Intel Core i5-8400

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Intel Core i5-8400
Intel Core i5-8400 Review: The Core i5-8400 puts Ryzen (1st Gen) in an awkward position when it comes to gaming and perhaps even the new Core i7 range for that matter. Six high speed cores are going to be more than enough for the vast majority of gamers to play all the latest games without any frame hitches, while those seeking extreme frame rates for high refresh rate gaming shouldn't have any problem with these new Coffee Lake Core i5s either.
- As reviewed by TechSpot on Oct 2017
6
Cores
6
Threads
2.8 GHz
Base Clock
4 GHz
Boost Clock
Socket LGA 1151
Socket
65 W
TDP
Intel UHD Graphics 630
Integrated Graphics
$162
Price
Release date:Oct 5, 2017Price at Launch:$182
Cores:6Threads:6
Base Clock:2.8 GHzBoost Clock:4 GHz
Type:DesktopMultithreading:No
L2 Cache:1.5 MBL3 Cache:9 MB
Box Cooler:YesTDP:65 W
Socket:Socket LGA 1151Memory Support:DDR4‑2666
Codename:Coffee LakeProcess Size:14 nm
Integrated Graphics:YesiGPU Model:Intel UHD Graphics 630
NPU:NoPCIe Support:PCIe 3.0, 16 Lanes
Intel Core i5-12400
A newer model is available:
Intel Core i5-12400

Performance Benchmarks

All benchmark data reflects aggregated results from dozens of tests conducted in TechSpot’s labs and compiled from our full library of CPU reviews. Single-core productivity scores are based primarily on Cinebench and Adobe Photoshop workloads. Multi-core results draw from Cinebench, Blender, Corona Benchmark, 7-Zip, Adobe Premiere Pro, and shader compilation tests. CPU gaming benchmarks are all 1080p runs (explainer) as published on TechSpot.

Single-Core Productivity

Multi-Core Productivity

Gaming Performance

Price History

Intel Core i5-8400 pricing

Last 6 months
Price Date
Current $162 Dec 15, 2025
Highest* $221 Jul 26, 2025
Lowest* $71 Jul 13, 2025
Average $151
* Prices are based on listings from Newegg and other major retailers over the past 12+ months.
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Reviews and Ratings

87

Average Score

Based on 20 reviews

9.2

User Score

Based on 2,961 reviews

Reviewers Liked

  • Strong Multi-Thread performance
  • Most affordable 6-core in the Coffee Lake lineup
  • Intel stock cooler included in the box
  • Often bests previous-generation Core i7-7700K flagship CPU on multi-core tests
  • Best-in-class gaming performance, when paired with a dedicated graphics card

Reviewers Didn't Like

  • No HyperThreading
  • Requires New Motherboards
  • Manual overclocking yields limited gains
  • Only Z370 motherboards available at launch

For the past few weeks we've been busy benchmarking two CPUs in over 30 games: AMD's Ryzen 5 2600 and Intel's Core i5-8400. Before we get into the benchmark results -- and I promise there's a boatload of them -- here are a few quick notes on the test...

By TechSpot on

Intel Core i5-8400 vs. AMD Ryzen 5 1600: I’d probably purchase the Ryzen 5 1600 for the simple fact that I spend more time working on my PC than I do playing. I also like the idea that AMD’s promising future compatibility with new Ryzen CPUs. Intel, on the other hand, will likely ditch their current mainstream platform after the next processor release.

By TechSpot on

Core i5-8400 vs. Overclocked Ryzen 5 1600: I'd consider buying the Ryzen 5 1600 because it's cheaper overall including platform costs and the savings could buy you a decent cooler or some flashy RGB lights. And I'd consider buying the Core i5-8400 because it's the stronger gaming CPU for the vast majority of titles available right now. Stronger low resolution performance could point to it being a better CPU down the track and a better pairing for future generation GPUs.

By TechSpot on

Battlefield V is playable on quad-cores but you can expect frequent frame dips, resulting in less consistent frame rates. For the most part, we've found that the older Core i5-7600K has been hanging in there pretty well with AAA titles released in...

By TechSpot on

Intel Core i7-8700K, i5-8600K, 8400 versus AMD Ryzen 7 1800X, R5 1600X, 1500X: For now, if you're just looking for solid performance out of the box at a great price, the Core i5-8400 looks like the best bet. Ryzen is of course still a worthy alternative and for those gaming at 1440p with a GTX 1070 or Vega 56 graphics card, the difference between a Ryzen 5 CPU and the Core i5-8400 will be negligible. Which platform will prove to be the best investment over the next five years is anyone's guess.

By TechSpot on
90

Intel Core i5-8400 Review: The Core i5-8400 puts Ryzen (1st Gen) in an awkward position when it comes to gaming and perhaps even the new Core i7 range for that matter. Six high speed cores are going to be more than enough for the vast majority of gamers to play all the latest games without any frame hitches, while those seeking extreme frame rates for high refresh rate gaming shouldn't have any problem with these new Coffee Lake Core i5s either.

By TechSpot on
90

»Socket: 1151 »Type: 64-bit » Process: 14nm »Cores: Six »Threads: Six »Clock: 2.8GHz »Turbo: 4.0GHz »Cache: 9MB »RAM: DDR4-2667, two channels 64GB Max »TDP:65W »GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 630 »GPU Clock: 350 MHz (105 GHz max) »GPU Units: 23 »Virtual: VT-x,...

By TopNewReview on
90

Intel|7 March 2018Intel Core i5 8400 review: this is THE gaming Coffee LakeByDave JamesSubscribe to PCGamesN on YouTubeThe Core i5 8400 has been the surprise package of the Intel Coffee Lake CPUs. While the K-series Core i7 8700K might be grabbing all...

By pcgamesn.com on
80

Anyone looking to buy a completely new desktop PC today should avoid previous-generation Intel CPUs simply because you get more physical cores at all price levels with 8th Gen Core models as well as AMD's entire Ryzen lineup. The Core i5-8400 is an...

By Gadgets360 on
100

The Core i5-8400 brings a powerful six-core design to the mid-range, offering class-leading gaming performance and competitive performance in heavier applications. More expensive models offer more performance in both categories, but the Core i5-8400 is easily the pound-for-pound gaming champion.

By TomsHardware on
100

I do not have the price for the Intel Core i5-8400 but the estimated price for Malaysia market is RM 700 – RM 900 range, it could be more but it shouldn't be too far apart. The Intel Core i5-8400 is now a “6 cores 6 threads” model which is unlike before...

By GoldFries on
90

Even with a locked multiplier, the i5-8400 delivers awesome performance, for under...

By PC Gamer on
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