🚀 CPU Launch

Intel Core i9-7960X vs Intel Core i5-8400

Table of Contents



Overview:

Comparison between Intel Core i9-7960X and Intel Core i5-8400

Both CPUs are manufactured by Intel. Both CPUs have the same base speed of 2.8 GHz. Intel Core i9-7960X has a higher turbo speed of 4.2 GHz compared to Intel Core i5-8400's 4.0 GHz. Intel Core i9-7960X has more cores (16) compared to Intel Core i5-8400's 6 cores. Intel Core i9-7960X supports more threads (32) compared to Intel Core i5-8400's 6 threads.

Both CPUs belong to the same class: Desktop. Intel Core i9-7960X uses the FCLGA2066 socket, while Intel Core i5-8400 uses the FCLGA1151-2 socket. Both CPUs were launched in the same year: Q4 2017. Intel Core i9-7960X has a larger L3 cache of 22 MB compared to Intel Core i5-8400's 9 MB.

Specification Summary

The Intel Core i9-7960X and Intel Core i5-8400 are two processors with distinct specifications. Below is a detailed comparison of their key features:

  • Manufacturer: Both processors are manufactured by Intel.
  • Speed: The Intel Core i9-7960X has a base speed of 2.8 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-8400 runs at 2.8 GHz.
  • Turbo Boost: The Intel Core i9-7960X supports a turbo speed of 4.2 GHz, compared to 4.0 GHz for the Intel Core i5-8400.
  • Cores: The Intel Core i9-7960X has 16 cores, while the Intel Core i5-8400 has 6 cores.
  • Threads: The Intel Core i9-7960X supports 32 threads, compared to 6 threads for the Intel Core i5-8400.
  • Class: Both processors are designed for Desktop use.
  • Socket: The Intel Core i9-7960X uses the FCLGA2066, while the Intel Core i5-8400 uses the FCLGA1151-2.
  • Launch Date: The Intel Core i9-7960X was launched on Q4 2017, while the Intel Core i5-8400 was released on Q4 2017.
  • L3 Cache: The Intel Core i9-7960X has 22 MB of L3 cache, compared to 9 MB for the Intel Core i5-8400.

Detailed Specifications:

Specs Intel Core i9-7960X Intel Core i5-8400
Intel Intel
Manufacturer Intel Intel
Speed 2.8 GHz 2.8 GHz
Turbo 4.2 GHz 4.0 GHz
Cores 16 6
Threads 32 6
Class Desktop Desktop
Socket FCLGA2066 FCLGA1151-2
Launched Q4 2017 Q4 2017
L3 Cache 22 MB 9 MB

Review:

Single Core Performance:


CPU Performance in single-threaded applications

Intel Core i9-7960X:



41%
Intel Core i5-8400:
39%
* More is Better

Multi Core Performance:


CPU Performance in multi-threaded applications

Intel Core i9-7960X



41%
Intel Core i5-8400:
13%
* More is Better

Power Efficiency:


Power Consumption of CPU under full load

Intel Core i9-7960X: 165 watts



41.25%
Intel Core i5-8400: 65 watts
16.25%
* Lower is Better

Launched Date:


Time when the CPU was launched


Intel Core i9-7960X : Q4 2017 ✅

Intel Core i5-8400 : Q4 2017 ✅

* Newer is Better

CPU Launch FINAL SCORE:

CPU Final Rating Ratings

Intel Core i9-7960X



Intel Core i5-8400


Pro's and Con's

Intel Core i9-7960X – Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Higher Turbo Boost Speed: The Intel Core i9-7960X supports a higher turbo boost speed of 4.2 GHz compared to the Intel Core i5-8400's 4.0 GHz. This allows for better performance during peak workloads.
  • Faster Single-Core Performance: With a single-threaded performance score of 2494, the Intel Core i9-7960X outperforms the Intel Core i5-8400 (score: 2380). This makes it better suited for tasks that rely on single-core performance, such as gaming or everyday productivity.
  • Larger L3 Cache: The Intel Core i9-7960X features a larger L3 cache of 22MB compared to the Intel Core i5-8400's 9MB. A larger cache improves performance in memory-intensive tasks, such as video editing or 3D rendering, by reducing latency and speeding up data access.

Cons:

  • Higher Power Consumption: The Intel Core i9-7960X has a higher TDP of 165W compared to the Intel Core i5-8400's 65W. This means it may consume more power, leading to higher energy costs and potentially more heat generation, which could require better cooling solutions.

Intel Core i5-8400 – Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Higher CPU Mark Score: The Intel Core i5-8400 has a higher CPU Mark score of 105.99 compared to the Intel Core i9-7960X's 66.05. This indicates better overall performance across a wide range of tasks.

Cons:

  • Fewer Cores: The Intel Core i5-8400 has 6 cores, which is fewer than the Intel Core i9-7960X's 16 cores. This could impact performance in multi-threaded workloads, such as rendering, compiling code, or running virtual machines.
  • Fewer Threads: The Intel Core i5-8400 has 6 threads, which is fewer than the Intel Core i9-7960X's 32 threads. This may limit its ability to handle highly parallel workloads efficiently.
  • Lower Multi-Core Performance: In multi-threaded tasks, the Intel Core i5-8400 scores 9235, which is lower than the Intel Core i9-7960X's score of 28808. This makes the Intel Core i9-7960X a better choice for heavy multitasking or parallel processing.


Productivity


Intel Core i9-7960X
This cpu Handles Mid Level level office applications, web browsing, and media playback with ease. It can also be used for Mid Level level multitasking or CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.

Intel Core i5-8400
This cpu Handles Entry Level level office applications, web browsing, and media playback with ease. It can also be used for Entry Level level multitasking or CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.


Gaming

Intel Core i9-7960X
Ideal for Mid Level level gaming (when paired with a dedicated GPU) and Mid Level level computing.

Intel Core i5-8400
Ideal for Entry Level level gaming (when paired with a dedicated GPU) and Entry Level level computing.



Verdict

Intel Core i9-7960X

The Intel Core i9-7960X is a reliable and Mid Level processor for your PC builds. It delivers excellent value for users with Mid Level computing needs or those building a New PC.

Intel Core i5-8400

The Intel Core i5-8400 is a reliable and Entry Level processor for your PC builds. It delivers excellent value for users with Entry Level computing needs or those building a New PC.