Intel Core i5-8400 vs Intel Core i5-14400

The Intel Core i5-8400 (Coffee Lake S architecture) is an earlier generation processor, designed for mainstream applications and basic gaming.

The Intel Core i5-14400 (Raptor Lake S Refresh architecture) is a significantly newer processor that also serves the mainstream market, but with greatly improved performance for modern applications and more demanding tasks.

The Intel Core i5-8400 is manufactured using a 14nm process and features 6 cores and 6 threads. Its integrated graphics unit is Intel UHD Graphics 630, and it supports PCIe 3.0. The Intel Core i5-14400 uses a more advanced 10nm process and a hybrid architecture with 6 Performance-cores and 4 Efficiency-cores, totaling 10 cores and 16 threads.

It integrates Intel UHD Graphics 730 and offers support for PCIe 5.0. The Intel Core i5-14400 also has significantly more cache (10 MB L2, 20 MB L3) and a higher maximum memory bandwidth of 90 GB/s compared to 43 GB/s. The Intel Core i5-14400 significantly outperforms the Intel Core i5-8400 in single-core performance and offers much higher multi-core performance thanks to its hybrid architecture and more threads.

This leads to noticeably better performance in gaming scenarios, especially with current titles, as well as in computationally intensive applications like video editing or 3D rendering. The Intel Core i5-8400 remains sufficient for everyday tasks and older games. Both processors have a base TDP of 65W.

However, the Intel Core i5-14400 can achieve a higher maximum Turbo power under load, which means a temporarily increased power consumption, but also offers significantly higher performance per watt. The Intel Core i5-8400 is cheaper to acquire as an older model but requires an outdated platform.

The Intel Core i5-14400 offers better value for money for new systems but requires a more expensive, modern platform. The Intel Core i5-8400 is a cost-effective option for simple systems and less demanding applications. The Intel Core i5-14400 is the clear choice for users who want maximum performance for gaming, content creation, and future-proof systems, ready for a higher overall investment in the platform.