AMD Ryzen 5 1600 vs Intel Core i5-8400
The Intel Core i5-8400 is the faster processor, scoring 22/100 on our gaming benchmark versus 20/100 for the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 — roughly 10% faster. That said, the gap is small, so the cheaper option is often the smarter buy.
AMD Ryzen 5 1600
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Intel Core i5-8400
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Specs compared
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 5 1600 | Intel Core i5-8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 20/100 | 22/100 |
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 6 |
| Boost clock | 3.60 GHz | 4.00 GHz |
| TDP | 65 W | 65 W |
| Socket | AM4 | LGA1151 |
| MSRP | $49.00 | $69.00 |
AMD Ryzen 5 1600 vs Intel Core i5-8400: which should you buy?
The Intel Core i5-8400 is the faster processor, scoring 22/100 on our gaming benchmark versus 20/100 for the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 — roughly 10% faster. That said, the gap is small, so the cheaper option is often the smarter buy. For your specific games and resolution, run both through our comparison tool, check pairing with the bottleneck calculator, or see where each lands on the tier list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 better than the Intel Core i5-8400?
The Intel Core i5-8400 is faster for gaming, scoring 22/100 versus 20/100 for the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (about 10% faster).
Should I buy the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 or the Intel Core i5-8400?
For raw gaming performance, choose the Intel Core i5-8400. If it costs notably more for only a small gain, the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 can be the better value. Check current prices before deciding.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.