This CPU has around i5-8500 level performance, but costs less than an i5-8400, much less sometimes when Microcenter has a sale. For some people, it'd be a pain to not have an integrated GPU to just boot up and use, but for a gaming rig with a separate card, it's a non-issue.

I'm used to this because I generally use AMD CPU's, which often don't have integrated GPU's (on Desktop anyways) and I also find it convenient that I don't have to worry about switching between integrated graphics and dedicated graphics either in the BIOS or Windows. This CPU has 6 real cores, a low TDP, strong IPC (especially single core and quad core) and can boost to 4.1 ghz when only using 2 cores, and 4.0 when using 4. All-core boost is 3.9, which is still pretty impressive.

Having switched from an ... More

This CPU has around i5-8500 level performance, but costs less than an i5-8400, much less sometimes when Microcenter has a sale. For some people, it'd be a pain to not have an integrated GPU to just boot up and use, but for a gaming rig with a separate card, it's a non-issue.

I'm used to this because I generally use AMD CPU's, which often don't have integrated GPU's (on Desktop anyways) and I also find it convenient that I don't have to worry about switching between integrated graphics and dedicated graphics either in the BIOS or Windows. This CPU has 6 real cores, a low TDP, strong IPC (especially single core and quad core) and can boost to 4.1 ghz when only using 2 cores, and 4.0 when using 4. All-core boost is 3.9, which is still pretty impressive.

Having switched from an old Bulldozer based 8350, I've seen much better performance, particularly in games, and games that need strong single core performance. I've seen FPS literally even double on certain titles that require a lot of single or dual core grunt.

My only complaint (which may not be an issue for some) is that you can't overclock on this CPU, especially with the cheaper motherboards. AMD's new Ryzen CPU's DO allow you to do this, and with the cheaper "B" series motherboards to boot. For people who don't OC it's not an issue, but those who do OC can probably get better performance out of a similar-priced Ryzen CPU, especially since those tend to have more threads than Intel CPU's of a similar price.

My biggest complaint though is that the stock Intel Cooler really was terrible. I didn't think it would be that bad, but it was loud and very buzzy, and could even be heard even over background noise, speakers, and even headphones. AMD's Wraith series of stock coolers are much better than Intel's stock ones. I ended up having to buy a $13 Arctic Alpine 12 cooler to replace the stock cooler because I just couldn't stand the noise.

All in all though, I'd say this is still a great CPU for gamers and system builders who need a separate video card. For those who just want an office machine or a browser / word processing rig and don't need more than integrated graphics, the 8400 is probably a better buy, and maybe even an 8100 if you don't need more than 4 cores. AMD's Ryzen 5 series is also on option, but mostly if you don't mind not having integrated video on the chip, as only the 2400g and 2200g APU's have that for Desktop AMD CPU's. Less