Intel Core i7-8700 vs Intel Core i5-9400

The Intel Core i7-8700, based on the Coffee Lake S architecture, was designed as a powerful 8th generation desktop processor for demanding users.

Manufactured using the 14nm process, it features 6 cores and 12 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading, which gives it high multitasking capability. With 12 MB of L3 cache and a maximum memory bandwidth of 43 GB/s, it is well equipped for complex applications. Its integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 enables the display of visual content, and connectivity is provided via PCIe 3.0.

The Intel Core i5-9400 is a 9th generation processor, based on the Coffee Lake S Refresh architecture, and targets the mainstream desktop market.

Also manufactured using the 14nm process, it offers 6 cores but foregoes Hyper-Threading, resulting in 6 threads. With 9 MB of L3 cache and the same maximum memory bandwidth of 43 GB/s, it is well suited for everyday tasks. It also features integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 and supports PCIe 3.0 for system communication.

In terms of performance comparison, the Intel Core i7-8700 shows significantly higher performance in multi-core applications, due to its 12 threads and larger L3 cache. The single-core performance of the Intel Core i7-8700 is also noticeably stronger, while the Intel Core i5-9400 is comparable here.

For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8700 offers advantages due to higher clock frequencies and superior single-core performance. However, the Intel Core i5-9400 delivers solid performance for many games. Both CPUs are efficient for their class in terms of power consumption.

The price-performance ratio of the Intel Core i5-9400 is attractive for budget-conscious buyers, while the Intel Core i7-8700 offers more processing power for demanding users, which is reflected in a higher price. In summary, the Intel Core i7-8700 is the better choice for professional applications, content creation, and intensive multitasking.

The Intel Core i5-9400 is an excellent option for general computing tasks, office applications, and mainstream gaming when budget plays an important role.