Intel Core i5 8400 6-core LGA1151
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X 6-core AM5
What Buyers Say
Intel Core i5 8400 6-core LGA1151
The Intel Core i5-8400 is praised as a strong value-for-money processor, especially for gaming at 1080p, with many users noting excellent performance per dollar. It runs cool even with the stock cooler, is easy to install, and provides a noticeable upgrade from older CPUs. However, a few reviews mention defects or limited core count for heavy multitasking or video editing.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Runs cool even with stock cooler
- Easy installation
- Solid gaming performance at 1080p
- Significant upgrade from older CPUs
Cons
- Defective unit received by some users
- Limited core count for heavy multitasking
- Stock cooler not sufficient for heavy loads
- No overclocking support
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X 6-core AM5
The AMD Ryzen 5 9600X is widely praised for its excellent gaming performance, energy efficiency, and lower thermals compared to previous generations. Users highlight significant improvements in system quietness and cooling, making it a compelling upgrade for new builds or those coming from older platforms. While some note that the performance uplift over the 7000 series may not justify an upgrade for existing AM5 users, the overall sentiment is highly positive, with many recommending it as a great budget-friendly option.
Pros
- Excellent gaming performance
- Lower power draw and thermals
- Quieter system operation
- Good value for budget builds
- Future-proofing with AM5 platform
Cons
- No included cooler
- Requires BIOS update on older boards
- Performance uplift over 7000 series is modest
- No thermal paste included
Scores
Specifications
| Intel Core i5 8400 | AMD Ryzen 5 9600X | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | Intel | AMD |
| Series | Core i5 | Ryzen 5 |
| Model | 8400 | 9600X |
| Codename | Coffee Lake | Granite Ridge |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 14 | 4★ |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 6 | 6 |
| P-cores | — | 6★ |
| Threads | 6 | 12★ |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 1.5 | 6★ |
| L3 Cache | 9 | 32★ |
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR4 | DDR5★ |
| Max Speed | ||
| Channels | 2 | 2 |
| Max Memory | ||
| ECC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | LGA 1151 | AM5 |
| PCIe | 3.0 | 5.0 |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 28★ |
| TDP | 65 | 65 |
| Max Turbo Power | 65★ | 88 |
| Unlocked | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Graphics & AI | ||
| Integrated Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | AMD Radeon Graphics |
Pros & Cons
Intel Core i5 8400 6-core LGA1151
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong platform (69th percentile)
- Strong efficiency (67th percentile)
- Strong single thread (67th percentile)
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X 6-core AM5
- Strong single thread (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong social proof (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong platform (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong efficiency (95th percentile)95th %ile
Pricing
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X 6-core AM5 offers 1.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 94 overall, wins 6 of 6 usage categories and 15 of 27 specs.