Intel Core i5-8400 vs Intel Core i7-6700K

The Intel Core i5-8400 is the faster processor, scoring 22/100 on our gaming benchmark versus 20/100 for the Intel Core i7-6700K — roughly 10% faster. That said, the gap is small, so the cheaper option is often the smarter buy.

Winner

Intel Core i5-8400

22
Gaming score / 100
Check Intel Core i5-8400 price

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Intel

Intel Core i7-6700K

20
Gaming score / 100
Check Intel Core i7-6700K price

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Specs compared

SpecIntel Core i5-8400Intel Core i7-6700K
Gaming score22/10020/100
Cores / Threads6 / 64 / 8
Boost clock4.00 GHz4.20 GHz
TDP65 W91 W
SocketLGA1151LGA1151
MSRP$69.00$69.00

Intel Core i5-8400 vs Intel Core i7-6700K: 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 Intel Core i7-6700K — 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 Intel Core i5-8400 better than the Intel Core i7-6700K?
The Intel Core i5-8400 is faster for gaming, scoring 22/100 versus 20/100 for the Intel Core i7-6700K (about 10% faster).

Should I buy the Intel Core i5-8400 or the Intel Core i7-6700K?
For raw gaming performance, choose the Intel Core i5-8400. If it costs notably more for only a small gain, the Intel Core i7-6700K can be the better value. Check current prices before deciding.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.