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Intel Core i5-8420T

Intel Core i5-8420T

Intel Core i5-8420T: Review and Recommendations for PC Build in 2025

Relevant as of April 2025

1. Key Specifications: Architecture and Performance

Coffee Lake Architecture and 14 nm Manufacturing Process

The Intel Core i5-8420T processor belongs to the 8th generation (Coffee Lake), released in 2017. Despite its age, it remains popular for budget and energy-efficient systems in 2025 due to its 14 nm process technology and 6 physical cores. However, the lack of Hyper-Threading (only 6 threads total) limits its performance in multi-threaded tasks. The base clock speed is 1.7 GHz, with turbo boost up to 3.4 GHz.

Key Features:

- Low power consumption (TDP 35 W).

- Support for Intel Optane Memory (HDD acceleration).

- Integrated graphics Intel UHD Graphics 630 (suitable for basic tasks).

Performance:

In Cinebench R23 tests, the processor scores around 4500 points (multi-threaded mode), comparable to contemporary budget CPUs like the AMD Ryzen 3 5300G (around 4800 points). It is sufficient for office tasks, streaming video, and light gaming (for example, CS:GO on low settings — 60-80 FPS), but it lags behind newer models in demanding projects (like Cyberpunk 2077, Blender).

2. Compatible Motherboards

LGA 1151 v2 Socket and 300 Series Chipsets

The processor requires motherboards with the LGA 1151 v2 socket and H310, B360, H370, Q370 chipsets. Due to the platform's obsolescence, it is challenging to find new motherboards in retail (the price for remaining stock is $60-90), but used options are available ($30-50).

Selection Recommendations:

- ASUS Prime B360M-A — a reliable motherboard with HDMI and M.2 slot (price in 2025 — ~$70).

- Gigabyte H310M S2H — a budget option for office PCs ($60).

Limitations:

- No support for PCIe 4.0/5.0.

- Maximum RAM capacity — 64 GB.

3. Supported Memory Types

The processor works with DDR4-2666 MHz memory (dual-channel mode). There is no compatibility with DDR5. For optimal performance, 8-16 GB modules are recommended (for example, Kingston HyperX Fury 16 GB DDR4-2666 — $45).

Tip:

Use two modules (for instance, 2x8 GB) to activate dual-channel mode — this will improve the integrated graphics speed by 15-20%.

4. Power Supply Recommendations

With a TDP of 35 W and no discrete graphics card, a power supply of 300-400 W is sufficient. However, for gaming builds with a GPU (for example, NVIDIA GTX 1650), choose power supplies rated 450-500 W with an 80+ Bronze certification.

Examples:

- Be Quiet! System Power 10 450W ($55) — quiet and reliable.

- EVGA 500 BR ($50) — budget solution.

Important: Don’t skimp on the PSU — low-quality models can damage components.

5. Pros and Cons of Intel Core i5-8420T

Pros:

- Energy efficiency (ideal for mini-PCs and media centers).

- 6 cores for multitasking (office, browsing, streaming video).

- Low price ($150-170 for a new processor in 2025).

Cons:

- No Hyper-Threading.

- Outdated architecture (underperforms compared to modern CPUs in IPC).

- Weak overclocking potential (multiplier locked).

6. Use Cases

Office and Multimedia

The processor handles 20+ tabs in Chrome, document editing, and 4K video (via HDMI 2.0). For streaming services like Netflix/HDR, an external graphics card is required.

Gaming

Pairing it with a mid-tier GPU like the NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super allows for Full HD gaming at medium settings:

- Fortnite — 90-100 FPS.

- GTA V — 60-70 FPS.

Work Tasks

Suitable for 1080p video editing (Adobe Premiere Pro) and 3D modeling in AutoCAD, but rendering will be slower than that of the Ryzen 5 5600G.

7. Comparison with Competitors

- AMD Ryzen 5 3400G (4 cores/8 threads, Vega 11, $160): Better in multi-threaded tasks and gaming without discrete graphics.

- Intel Core i3-12100T (4 cores/8 threads, 10 nm, $180): Higher IPC, support for DDR5, but pricier.

Conclusion: The i5-8420T excels in price and energy efficiency, but falls short in absolute performance.

8. Practical Assembly Tips

1. Cooling: The box cooler is sufficient, but for quieter operation, choose a tower cooler like the Cooler Master Hyper 212 ($35).

2. Storage: Use an NVMe SSD (for example, Kingston NV1 500 GB — $40) to speed up the system.

3. Case: Mini cases like the Fractal Design Node 304 ($80) are suitable for compact builds.

9. Final Conclusion: Who Is the i5-8420T For?

You should choose this processor if:

- You need a budget PC for office work or a home media center.

- Low power consumption is important (e.g., for NAS).

- You don’t plan to run demanding applications.

Alternative: For gaming and professional tasks, it’s better to add $50-70 and opt for the Ryzen 5 5600G or Intel Core i5-12400T.

In 2025, the Intel Core i5-8420T remains a niche solution, but its price and minimalism justify its position in specific scenarios.

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Basic

Label Name
Intel
Platform
Desktop
Launch Date
September 2018
Model Name
?
The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.
Core i5-8420T
Code Name
Coffee Lake
Generation
Core i5 (Coffee Lake)

CPU Specifications

Total Cores
?
Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).
6
Total Threads
?
Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.
6
Basic Frequency
1800 MHz
Max Turbo Frequency
?
Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.
up to 3.4 GHz
L1 Cache
64 KB (per core)
L2 Cache
256 KB (per core)
L3 Cache
9 MB (shared)
Multiplier Unlocked
No
CPU Socket
?
The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.
Intel Socket 1151
Bus Frequency
100 MHz
Multiplier
18.0x
Technology
?
Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.
14 nm
TDP
35 W
PCI Express Version
?
PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.
Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only)

Memory Specifications

Memory Type
?
Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.
DDR4
Memory Channels
?
The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.
Dual-channel
ECC Memory
No

GPU Specifications

Integrated Graphics Model
?
An integrated GPU refers to the graphics core that is integrated into the CPU processor. Leveraging the processor's powerful computational capabilities and intelligent power efficiency management, it delivers outstanding graphics performance and a smooth application experience at a lower power consumption.
N/A