Intel Core i5 8400 6-core LGA1151
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-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 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is widely celebrated as the best gaming CPU on the market, delivering massive frame rate boosts, improved 1% lows, and excellent thermal efficiency. Users upgrading from older Intel or AMD chips report transformative gains in CPU-intensive games and smoother multitasking. The main caution is to avoid paying above MSRP due to scalper pricing, and to ensure a compatible AM5 motherboard with a BIOS update. Overall, it is a top-tier choice for gamers seeking peak performance.
Pros
- Best gaming performance on the market
- Massive frame rate boosts in CPU-heavy games
- Excellent thermal efficiency and cool operation
- Improved 1% lows for smoother gameplay
- Great upgrade from older Intel and AMD chips
Cons
- Scalper pricing above MSRP
- No included cooler in the box
- Requires BIOS update on older AM5 motherboards
- Limited availability and stock issues
- OEM version lacks original box and accessories
Scores
Specifications
| Intel Core i5 8400 | AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | Intel | AMD |
| Series | Core i5 | Ryzen 7 |
| Model | 8400 | 9800X3D |
| Codename | Coffee Lake | Granite Ridge |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 14 | 4★ |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 6 | 8★ |
| P-cores | — | 8★ |
| Threads | 6 | 16★ |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 1.5 | 8★ |
| L3 Cache | 9 | 96★ |
| 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★ | 120 |
| Max Turbo Power | 65★ | 200 |
| Unlocked | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Graphics & AI | ||
| Integrated Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | AMD Radeon Graphics |
Pros & Cons
Intel Core i5 8400 6-core LGA1151
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong platform (69th percentile)
- Strong efficiency (67th percentile)
- Strong single thread (67th percentile)
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
- Strong feature (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong social proof (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong single thread (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong platform (95th percentile)95th %ile
Pricing
Intel Core i5 8400 6-core LGA1151 offers 1.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 6 of 6 usage categories and 16 of 27 specs.