Ryzen 5 3400G vs Core i5-8400
Ryzen 5 3400G
Core i5-8400
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 3400G
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-8400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 5 3400G | Core i5-8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($80) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($95) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Picasso (2019−2022) / 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 5 3400G | Core i5-8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+18%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($80) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($95) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Ryzen 5 3400G and Core i5-8400
Ryzen 5 3400G
The Ryzen 5 3400G is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Picasso (2019−2022) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 9,201 points. Launch price was $149.
Core i5-8400
The Core i5-8400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 October 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,229 points. Launch price was $182.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 5 3400G packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-8400 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Core i5-8400 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3400G versus 4 GHz on the Core i5-8400 — a 4.9% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3400G (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Ryzen 5 3400G uses the Picasso (2019−2022) architecture (12 nm), while the Core i5-8400 uses Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 3400G scores 9,201 against the Core i5-8400's 9,229 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-8400. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3400G vs 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-8400.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 3400G | Core i5-8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 6 / 6+50% |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz+5% | 4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+32% | 2.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 9 MB (total)+125% |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core)+100% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 12 nm-14% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Picasso (2019−2022) | Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 9,201 | 9,229 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 5 3400G uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-8400 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 3400G | Core i5-8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Ryzen 5 3400G) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-8400). The Core i5-8400 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Ryzen 5 3400G requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-8400 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 3400G | Core i5-8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 5 3400G launched at $149 MSRP, while the Core i5-8400 debuted at $182. At current prices ($80 vs $95), the Ryzen 5 3400G is $15 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 3400G delivers 115.0 pts/$ vs 97.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-8400 — making the Ryzen 5 3400G the 16.8% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 3400G | Core i5-8400 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $149-18% | $182 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $80-16% | $95 |
| Performance per Dollar | 115.0+18% | 97.1 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2017 |
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