Pros
- Memory overclocking
- Balanced performance in gaming and applications
- Adequate bundled cooler
Cons
- Pricing relative to AMD Ryzen
- Minor frequency improvements that don’t translate to real-world performance gains
- No CPU core overclocking
- Power increases for minimal gain
The 14th-generation Intel Core i5-14400 enters the market with a performance profile in productivity tasks and gaming that mirrors that of its predecessor. Additionally, consumers can opt for the graphics-less i5-14400F model, which is priced at while delivering equivalent performance. Nevertheless, the new 14th-generation Intel processors represent a rather uninspired update of the existing 13th-generation chips, maintaining the same price point. This lack of significant improvement prevents them from ascending the ranks in our CPU benchmark hierarchy and securing a position on our list of the top CPUs for gaming.
The Intel Core i5 series is experiencing competitive pressure due to the price cuts on the Ryzen 5 7600 and 7600X, which have significantly enhanced their value appeal. Additionally, the decrease in prices for DDR5 memory and motherboards has further positioned Ryzen as a strong contender for budget-friendly builds.
AMD presents the new Ryzen 7 5700X3D, which is an appealing option for those seeking value. These processors utilize the earlier Zen 3 architecture, resulting in slightly lower performance in productivity tasks. Nevertheless, they are compatible with cost-effective AM4 motherboards and offer superior gaming performance compared to the Core i5-14400 and the Ryzen 5 7600X, making them an attractive choice for gamers.
The Intel Core i5-14400 retains the same architectural foundation as its predecessor, featuring six performance cores (P-cores) and four efficiency cores (E-cores). The enhancements compared to the previous generation Core i5-13400 are limited to a 100 MHz increase in the boost clock, which now reaches 4.7 GHz, along with a 200 MHz rise in the boost for the E-cores.
The slight enhancements observed do not suggest significant advancements in real-world performance compared to the previous generation of chips. We will evaluate how performance unfolds with both DDR4 and DDR5 memory during our gaming and application assessments.
Similar to the premium K-Series models launched by Intel last year, the lower-power variants are built on the Raptor Lake Refresh architecture, utilizing the ‘Intel 7’ process node. These latest processors represent an updated iteration of the 13th-Gen Raptor Lake series that was first introduced in 2022. Further details regarding the architecture can be found in our review of the Core i9-14900K, i7-14700K, and i5-14600K.
Intel has maintained the same launch price as its previous generation. As in the past, consumers have the option to choose the graphics-less F-series Core i5-14400F, which allows for a savings of approximately while delivering equivalent performance. However, this option does not include the 24-EU integrated UHD Graphics 730 engine, necessitating the use of a discrete GPU. The earlier model, the Core i5-13400F, is currently priced at; however, Intel has recently phased out several of the 13th-generation boxed processors, indicating that this offer may not be available for an extended period.
Similar to their K-Series predecessors, the latest Core i5 models are compatible with Intel’s 600- and 700-series motherboards; however, the availability of the former at reasonable prices is diminishing. The Core i5-14400 operates at 65W / 125W, making it advisable to pair it with more cost-effective B- and H-series motherboards.
Intel permits memory overclocking on its Core i5 processors; however, overclocking through the multiplier is not an option (although increasing the power limits is possible). Additionally, Intel has now unlocked the System Agent (SA) voltage, allowing enthusiasts to invest additional time in tuning to achieve higher peak DDR4 speeds in Gear 1. As with all overclocking endeavors, results may vary.
The included Laminar RM1 cooler is functional, but we strongly advise investing in a superior cooling solution. The stock cooler does produce noise, which means some level of sound is to be expected. It is sufficient for managing the chip within the lower power limits of 65W/148W and performs adequately for multi-threaded tasks when those limits are lifted. However, higher ambient temperatures or extended workloads may lead to performance degradation, suggesting that a more efficient air or water cooler could enhance performance during prolonged tasks.
The Core i5-14400 incorporates many features found in its more advanced counterparts, including the capability to support up to 192GB of memory. However, the Core i5 series is limited to a lower DDR5 transfer rate of DDR5-4800, in contrast to the DDR5-5200 available in the higher-end models. It also maintains support for DDR4 at DDR4-3200, offering builders a cost-effective alternative that can achieve performance nearly equivalent to DDR5 when using standard settings. Nevertheless, since our evaluation of the previous generation Core i5-13400, DDR5 prices have significantly decreased, diminishing the impact of any potential savings. Furthermore, the Core i5-14400 faces competition from the Ryzen 7 5700X3D, which also supports DDR4 and fits within the budget-friendly AM4 ecosystem, thereby intensifying price competition.
Intel has employed two distinct types of dies in the majority of its previous generation Core i5 models, both of which deliver equivalent performance. This approach is maintained in the 14th generation Core i5-14400 and Core i3 models. In the 13th generation, the two die types were either a C0 stepping from the 12th generation Alder Lake or a B0 stepping from the 13th generation Raptor Lake. The test sample we acquired from retail is a C0 die, indicating that it shares the same architecture as the Alder Lake chips from two generations ago, although it features an additional four activated E-cores.
The Core i5-14400 maintains the same PCIe 5.0/4.0 lane configurations as its predecessor and offers similar connectivity features, including USB 3.2, which supports transfer speeds of up to 20 Gbps. Now, let us proceed to the benchmarks.