Core i5-8500T vs Ryzen 5 1400

Intel

Core i5-8500T

6 Cores6 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2018
Similar parts
·······
VS
AMD

Ryzen 5 1400

4 Cores8 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2017
Ryzen family
·······

Core i5-8500T vs Ryzen 5 1400 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i5-8500T vs Ryzen 5 1400 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-8500T vs Ryzen 5 1400: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-8500T

2018

Why buy it

  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Ryzen 5 1400 needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Ryzen 5 1400.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 1400 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (7,730 vs 7,731).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 40.3 vs 45.7 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $169 MSRP).

Ryzen 5 1400

2017

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +13.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $23 less on MSRP ($169 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
  • Delivers 13.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 45.7 vs 40.3 PassMark/$ ($169 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
  • 50% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-8500T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-8500T.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 1400 better than Core i5-8500T?
Yes. Ryzen 5 1400 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 13.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 5 1400 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 13.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 5 1400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 5 1400 is the better buy right now. Ryzen 5 1400 comes in $23 cheaper on MSRP at $169 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 13.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 13.6% better value on MSRP (45.7 vs 40.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-8500T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2017). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-8500T vs Ryzen 5 1400 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Intel

Core i5-8500T

The Core i5-8500T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,730 points. Launch price was $192.

AMD

Ryzen 5 1400

The Ryzen 5 1400 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 11 April 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Zen (2017−2020) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,731 points. Launch price was $169.

Processing Power

The Core i5-8500T packs 6 cores / 6 threads, while the Ryzen 5 1400 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i5-8500T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-8500T versus 3.4 GHz on the Ryzen 5 1400 — a 2.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-8500T (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-8500T uses the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 5 1400 uses Zen (2017−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-8500T scores 7,730 against the Ryzen 5 1400's 7,731 — a 0% lead for the Ryzen 5 1400. L3 cache: 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-8500T vs 8 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 1400.

FeatureCore i5-8500TRyzen 5 1400
Cores / Threads
6 / 6+50%
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.5 GHz+3%
3.4 GHz
Base Clock
2.1 GHz
3.2 GHz+52%
L3 Cache
9 MB (total)+13%
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
512K (per core)+100%
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018)
Zen (2017−2020)
PassMark
7,730
7,731
Geekbench 6 Single
1,192
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-8500T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 5 1400 uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-8500T) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 1400) — the Ryzen 5 1400 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H310,B360,H370,Z370,Z390,B365 (Core i5-8500T) and AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 1400).

FeatureCore i5-8500TRyzen 5 1400
Socket
LGA1151
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
24+50%
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-8500T) / not specified (Ryzen 5 1400). The Core i5-8500T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Ryzen 5 1400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-8500T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-8500T rivals Ryzen 3 2200G.

FeatureCore i5-8500TRyzen 5 1400
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Low Power Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-8500T was priced at $192, while the Ryzen 5 1400 came in at $169. On launch pricing ($192 vs $169), Ryzen 5 1400 was $23 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-8500T delivers 40.3 pts/$ vs 45.7 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 1400 — making the Ryzen 5 1400 the 12.8% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-8500TRyzen 5 1400
MSRP
$192
$169-12%
Performance per Dollar
40.3
45.7+13%
Release Date
2018
2017

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.