How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i5-8400 scores 29/100 overall; Intel Core i5-8600K scores 31.1/100. Intel Core i5-8400 wins 2 individual spec rows, Intel Core i5-8600K wins 9.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i5-8400 and the Intel Core i5-8600K?

Intel Core i5-8400 advantages: 32% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 95 W; Has Cooler included — the other doesn't; Lower launch price: $182 vs $257. Intel Core i5-8600K advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 35 vs 31; 29% higher Base clock: 3.6 GHz vs 2.8 GHz; 15% higher PassMark: 10,600 vs 9,200; 10% higher iGPU clock: 1,150 MHz vs 1,050 MHz; 10% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 5,400 vs 4,900.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i5-8400 or Intel Core i5-8600K?

Intel Core i5-8400 launched cheaper at $182, versus $257 for the Intel Core i5-8600K.

Intel Core i5-8400 vs Intel Core i5-8600K

Intel

Intel Core i5-8400

$182

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i5-8600K

$257

31.1Single-core34.5

28.6Multi-core30

27.2Gaming29.1

2 spec wins — Intel Core i5-84009 spec wins — Intel Core i5-8600K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i5-8600K wins this desktop processor face-off, 31.1 to 29, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+3) and gaming (+2). Intel Core i5-8400 still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.

Which would you pick?

Key differences

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-8400

32% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 95 W
Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
Lower launch price: $182 vs $257

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-8600K

Stronger Single-core score: 35 vs 31
29% higher Base clock: 3.6 GHz vs 2.8 GHz
15% higher PassMark: 10,600 vs 9,200
10% higher iGPU clock: 1,150 MHz vs 1,050 MHz
10% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 5,400 vs 4,900

General

General comparison: Intel Core i5-8400 versus Intel Core i5-8600K
Spec	Intel Core i5-8400	Intel Core i5-8600K
Announced	2017	2017
Socket	LGA1151-v2	LGA1151-v2
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Base TDP	65 W+32%	95 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i5-8400 versus Intel Core i5-8600K
Spec	Intel Core i5-8400	Intel Core i5-8600K
Cores	6	6
Performance cores	6	6
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	6	6
Base clock	2.8 GHz	3.6 GHz+29%
Boost clock	4 GHz	4.3 GHz+7%
L2 cache	2 MB	2 MB
L3 cache	9 MB	9 MB

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i5-8400 versus Intel Core i5-8600K
Spec	Intel Core i5-8400	Intel Core i5-8600K
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 630	Intel UHD Graphics 630
iGPU clock	1,050 MHz	1,150 MHz+10%

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i5-8400 versus Intel Core i5-8600K
Spec	Intel Core i5-8400	Intel Core i5-8600K
Memory support	DDR4-2666	DDR4-2666
Max memory	64 GB	64 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i5-8400 versus Intel Core i5-8600K
Spec	Intel Core i5-8400	Intel Core i5-8600K
PCIe version	3	3
CPU PCIe lanes	16	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i5-8400 versus Intel Core i5-8600K
Spec	Intel Core i5-8400	Intel Core i5-8600K
Geekbench 6 (single)	1,370Top 75%	1,480+8%Top 69%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	4,900Top 78%	5,400+10%Top 71%
Cinebench R23 (single)	1,150Top 75%	1,210+5%Top 71%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	6,400Top 77%	6,800+6%Top 73%
PassMark	9,200Top 80%	10,600+15%Top 77%

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