PCGamesN

The PCGamesN review labels the Intel Core i5-8400 as a premier, budget-friendly "Coffee Lake" CPU for gaming,, largely due to its introduction of six physical cores to the mid-range lineup. It delivers exceptional frame rates that rival older, more expensive processors (like the i7-7700K) by boosting up to 3.8GHz–4.0GHz. Major advantages include a strong price-to-performance ratio...Read more

techspot.com

13/10/2017

Intel Core i5-8400 Review - TechSpot

The Intel Core i5-8400, a six-core "Coffee Lake" processor, delivers exceptional gaming performance that often matches the previous-generation i7-7700K at a lower price point. Key advantages include its out-of-the-box efficiency and the inclusion of an adequate stock cooler, though it is limited by a locked multiplier that prevents overclocking. While offering strong single-core...Read more

tomshardware.com

25/10/2017

Intel Core i5-8400 Review - Tom's Hardware

According to Tom's Hardware, the Intel Core i5-8400 is a transformative, budget-friendly six-core processor that delivers a 50% core increase over its predecessor, dominating mid-range gaming. It outperforms older quad-core flagships in gaming scenarios due to strong IPC and a 4.0 GHz Turbo Boost, though it falls behind in heavily threaded productivity tasks, say Tom's Hardware. Key...Read more

pcmag.com

05/10/2017

Intel Core i5-8400 Review - PCMag

The Intel Core i5-8400 shifts the mainstream i5 line to a six-core design at a $182 price point, offering 6 cores and 6 threads with a 2.8GHz base clock. PCMag highlights exceptional 1080p gaming performance as a key pro, with speeds nearly matching the i7-8700K when paired with a high-end GPU, alongside strong single-core performance and an included cooler. Conversely, cons include...Read more

notebookcheck.net

06/10/2017

Coffee Lake: i7-8700K and i5-8400 Review

The Notebookcheck review of Intel's Coffee Lake architecture highlights a significant shift to six-core processors, with the Core i7-8700K delivering roughly 45–50% higher multithreaded performance than its predecessor, though single-core speeds remain stagnant. The Core i5-8400 offers strong, efficient performance for gamers, despite lacking Hyper-Threading and trailing competitors...Read more

rockpapershotgun.com

04/07/2019

Intel Core i5-8400 review: Still a great Ryzen 5 killer

The Rock Paper Shotgun review identifies the Intel Core i5-8400 as a dominant mid-range CPU, offering exceptional gaming performance that often surpasses older i7 chips. It is highlighted as a high-value, six-core solution that serves as a strong competitor to AMD's Ryzen 5, despite its 2.8GHz base clock and lack of Hyper-Threading. Key advantages include its superior gaming...Read more

hardwareluxx.de

05/10/2017

Coffee Lake Review: Intel Core i7-8700K, i5-8600K and i5-8400 Tested

The Hardwareluxx review of Intel's 8th Gen Coffee Lake-S processors (i7-8700K, i5-8600K, i5-8400) highlights a significant performance leap, driven by the introduction of six cores across the mainstream lineup and an improved 14nm++ process. The processors deliver superior multi-core performance and excellent gaming capabilities, with the i7-8700K positioned as a top-tier option and...Read more

hardware-mag.de

25/06/2018

Intel Core i7-8700K and i5-8400 Review - Hardware-Mag

The Hardware-Mag.de review of Intel's "Coffee Lake" processors highlights a significant shift to 6-core architectures, with the i7-8700K (6C/12T) and i5-8400 (6C/6T) delivering roughly 50% higher multi-threaded performance on the 14nm++ process. The i7-8700K shines in single-core tasks and gaming, boasting 5.0 GHz overclocking potential, though it faces stiff competition from AMD's...Read more

chip.de

13/02/2018

Intel Core i5-8400 Review - CHIP

The Intel Core i5-8400 features a six-core design, marking a significant performance increase in multi-threaded workloads over previous quad-core models. With a 2.8 GHz base clock and 4.0 GHz boost, it offers competitive gaming performance, often rivaling higher-end chips. Key pros include exceptional value for mid-range gaming and 65W TDP energy efficiency. It also demonstrates...Read more

igorslab.de

24/10/2017

Intel Core i5-8400: How good is the "little" i5 in practice?", "Intel Core i5-8400: How does the "entry-level" i5 perform in the real world?

The Intel Core i5-8400 review by igor'sLAB highlights the processor as an exceptionally fast, cost-effective mid-range option, bringing six-core performance to a lower price point. It excels in gaming, often providing up to 90% of i7 performance for a lower cost, yet it lacks Hyper-Threading, trailing competitors in highly parallelized, professional rendering workloads. The chip is...Read more

pcwelt.de

30/10/2017

Intel Core i5-8400 Review: Gaming Processor with Great Price-Performance Ratio

The PC-WELT review identifies the Intel Core i5-8400 as a premier, budget-friendly gaming processor, delivering a significant performance leap by introducing six cores to Intel's mainstream lineup. It competes directly with higher-end chips, such as the i7-8700K, offering exceptional 1080p gaming performance for under €200. Pros include high core counts with a 4.0 GHz boost clock,...Read more

gamestar.de

12/04/2018

Intel Core i5-8400 Review: Core i7 Performance at an i5 Price?

The GameStar review highlights the Intel Core i5-8400 as a mid-range gaming milestone, offering six cores that deliver performance rivaling the i7-7700K at a significantly lower price point. Key advantages include a 3.8 GHz all-core turbo, high efficiency (65W TDP), and 17–26% faster performance over previous quad-core models, making it an ideal choice for high-FPS gaming. However,...Read more

computerbase.de

05/10/2017

Intel Coffee Lake Review: Core i7-8700K, i5-8400, i3-8350K and -8100 vs. Ryzen

Intel's Coffee Lake lineup, featuring the 6-core i7-8700K and i5-8400, offers significant performance gains to challenge AMD's Ryzen, delivering high-speed "mega-tasking" and superior gaming performance. Key pros include increased core counts and strong overclocking potential, though the new LGA 1151 (Z370) platform requirement limits upgradability, and top-tier chips suffer from...Read more

hardwareluxx.de

05/10/2017

Coffee Lake: Intel Core i7-8700K, i5-8600K and i5-8400 Review

The Hardwareluxx review of Intel’s Coffee Lake lineup highlights a shift to six-core processors across the mainstream i7 and i5 series to compete with AMD's Ryzen, utilizing a refined 14nm++ process. The Intel Core i7-8700K (6C/12T) is identified as a top-tier gaming CPU with high boost clocks, while the i5-8600K and i5-8400 (6C/6T) bring strong, affordable performance to the...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

05/10/2017

Intel Core i5-8400 Review: Six Cores for the Mid-Range

The Les Numériques review highlights the Intel Core i5-8400 as a significant shift in mid-range strategy, featuring six physical cores that deliver a substantial multi-threaded performance boost nearly matching the previous-generation i7-7700K. It is lauded for exceptional value, offering high-end gaming performance at a lower price point. Technically, the processor excels in energy...Read more

tomshardware.fr

25/10/2017

Core i5-8400 Review: The Best Value CPU

The Intel Core i5-8400, reviewed by Tom's Hardware, brings six physical cores to the mainstream, delivering competitive gaming performance that rivals higher-end models. While demonstrating strong single-core performance with 4.0 GHz boost speeds, the processor lacks Hyper-Threading, placing it behind AMD’s Ryzen 5 in heavily threaded, professional workloads. Key drawbacks include...Read more

profesionalreview.com

27/10/2017

Intel Core i5-8400 Review (Full Analysis)

The Intel Core i5-8400, based on a review by Profesional Review, marks a significant shift to six physical cores on the 14nm++ "Coffee Lake" architecture, featuring a 2.8 GHz base clock, 9MB L3 cache, and a 65W TDP. Key pros include exceptional 1080p gaming performance, competing with higher-end, older processors, alongside cool operational temperatures. Performance in...Read more

capa9.net

18/08/2018

Intel Core i5-8400 Review and Thoughts on Coffee Lake

The Intel Core i5-8400 brings six cores to the mainstream lineup using the 14nm++ "Coffee Lake" architecture, offering exceptional value with a 2.8GHz base clock and 65W TDP. It stands out as a "value king" for gaming, delivering performance comparable to the i7-8700K and surpassing the i7-7700K in many scenarios. Pros include top-tier 1080p gaming, competitive pricing, and...Read more

muycomputer.com

14/10/2017

Core i5-8400 Review: Six Cores and High IPC for Under 200 Euros

The 2017 review of the Intel Core i5-8400 highlights it as a "gaming master" for offering six physical cores and exceptional performance-per-dollar, often outperforming the higher-end i7-7700K in gaming. Key advantages include its efficient 65W TDP, excellent price-to-performance ratio, and strong multi-core capability for productivity tasks. Major drawbacks noted are the inability...Read more

geektopia.es

19/10/2017

Intel Core i5-8400 Analysis: Review and Opinion

Geektopia's analysis of the Intel Core i5-8400 highlights the 6-core Coffee Lake processor as a top-tier gaming value, often rivaling the i7-7700K due to increased core counts. Pros include an exceptional price-to-performance ratio, 65W TDP for easy cooling, and superior gaming performance over previous generations, though it lacks Hyper-Threading. Key drawbacks, according to the...Read more

tomshw.it

26/10/2017

Intel Core i5-8400 Coffee Lake Review - Tom's Hardware

The Intel Core i5-8400 (Coffee Lake) significantly improves upon its predecessor by introducing six physical cores and offering superior gaming performance due to aggressive Turbo Boost frequencies up to 4.0 GHz. While delivering exceptional 1080p gaming, the chip lacks Hyper-Threading, limiting its effectiveness in heavily multi-threaded professional applications compared to...Read more

tweakers.net

20/07/2018

Intel Core i5-8400 Boxed review by Editorial/Users

The Intel Core i5-8400 is deemed a "perfect processor for a gaming PC" by the reviewer, who highlights its six-core architecture as a major performance upgrade over previous setups. Key pros include effective performance in demanding tasks, while a notable con is the inability to overclock due to the locked multiplier. With a low 65W TDP, the processor runs cool, and integrated UHD...Read more

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