Compare CPUs Head-to-Head. Make the Right Choice.

The Ultimate Test: Intel Core i5 14400 vs Intel Core i9 10980HK – Which CPU Will Dominate Your Gaming Experience?

Quick Overview

  • It is a cost-effective choice for users seeking a capable processor for everyday tasks and light gaming.
  • If you are looking for a budget-friendly processor for everyday tasks and light gaming, the Core i5 14400 is an excellent choice.
  • However, if you require a high-performance processor for demanding workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, and high-end gaming, the Core i9 10980HK is the superior option.

Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular choices often leave users pondering: the Intel Core i5 14400 and the Intel Core i9 10980HK. While both are powerful processors, they cater to different audiences and offer distinct advantages. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the core features, performance benchmarks, and use cases of each CPU, enabling you to make an informed decision for your specific requirements.

The Core i5 14400: A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse

The Intel Core i5 14400 is a 13th generation processor designed for mainstream desktops. It boasts a 6-core, 12-thread configuration with a base clock speed of 2.5 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz. This processor is built on the Intel 7 process technology, offering improved efficiency and performance compared to its predecessors.
Key Features:

  • 6 cores, 12 threads
  • Base clock speed: 2.5 GHz
  • Boost clock speed: 4.4 GHz
  • Intel 7 process technology
  • Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 730
  • 18 MB Intel Smart Cache
  • Supports DDR4-3200 memory

The Core i5 14400 excels in everyday tasks like web browsing, productivity software, and light gaming. Its multi-threading capabilities enhance performance in applications that can utilize multiple cores. The integrated graphics are sufficient for basic tasks, but dedicated graphics cards are recommended for demanding games.

The Core i9 10980HK: A High-End Mobile Powerhouse

The Intel Core i9 10980HK is a 10th generation processor designed for high-performance laptops and mobile workstations. It features an 8-core, 16-thread configuration with a base clock speed of 2.4 GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.3 GHz. This processor is built on the Intel 10nm process technology, offering exceptional performance for demanding workloads.
Key Features:

  • 8 cores, 16 threads
  • Base clock speed: 2.4 GHz
  • Boost clock speed: 5.3 GHz
  • Intel 10nm process technology
  • Integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics
  • 20 MB Intel Smart Cache
  • Supports DDR4-2933 memory

The Core i9 10980HK is a powerhouse for demanding applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and high-end gaming. Its high core count and boost clock speed deliver exceptional performance for multi-threaded workloads. The integrated graphics are powerful enough for casual gaming, but dedicated graphics cards are recommended for optimal performance.

Performance Comparison: A Head-to-Head Showdown

While the Core i5 14400 and Core i9 10980HK are both capable processors, their performance varies significantly due to their different core counts, clock speeds, and architectures.
Benchmark Scores:

  • Cinebench R23: The Core i9 10980HK significantly outperforms the Core i5 14400 in multi-core benchmarks, showcasing its superior multi-threading capabilities.
  • Geekbench 5: The Core i9 10980HK achieves higher single-core and multi-core scores, indicating its overall performance edge.
  • 3DMark Time Spy: The Core i9 10980HK delivers better gaming performance, particularly in demanding titles.

Real-World Applications:

  • Gaming: The Core i9 10980HK offers a smoother gaming experience, especially in demanding games that utilize multiple cores. The Core i5 14400 is capable of handling most modern games at moderate settings.
  • Video Editing: The Core i9 10980HK excels in video editing due to its powerful multi-threading capabilities, enabling faster rendering times. The Core i5 14400 can handle basic video editing, but users may experience longer rendering times.
  • Productivity: Both processors are capable of handling productivity tasks like web browsing, office applications, and software development. The Core i9 10980HK offers a noticeable performance advantage in multi-threaded applications.

Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot

The Core i5 14400 is a budget-friendly option, offering excellent value for its price. It is a cost-effective choice for users seeking a capable processor for everyday tasks and light gaming. The Core i9 10980HK is a premium processor, catering to demanding users who require top-of-the-line performance. Its price reflects its high-end capabilities, making it a more expensive option.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Processor for Your Needs

Ultimately, the best processor for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a budget-friendly processor for everyday tasks and light gaming, the Core i5 14400 is an excellent choice. However, if you require a high-performance processor for demanding workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, and high-end gaming, the Core i9 10980HK is the superior option.

What People Want to Know

Q: Which processor is better for gaming?
A: The Core i9 10980HK offers better gaming performance due to its higher core count and clock speed. However, the Core i5 14400 can still handle most modern games at moderate settings.
Q: Which processor is better for video editing?
A: The Core i9 10980HK is the preferred choice for video editing due to its powerful multi-threading capabilities, enabling faster rendering times.
Q: Which processor is better for everyday tasks?
A: Both processors are capable of handling everyday tasks like web browsing, productivity software, and light gaming. The Core i5 14400 is a more cost-effective option for these tasks.
Q: Is the Core i9 10980HK worth the extra cost?
A: The Core i9 10980HK is worth the extra cost if you require top-of-the-line performance for demanding workloads. However, if your needs are more moderate, the Core i5 14400 offers excellent value for its price.
Q: Which processor has better integrated graphics?
A: The Core i9 10980HK has more powerful integrated graphics (Intel Iris Plus Graphics) compared to the Core i5 14400 (Intel UHD Graphics 730). However, dedicated graphics cards are still recommended for demanding tasks.

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About the Author
Ethan is a passionate tech enthusiast and writer at Processor Insight, where he dives into the intricacies of CPUs, providing comprehensive comparison guides, insightful knowledge, and practical tips to help readers make informed decisions.