Intel Core i3-14100 vs Intel Core i5-7400

The Intel Core i5-7400 is an older generation processor (Kaby Lake S, 14 nm), primarily for basic desktop applications.

It offers 4 cores and 4 threads, as well as 6 MB of Level 3 Cache. With PCIe 3.0, a maximum memory bandwidth of 38 GB/s, and Intel HD Graphics 630, it was intended for mainstream systems of its time. The Intel Core i3-14100 is a more modern processor (Raptor Lake S Refresh, 10 nm) that delivers higher performance in the entry-segment.

It features 4 cores and 8 threads (thanks to Hyper-Threading), 12 MB of Level 3 Cache, and 5 MB of Level 2 Cache. It supports PCIe 5.0, a maximum memory bandwidth of 77 GB/s, and integrates Intel UHD Graphics 730. In terms of single-core and multi-core performance, the Intel Core i3-14100 significantly outperforms the Intel Core i5-7400, thanks to its newer architecture and Hyper-Threading.

This is also noticeable in gaming scenarios, where the Intel Core i3-14100 offers a significantly smoother experience. Although both have a comparable Thermal Design Power (TDP), the Intel Core i3-14100 delivers significantly higher performance per watt and is more energy-efficient.

The Intel Core i5-7400 is hardly available on the new market and is only relevant as a replacement or for very old budget systems. The price-performance ratio of the Intel Core i3-14100 is convincing for a new system and offers future-proof features.