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Overview

The Core i5-8400H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-H (2018−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,456 points. Launch price was $250.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-8400H is positioned at rank #142 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-8400H

#36

Core i5-11500B

MSRP: $185|Avg: $185

99%

#130

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

315%

#131

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

310%

#132

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

285%

#133

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

283%

#134

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

281%

#136

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

271%

#137

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

260%

#138

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

260%

#139

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

253%

#142

Core i5-8400H

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#147

Atom N2800

MSRP: $47|Avg: $3

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-8400H across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-8400H specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-8400H is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Coffee Lake-H (2018−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.2 GHz from a base frequency of 2.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 12 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 7,456, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,493, while multi-core reaches 4,963. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 4,657.

Specification	Core i5-8400H
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Coffee Lake-H (2018−2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	12 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	126 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	7,456
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	4,657
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,493
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	4,963

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-8400H fits into the BGA1440 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4 2666 MHz (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i5-8400H
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i5
SocketMotherboard socket required	BGA1440
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4 2666 MHz
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	64 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Intel UHD Graphics 630
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	Intel HM370,Intel QM370
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i5-8400H is primarily designed for Mobile. Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i5-8400H
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Mobile
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	true

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-8400H has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i5-8400H
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	45 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #142 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1516 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-8400H
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$250
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#142
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1516
Release DateLaunch date	2 April 2018 (7 years ago)
Release Year	2018
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel