Intel Core i7-8700K vs Intel Core i5-8400

The Intel Core i7-8700K and Intel Core i5-8400 are eighth-generation (Coffee Lake S) desktop processors, both manufactured using the 14 nm process and supporting PCIe 3.0 with a maximum memory bandwidth of 43 GB/s, as well as Intel UHD Graphics 630.

The Intel Core i7-8700K is aimed at demanding users and gamers who value overclockability. It offers 6 cores and 12 threads with 12 MB of Level 3 cache. The Intel Core i5-8400 is intended for the mainstream and offers 6 cores and 6 threads with 9 MB of Level 3 cache.

In terms of performance, the Intel Core i7-8700K significantly outperforms the Intel Core i5-8400 in both single- and multi-core applications, thanks to its Hyper-Threading capability and higher clock speeds. This makes it superior in gaming scenarios and compute-intensive tasks, where it enables noticeably higher frame rates and faster processing times.

The Intel Core i5-8400 delivers solid but lower performance here. Regarding power consumption, the Intel Core i7-8700K has a higher TDP of 95W, while the Intel Core i5-8400 is more energy-efficient with 65W and has lower cooling requirements. In terms of price, the Intel Core i7-8700K was the premium offering for maximum performance, while the Intel Core i5-8400 offered an attractive price-performance ratio for the average user.

For the highest demands, overclocking, and demanding gaming, the Intel Core i7-8700K is the better choice. For budget-conscious users focusing on everyday tasks and moderate gaming, the Intel Core i5-8400 is recommended.