Are you looking to upgrade your PC’s GPU to enhance your gaming experience or improve your graphic design capabilities? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the best GPU options for the i5-8400 processor. We will discuss the key factors to consider when choosing a GPU, such as performance, power consumption, and compatibility, and provide recommendations for the top GPUs that will complement your i5-8400 system. Whether you’re a serious gamer or a creative professional, we have got you covered with our comprehensive guide to finding the perfect GPU for your needs.
Related: Best GPU for i5-7400
1. AMD Radeon RX 6500XT
| Memory Size [VRAM] | 4 GB |
| Clock | 2310 MHz – 2610 MHz |
| Process Size | 6 nm |
| TDP | 107 W |
If you’re on a very tight budget and are looking for a GPU that won’t break the bank, the AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT is a solid option. Priced under $200, this GPU offers decent performance for its price. It has 4GB of GDDR6 memory and 12 compute units, with a boost clock speed of up to 1845MHz. While it may not be the most powerful GPU on the market, it’s a good choice for those who want to play games like Fortnite, League of Legends, and Overwatch at 1080p resolution.
In terms of gaming benchmarks, the RX 6500 XT performs well in popular titles. Rainbow Six Siege, manages to achieve an average frame rate of 117 FPS at 1080p with ultra settings. In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, it reaches an average frame rate of 67 FPS at 1080p with medium settings. And in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, achieves an average frame rate of 65 FPS at 1080p with max settings.
While the RX 6500 XT may not be the best choice for those who want to play more demanding games at 1080p resolutions, it’s a great option for those who want to play popular titles on a budget.
Overall, The RX 6500 XT is a good match for the Intel Core i5-8400 if you’re looking for a tight-budget GPU that can handle popular titles at 1080p resolution. Its balance of performance and power efficiency makes it a good match for the Intel Core i5-8400, and its affordable price point makes it accessible to those on a tight budget.
Reasons to buy:
- Budget-friendly: The most affordable option, ideal for casual gamers or those on a tight budget.
- 1080p eSports & popular titles:Â Runs popular games like Fortnite and League of Legends smoothly at 1080p settings.
- GDDR6 memory:Â Features modern GDDR6 memory for improved performance and efficiency compared to older GDDR5.
- Compact design:Â Fits easily into smaller cases due to its single-fan design.
Reasons not to buy:
- Limited performance:Â May struggle with demanding AAA titles at higher settings or resolutions.
- Future-proofing concerns:Â 4GB VRAM might become limiting for future games with higher texture requirements.
2. Intel Arc A750
| Memory Size | 8 GB |
| Clock | 1552 MHz – 1777 MHz |
| Process Size | 8 nm |
| TDP | 130 W |
The Intel Arc A750 is a mid-range GPU that offers good performance for its price point. It’s based on the Intel Xe graphics architecture and is built using a 10nm process. It has 8 GB of GDDR6 memory and a 2050 MHz graphics clock speed.
In terms of performance, the Arc A750 is capable of delivering smooth frame rates in popular games like League of Legends, Overwatch, and Rocket League at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. It also supports ray tracing, which allows for more realistic lighting and reflections in supported games.
However, the Arc A750 does have some limitations. Its performance can be inconsistent in some games, and it may struggle with more demanding titles. Additionally, some users have reported issues with buggy drivers, which can cause problems with game compatibility and stability.
Despite these limitations, the Arc A750 remains a popular choice for those looking for a budget-friendly GPU that still offers good performance. Its power consumption is also relatively high, with a TDP of 225W, which may be a concern for those who prioritize energy efficiency.
Overall, the Intel Arc A750 is a solid mid-range GPU that offers good performance for its price point, but it may not be the best choice for those who want the highest level of performance or energy efficiency.
Reasons to buy:
- Solid mid-range performance:Â Handles most games at good settings and frame rates in 1080p.
- Ray tracing support: Enhances lighting and reflections in compatible games, adding visual fidelity.
- 8GB GDDR6 memory:Â Offers more future-proofing for VRAM-intensive games.
- Competitive price:Â Offers good value for its performance level.
Reasons not to buy:
- Inconsistent performance:Â Performance can vary depending on the game and optimization.
- Limited driver maturity: Newer technology means drivers might still be under development, potentially leading to bugs or inconsistencies.
3. Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060
| Memory Size | 12 GB |
| Clock | 1410 MHz – 1665 MHz |
| Process Size | 8 nm 200 W |
| TDP | 200 W |
For those who crave nothing short of exceptional performance from their i5-8400 system, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 stands tall as the pinnacle choice. With its prowess in delivering remarkable 1080p gameplay and commendable 1440p performance, the RTX 3060 takes your gaming experience to a whole new level of visual delight and fluidity.
The RTX 3060 isn’t just a GPU; it’s a gateway to cutting-edge technologies that redefine gaming realism. With its Ampere architecture and the inclusion of ray tracing cores, it brings cinematic lighting and reflections to your favorite titles, creating an atmosphere that was once reserved for the silver screen.
Let’s dive into the benchmarks across a spectrum of demanding games, unraveling the capabilities of the RTX 3060: In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, This GPU effortlessly handles ultra settings at 1080p, averaging around 63 FPS, while still maintaining a commendable 50 FPS on high settings at 1440p. Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the RTX 3060 proves an average of 123 FPS on max settings at 1080p. Even at 1440p, it maintains an average of 83 FPS on max settings. In Rainbow Six Siege, The RTX 3060 averages 292 FPS on ultra settings at 1080p, and provides a solid 185 FPS on ultra settings at 1440p.
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 stands as a beacon for enthusiasts who demand the utmost in gaming performance. Its ability to seamlessly handle 1080p gaming and push the boundaries into 1440p territory makes it a compelling choice for users seeking an unforgettable gaming journey. While it might come with a higher price tag, the RTX 3060’s capabilities justify the investment for those who desire top-tier performance from their i5-8400 system.
Reasons to buy:
- Unmatched performance:Â Delivers the highest frame rates and best visual quality on this list.
- 1080p and high refresh rate gaming:Â Ideal for high-resolution and high refresh rate monitors.
- Future-proof:Â Well-equipped for handling demanding games for years to come.
Reasons not to buy:
- Highest price:Â Significantly more expensive than all other options.
- Overkill for some needs:Â Might be excessive for casual gamers or those playing at 1080p.
4. AMD Radeon RX 6650XT
| Memory Size | 8 GB |
| Clock | 2055 MHz – 2410 MHz |
| Process Size | 7 nm |
| TDP | 176 W |
The AMD Radeon RX 6650 XT is our top pick for the best GPU for the i5-8400. This powerful graphics card offers exceptional performance for its price, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want to play the latest titles at high settings without breaking the bank.
The RX 6650 XT is built on AMD’s 7nm RDNA 2 architecture, which provides a significant boost in performance and power efficiency compared to its predecessors. It has 1408 Stream processors, 88 ROPs, and 4GB of GDDR6 memory, making it well-equipped to handle demanding games like Fortnite, League of Legends, and Overwatch.
In terms of gaming benchmarks, the RX 6650 XT delivers impressive performance at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. In Rainbow Six Extraction, it achieves an average frame rate of 154 FPS at 1080p with very high settings, and 94 FPS at 1440p with very high settings. In Horizon Zero Dawn, it manages an average frame rate of 113 FPS at 1080p with ultimet settings, and 83 FPS at 1440p with ultimet settings. In Cyberpunk 2077, it reaches an average frame rate of 85 FPS at 1080p with high settings, and 49 FPS at 1440p with high settings.
In addition to its strong gaming performance, the RX 6650 XT also offers excellent power efficiency. It has a TDP of just 120W, which means it won’t consume too much power and will run cooler, even during intense gaming sessions.
Overall, the AMD Radeon RX 6650 XT is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to upgrade their GPU to play the latest games at high settings. Its exceptional performance, power efficiency, and affordable price make it the best GPU for the i5-8400.
Reasons to buy:
- Top performance for the i5-8400:Â Handles demanding AAA titles at high settings and resolutions smoothly.
- 1440p gaming potential:Â Can achieve good frame rates at 1440p resolution for a smoother experience.
- 8GB GDDR6 memory:Â Ample VRAM for current and near-future game requirements.
- Good value for performance:Â Offers excellent performance for its price compared to the RTX 3060.
Reasons not to buy:
- More expensive:Â Significantly more expensive than the RX 6500 XT and Arc A750.
- Might bottleneck the i5-8400: In CPU-intensive games, the i5-8400 might hold back the GPU’s full potential.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best GPU for an i5-8400 processor depends on your budget and gaming needs. If you’re looking for the best possible performance at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, the AMD Radeon RX 6650 XT is a great option. It offers excellent value for money and can handle even the most demanding games. If you have a higher budget and want the absolute best performance, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 is a good choice. However, it is significantly more expensive than the RX 6650 XT. Finally, the Intel Arc A750 is a more budget-friendly option, but it may not be suitable for the most demanding games.
I would also personally recommend the AMD Radeon RX 6650 XT. It’s a great all-around GPU that offers excellent performance for the price. It’s also a good choice for future-proofing your PC, as it will be able to handle most new games for a few years to come.