Intel Core i7-4790K vs Intel Core i5-8400
The Intel Core i5-8400 is the faster chip for gaming by roughly 6%. Here is the full spec-by-spec breakdown.
| Specification | Intel Core i7-4790K | Intel Core i5-8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 48/100 | 51/100 |
| Tier | C | C |
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Cores | 4 | 6 |
| Threads | 8 | 6 |
| Base clock | 4 GHz | 2.8 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.4 GHz | 4 GHz |
| Power draw (TDP) | 88 W | 65 W |
| Release year | 2014 | 2017 |
Which should you buy?
For gaming specifically, the Intel Core i5-8400 is the better buy — it holds a 6% lead in our index, which shows up most at 1080p and in CPU-bound titles like strategy and simulation games. The Intel Core i5-8400 has more cores (6 vs 4), which helps if you stream, compile or render alongside playing. The Intel Core i5-8400 runs 23W cooler, meaning a cheaper cooler and less case heat. Either way, pair it with a graphics card of similar standing — check the bottleneck calculator before you buy.