Intel Core i5-8400H
Intel Core i3-8121U
Select video card 1
Select video card 2

Intel Core i5-8400H vs Intel Core i3-8121U. Specifications, performance, tests

Overall score
star star star star star
Released
Q2/2018
Intel Core i5-8400H
Intel Core i5-8400H
Released
Q2/2018
Overall score
star star star star star
Intel Core i3-8121U
Intel Core i3-8121U

Compare Intel Core i5-8400H VS Intel Core i3-8121U. Which processor delivers superior performance?

In this detailed comparison, we evaluate the specifications and benchmarks of both processors to determine the best choice for your needs. We analyze their core counts, maximum frequencies, and power consumption.

Intel Core i5-8400H boasts a maximum frequency of 2.50 GHz GHz. 4 cores that enhance multitasking capabilities.With a power consumption of 45 W W, it ensures efficient performance.Released in Q2/2018, it incorporates the latest technology for optimal efficiency.

Intel Core i3-8121U features a maximum frequency of 2.20 GHz GHz. 2 cores designed for high-performance tasks.Its power consumption is 15 W W, providing a balance of power and efficiency.Launched in Q2/2018, it is built to handle demanding applications.

Differences

  • Place in the overall ranking

    (based on several benchmarks)

    630 left arrow score
  • Higher clock speed

    Around 12% better clock speed

    2.50 GHz left arrow 2.20 GHz
  • More number of cores

    2 times more cores

    4 left arrow 2
  • Higher turbo clock speed

    Around 24% better overclocked clock speed

    4.20 GHz left arrow 3.20 GHz

Positions in all rankings

Common positions Intel Core i5-8400H CPU in popular benchmarks, for comparison with other models.

  • Cinebench R15 (Single-Core)
    224 place
  • Cinebench R15 (Multi-Core)
    360 place
  • Geekbench 5, 64bit (Single-Core)
    492 place
  • Geekbench 5, 64bit (Multi-Core)
    684 place
  • iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)
    819 place
  • Geekbench 3, 64bit (Single-Core)
    60 place
  • Geekbench 3, 64bit (Multi-Core)
    215 place
  • Cinebench R11.5, 64bit (Single-Core)
    62 place
  • Cinebench R11.5, 64bit (Multi-Core)
    204 place
  • Cinebench R11.5, 64bit (iGPU, OpenGL)
    83 place
  • Estimated results for PassMark CPU Mark
    574 place
  • Place in the overall ranking

    (based on several benchmarks)

    1120 left arrow score
  • Performance per watt

    About 0.33 times less performance per watt

    15 W left arrow 45 W

Positions in all rankings

Common positions Intel Core i3-8121U CPU in popular benchmarks, for comparison with other models.

  • Cinebench R15 (Single-Core)
    544 place
  • Cinebench R15 (Multi-Core)
    725 place
  • Geekbench 5, 64bit (Single-Core)
    743 place
  • Geekbench 5, 64bit (Multi-Core)
    972 place
  • Geekbench 3, 64bit (Single-Core)
    160 place
  • Geekbench 3, 64bit (Multi-Core)
    451 place
  • Estimated results for PassMark CPU Mark
    858 place

Specifications

Technical data
Intel Core i5-8400H Intel Core i5-8400H
Intel Core i3-8121U Intel Core i3-8121U
CPU family and group

Comprehensive background on the processors being compared, detailing their series, generation, and targeted market segment.

  • Segment
    Mobile left arrow Mobile
  • Family
    Intel Core i5 left arrow Intel Core i3
  • Generation
    8 left arrow 8
  • CPU group
    Intel Core i 8000H left arrow Intel Core i 8000U
CPU Technical specs

Essential parameters including the number of cores, threads, base and turbo frequencies, and cache size. These metrics provide insight into the processor’s speed—higher values generally indicate better performance.

  • Frequency
    2.50 GHz left arrow 2.20 GHz
  • CPU Cores
    4 left arrow 2
  • Turbo (1 Core)
    4.20 GHz left arrow 3.20 GHz
  • CPU Threads
    8 left arrow 4
  • Hyperthreading
    Yes left arrow Yes
  • Overclocking
    No left arrow No
  • Core architecture
    normal left arrow normal
IGPU

The integrated graphics (iGPU) do not influence the CPU performance significantly; they serve as a substitute for a dedicated graphics card in the absence of one or are utilized in mobile devices.

  • GPU name
    Intel HD Graphics 630 left arrow no iGPU
  • GPU frequency
    0.30 GHz left arrow
  • GPU (Turbo)
    1.10 GHz left arrow No turbo
  • Execution units
    24 left arrow
  • Shader
    192 left arrow
  • Max. GPU Memory
    64 GB left arrow --
  • Max. displays
    3 left arrow
  • Generation
    9.5 left arrow
  • DirectX Version
    12 left arrow
  • Technology
    14 nm left arrow
  • Release date
    Q2/2016 left arrow
Hardware codec support

This section details the built-in codecs used for encoding and decoding media content, which significantly enhance processing speed and efficiency.

  • h265 / HEVC (8 bit)
    Decode / Encode left arrow No
  • h265 / HEVC (10 bit)
    Decode / Encode left arrow No
  • h264
    Decode / Encode left arrow No
  • VP9
    Decode / Encode left arrow No
  • VP8
    Decode / Encode left arrow No
  • AV1
    No left arrow No
  • AVC
    Decode / Encode left arrow No
  • VC-1
    Decode left arrow No
  • JPEG
    Decode / Encode left arrow No
Memory specs & PCI

Overview of the types and quantities of RAM supported by Intel Core i3-8121U and Intel Core i5-8400H. The supported memory frequencies may vary depending on the motherboard configuration.

  • Memory type
    DDR4-2400 SO-DIMM left arrow DDR4-2400 SO-DIMM
  • ECC
    No left arrow No
  • Memory channels
    2 left arrow 2
  • PCIe version
    3.0 left arrow 3.0
  • PCIe lanes
    16 left arrow 16
Encryption
  • AES-NI
    Yes left arrow Yes
Thermal Management

Analyze the TDP (Thermal Design Power) requirements of Intel Core i5-8400H and Intel Core i3-8121U to make an informed decision on the appropriate cooling system. Remember that TDP refers to thermal watts, not electrical watts.

  • TDP (PL1)
    45 W left arrow 15 W
Technologies and extensions

Information on architecture, interfaces, and additional instructions supported by Intel Core i5-8400H and Intel Core i3-8121U, including virtual machine technologies and fabrication processes.

  • Instruction set (ISA)
    x86-64 (64 bit) left arrow x86-64 (64 bit)
  • Virtualization
    VT-x, VT-x EPT, VT-d left arrow VT-x, VT-x EPT, VT-d
  • ISA extensions
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 left arrow SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, AVX-512
  • L3-Cache
    8.00 MB left arrow 4.00 MB
  • Architecture
    Coffee Lake H left arrow Cannon Lake U
  • Technology
    14 nm left arrow 10 nm
  • Socket
    BGA 1440 left arrow BGA 1356
  • Release date
    Q2/2018 left arrow Q2/2018

Benchmarks

Performance tests CPUs

By analyzing the results from various benchmarks, you can gain a clearer understanding of the performance differences between Intel Core i5-8400H and Intel Core i3-8121U.

Compare the synthetic benchmark scores and make an informed decision on the best processor for your needs!

Cinebench R15 (Single-Core)
The Cinebench R15 SC stresses the computing modules of a desktop or laptop computer to their limits and accurately determines the key performance parameters of the hardware
178
Intel Core i5-8400H
139
Intel Core i3-8121U
Cinebench R15 (Multi-Core)
The Cinebench R15 MC stresses the computing modules of a desktop or laptop computer to their limits and accurately determines the key performance parameters of the hardware
819
Intel Core i5-8400H
305
Intel Core i3-8121U
Geekbench 5, 64bit (Single-Core)
Geekbench 5 SC is a popular cross-platform performance test for desktop or mobile processors that uses system memory intensively
1050
Intel Core i5-8400H
810
Intel Core i3-8121U
Geekbench 5, 64bit (Multi-Core)
Geekbench 5 MC is a popular cross-platform performance test for desktop or mobile processors that uses system memory intensively
3461
Intel Core i5-8400H
1933
Intel Core i3-8121U
Geekbench 3, 64bit (Single-Core)
Geekbench 3 SC for one CPU core, includes stress tests simulating real 3D scenarios for Windows, Mac, Linux, Ansroid, iOS
4449
Intel Core i5-8400H
4078
Intel Core i3-8121U
Geekbench 3, 64bit (Multi-Core)
Geekbench 3 MC using a multi-core and hyperthreading, includes stress tests simulating real 3D scenarios for Windows, Mac, Linux, Ansroid, iOS
15783
Intel Core i5-8400H
7794
Intel Core i3-8121U
Estimated results for PassMark CPU Mark
PassMark is a test suite that performs complex mathematical calculations to determine CPU performance on file compression, encryption and physics-related tasks
9458
Intel Core i5-8400H
4802
Intel Core i3-8121U

Latest comparisons