Wich CPU is better for gaming, i5-8400 or i3-8100, or is there something better for the same price range as the i5?

[nysse01]

So, i wanted to buy the i5 but then saw the i3, and i am wondering wich one is better on the long run for gaming at this setup? Or is there something better? https://pcpartpicker.com/list/J7pvRJ

 

[Obakasama]

Between the i5-8400 and i3-8100 the i5 is the better choice for longevity (or future proofing).

I assume you have hard discs for that build. Considering the i5-8400 isn't overclockable you could save some money with a B360 motherboard (unless you really want a lot of USB ports and other connections).

 

[geofelt]

GTX1080 is a very strong graphics card.
A balanced gamer will budget 2x the cost of the cpu for the graphics card.
In your case, the i5-8400 or I3-8100 is below that ratio.
If you are planning on a future cpu upgrade, that is ok.

Of the two, the I5-8400 is much stronger and is a reasonable pick.

If your budget permits, Spend some $60 more on a I5-8600K and a decent cooler.
That is as good as it gets for gaming today.

If your games are primarily multiplayer, the 6 cores of the i5-8400 clocked at 2.8 will serve you well.
But, most games can effectively use only 2-3 threads.
For a similar price(plus a $35 cooler) consider a I3-8350K with 4 threads but can run at near 5.0 clock.

 

[zyh1987]

GTX1080 is a very strong graphics card.
A balanced gamer will budget 2x the cost of the cpu for the graphics card.
In your case, the i5-8400 or I3-8100 is below that ratio.
If you are planning on a future cpu upgrade, that is ok.

Of the two, the I5-8400 is much stronger and is a reasonable pick.

If your budget permits, Spend some $60 more on a I5-8600K and a decent cooler.
That is as good as it gets for gaming today.

If your games are primarily multiplayer, the 6 cores of the i5-8400 clocked at 2.8 will serve you well.
But, most games can effectively use only 2-3 threads.
For a similar price(plus a $35 cooler) consider a I3-8350K with 4 threads but can run at near 5.0 clock.

i disagree which the cost aspect of this. a balanced gamer should use the similar CPU segment parts with GPU segment parts. the thing with price is that it's quite volatile based on competition. for example, if vega 56/64 stayed at msrp, likely you see 1070/1080 price drop.

i3/r3 matching x30 series nv card.
i5/r5 matching x50/x60 series nv card
i7/r7 matching x70/x80 series nv card

cross 1 tier if you would like to enhance a specific aspect of the pc (no longer balanced)
for example:

i5/r5 with x70/x80 card for gaming

or

i7/r7 with x50/x60 for daily system with mostly productivity work and mild gaming.

for OP:
i3 8100/i5 8400 are the best budget cpu that intel has to offer at the moment. for 8400 will be a stronger cpu, but if that leaves you to pick a 1050ti as oppose to a 1060 3/6gb. you would get better overall performance off a 8100 + 1060. but if GPU is the same, then 8400 will be a clear choice.

since you picked 1080, 8400 would be a better choice.

 

[nysse01]

Between the i5-8400 and i3-8100 the i5 is the better choice for longevity (or future proofing).

I assume you have hard discs for that build. Considering the i5-8400 isn't overclockable you could save some money with a B360 motherboard (unless you really want a lot of USB ports and other connections).

Ok, thx everyone, your all giving me something to consider. Maybe I'm just slow or something but what do you mean with the hard discs Obakasama?

 

[Obakasama]

The link you posted only has CPU, RAM, GPU, PSU and motherboard. For a full PC you'd need at least 1 hard disc to install an operating system (typically Windows - which also needs to be purchased).

Would also assume you have a case/cabinet, keyboard, mouse, monitor and speakers. If not you'll have to factor in the things you don't have.

 

[nysse01]

The link you posted only has CPU, RAM, GPU, PSU and motherboard. For a full PC you'd need at least 1 hard disc to install an operating system (typically Windows - which also needs to be purchased).

Would also assume you have a case/cabinet, keyboard, mouse, monitor and speakers. If not you'll have to factor in the things you don't have.

yeah, got the rest at home, was only slow thx