Core i5-8400vsRyzen Threadripper 9980X
The Core i5-8400 is a sensible, everyday CPU for mainstream users who just need a reliable workhorse, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is a workstation monster built for pros who throw huge, parallel workloads at their machine.
Core i5-8400
Coffee Lake-S · 14 nm · 2017
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Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
Shimada Peak · 4 nm · 2025
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Overall Performance Score
A unified score from combined synthetic and real-world benchmarks. 100 represents the fastest desktop CPU available.
Side-by-Side Specs
Every detail compared. Highlighted cells indicate the leading value for that metric.
Which should you buy?
The Ryzen Threadripper 9980X wins overall for anyone needing extreme multitasking or heavy workstation workloads.
For budget/value buyers, the Core i5-8400 is the smarter pick because it costs less and runs cooler for everyday tasks.
The Core i5-8400 is the right choice for a basic office PC or light gaming build where the Threadripper’s power and cost are overkill.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Core i5-8400 better than the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X?
Overall the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is the stronger processor: it ranks higher in our aggregate performance score (86 vs 6 out of 100), so it leads the Core i5-8400 in most workloads.
How much faster is the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X than the Core i5-8400?
Based on our aggregated benchmark scores the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is roughly 1333% faster than the Core i5-8400 overall. The real-world gap varies by game, resolution and settings.
Which should you buy, the Core i5-8400 or the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X?
If you want the most performance, pick the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X. If the Core i5-8400 is meaningfully cheaper where you shop, it can be the better value for similar real-world results — check current prices and the full spec comparison above before deciding.