Intel Core i7-8700 vs Intel Core i5-8400

The Intel Core i7-8700 and Intel Core i5-8400 are 8th generation desktop processors, based on Intel's 14 nm Coffee Lake S architecture.

Both integrate an Intel UHD Graphics 630, offer 43 GB/s memory bandwidth, and support PCIe 3.0. The Intel Core i7-8700 for performance users features six cores, twelve threads (Hyper-Threading), and 12 MB of Level 3 Cache. The Intel Core i5-8400 for the mainstream offers six cores, six threads (without Hyper-Threading), and 9 MB of Level 3 Cache.

In single-core benchmarks, the Intel Core i7-8700 outperforms the i5-8400 by over 10 percent. In multi-core applications, the i7-8700's performance advantage is even more pronounced thanks to Hyper-Threading, making it better for demanding tasks. For gaming, the i7-8700 offers advantages due to higher clock frequencies and superior single-core performance.

The i5-8400 delivers solid gaming performance but can fall behind in CPU-intensive games. Both CPUs have comparable thermal design power (TDP). However, the Intel Core i7-8700 tends to consume more energy and generate more heat under full load. Historically, the i5-8400 offered a better price-performance ratio for the average user.

The Intel Core i7-8700 is recommended for maximum computing power in professional applications and intensive gaming. The Intel Core i5-8400 is a good choice for balanced performance in everyday tasks and occasional gaming.