Is it Worth Splurging on i5 11400 or Saving Some Dollars for i5 10400? A Devil's Advocate's Take

In the world of gaming and general computing, deciding whether to invest in a new processor can be a tricky decision. So far, many recommend the i5 11400 due to its seemingly superior performance, but I, in my capacity as a reliability-focused advocate, would suggest otherwise. Let's explore this in depth with a critical eye on the worth of the i5 11400.

What's the Big Question?

The crux of the matter is, what exact tasks do you intend to perform with your PC? Will it be primarily used for gaming or general use? For the sake of this discussion, let's assume it will mostly be utilized for gaming along with some general use.

Performance Comparisons

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Performance in Gaming

After delving into various online resources, including YouTube video comparisons, I observed that, in most games with stock settings, the i5 11400 does not always outperform the i5 10400.

For instance, some motherboards come with specific power limits for the 11th generation processors. If these limits are not disabled, the performance may not be as impressive. However, removing these limits can lead to a significant increase in performance, but also in heat generation and power consumption.

The Trade-off

The i5 11400 consumes more power to achieve its performance gains. While some motherboards like ASUS preset their BIOS for Intel-recommended settings, which can limit performance, you can still achieve better performance. However, this comes at a cost—more heat, higher power draw, and a need for better cooling solutions and a more expensive power supply.

For example, a video creator mentioned that the i5 11400 can reach a peak power consumption of nearly 140W, drawing over 130W constantly while running Cinebench R23. The temperature, surprisingly, remained low (75°C) with the help of a cheap air cooler. However, such high power consumption can lead to higher electricity bills and the need for upgrades.

Cost Analysis

While the i5 11400 offers better performance, the cost of upgrading components like the motherboard and power supply can negate the value. For instance, you might need to upgrade to a Z590 motherboard and update the BIOS, which adds up.

Here's the breakdown of costs:

More expensive cooling solution (for better heat dissipation) Higher power bill due to increased power consumption Cost of a new and upgraded motherboard (e.g., Z590 instead of Z490) Cost of updating BIOS to support 11th gen processors

For a few extra FPS, which may not even make a significant difference in gameplay, it might be more prudent to save your money.

Future Upgrade Considerations

Instead of splurging on the i5 11400, you can save your money and put it towards future upgrades. Once the budget allows, you can move to a 12th gen Intel processor or an AMD 5000 series. This way, you ensure you're getting better value and can align the upgrade with your financial capabilities.

To wrap it up, while the i5 11400 offers potential performance benefits, the trade-offs in terms of power consumption, cooling, and cost make it less worthwhile for most users, especially when gaming is the primary activity.

Conclusion: When in Doubt, Stick with i5 10400

In conclusion, if you don't mind relying on my assessment, opt for the i5 10400 for now. This processor is still powerful enough to run most games at high settings without bottlenecking mid-range GPUs. Once you can afford a better CPU, like a 12th gen Intel or a newer AMD, you'll be glad you held off on the 11400 for a more significant improvement.