Core i5-8400

Core i5-8400

CPU • Intel • $ 145.00

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Overview

Powerful Six-Core Performance for Everyday Computing

The Intel Core i5-8400 is a solid mid-range processor that delivers reliable performance for gaming, content creation, and everyday productivity. With six physical cores and a base clock of 2.8GHz that boosts up to 4.0GHz, it handles multitasking and demanding applications with ease. This 8th generation Coffee Lake CPU is built on Intel's 14nm process, offering a great balance of power efficiency and performance.

Who Is It For?

This processor is ideal for budget-conscious gamers, students, and professionals who need a dependable CPU without breaking the bank. It's a perfect choice for building a mid-range gaming PC or upgrading an older system with an LGA 1151 motherboard.

Key Features

  • 6 Cores / 6 Threads: Handles modern games and multitasking smoothly.
  • 4.0GHz Turbo Boost: Provides snappy responsiveness when you need it most.
  • Intel UHD Graphics 630: Integrated graphics for basic display output and light gaming.
  • LGA 1151 Socket: Compatible with a wide range of 300-series motherboards.
  • 65W TDP: Energy-efficient, keeping power consumption and heat low.
  • Included Cooler: Comes with a stock cooler, saving you money.

Performance Highlights

In benchmarks, the Core i5-8400 performs admirably for its price point. It can handle esports titles like Fortnite and CS:GO at high frame rates, and it's capable of running AAA games at 1080p with a dedicated GPU. For productivity, it excels in office applications, web browsing, and even light video editing. The 9MB shared L3 cache helps reduce latency and improve data access speeds.

Use Cases

Whether you're building a budget gaming rig, a home office PC, or a media center, the Core i5-8400 is a versatile choice. It pairs well with GTX 1660 or RTX 2060 graphics cards for a balanced gaming experience. It's also a great option for those who want to upgrade from older i5 or i3 processors without changing their motherboard.

Key Specifications

CPU Speed: 2.8GHz/4.0GHz
Core Count: 6/6
Hybrid Cores: NA
CPU Socket: LGA 1151
Model: Core i5
Unlocked: No
L3 Cache: 9MB (shared)
Cooler Included: Yes
RAM Support: DDR4 2666
Wattage: 65W
Int. Graphics: UHD Graphics 630

Detailed Parameters

Platform:
Intel
Socket:
LGA 1151

Where to Buy

Pros

  • Excellent value for budget builds
  • Six cores provide solid multitasking
  • Integrated UHD 630 graphics for basic display
  • Low power consumption (65W TDP)
  • Comes with a stock cooler

Cons

  • Not unlocked, so no overclocking
  • Limited to DDR4-2666 memory speed
  • Requires a 300-series motherboard (not compatible with older chipsets)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Core i5-8400 good for gaming?

Yes, the Core i5-8400 is a great budget gaming CPU. It can handle most modern games at 1080p with a dedicated graphics card, offering smooth frame rates in esports titles and playable performance in AAA games.

Does the Core i5-8400 include a cooler?

Yes, the Core i5-8400 comes with a stock Intel cooler in the box, which is sufficient for normal use and light overclocking (though the CPU is not unlocked).

What motherboards are compatible with the Core i5-8400?

The Core i5-8400 uses the LGA 1151 socket and is compatible with Intel 300-series motherboards, such as H310, B360, H370, and Z370/Z390 chipsets. Ensure your motherboard BIOS is updated for full compatibility.

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