6-Year Performance Review: Is the Core i5-8400 PC Still Worth It?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. PC Specifications
3. Appearance and Design
4. Gaming Performance
5. Work Performance
6. Video Editing Performance
7. Photo Editing Performance
8. Rendering Performance
9. Comparison with Mac Mini M2
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the performance and capabilities of a PC that I have been using for the past 6 years. The PC is equipped with an Intel Core i5-8400 processor, and I will share my experiences with gaming, work, video editing, photo editing, rendering, and more. We will also compare its performance with the Mac Mini M2. So let's get started and see how this PC holds up after all these years!

PC Specifications

The PC I will be discussing in this article is powered by an Intel Core i5-8400 processor. This is a 6th generation processor that I have been using for quite some time now. It is paired with a B360M-K motherboard and a GTX 1060 3GB graphics card. While the specs may seem outdated compared to the latest hardware, let's see how this PC performs in various tasks.

Appearance and Design

The PC case I am using is the EMart Mini M2 with 16GB RAM. It has a sleek and compact design that is pleasing to the eye. The case features an aluminum and Glass construction, which gives it a premium look. However, due to the lack of proper cable management, the interior of the case tends to get dusty easily. Overall, the design of the PC is aesthetically pleasing, but it does require regular cleaning and maintenance.

Gaming Performance

When it comes to gaming, the PC performs reasonably well. It is capable of running popular games like League of Legends and Valorant smoothly at 1080p resolution. However, if you are looking to play more demanding AAA titles at higher resolutions, you might experience some limitations due to the older GTX 1060 3GB graphics card. While it can handle most modern games, you may need to adjust graphic settings to achieve optimal performance.

Pros:

• Capable of running popular games smoothly at 1080p resolution
• Affordable price for gaming enthusiasts on a budget
• Compact and portable design

Cons:

• Limited performance for more demanding AAA titles
• Outdated graphics card may require graphic settings adjustments

Work Performance

In terms of work performance, the PC is sufficient for most tasks. Whether you need it for office work, browsing the internet, or running productivity applications, the Intel Core i5-8400 processor provides enough power for smooth multitasking. It can handle everyday tasks without any noticeable lag or slowdowns. However, if you require demanding workloads such as video rendering or 3D modeling, you may experience some performance limitations.

Pros:

• Smooth multitasking for everyday work tasks
• Adequate processing power for office work and productivity applications
• Affordable option for general work purposes

Cons:

• Limited performance for demanding workloads such as video rendering or 3D modeling
• Not suitable for professional-level work requirements

Video Editing Performance

When it comes to video editing, the PC performs reasonably well for basic editing tasks. It can handle editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro with ease. However, the 3GB VRAM of the GTX 1060 graphics card might cause some limitations when working with high-resolution footage or intensive effects. While it can handle simple edits and rendering, complex projects may require more powerful hardware.

Pros:

• Smooth performance for basic video editing tasks
• Compatibility with popular video editing software
• Affordable option for entry-level video editing

Cons:

• Limited VRAM capacity may cause performance limitations with high-resolution footage
• Not suitable for complex video editing projects

Photo Editing Performance

For photo editing, the PC provides satisfactory performance. It can handle applications like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom smoothly for basic photo editing tasks. However, when working with large RAW files or applying intensive filters and effects, you may experience some performance slowdowns. The Intel Core i5-8400 processor is capable enough for most photo editing needs, but professionals or advanced users may require more powerful hardware.

Pros:

• Smooth performance for basic photo editing tasks
• Compatibility with popular photo editing software
• Affordable option for entry-level photo editing

Cons:

• Performance slowdowns when working with large RAW files or intensive effects
• Not suitable for professional-level photo editing requirements

Rendering Performance

When it comes to rendering, the PC performs adequately for basic rendering tasks. It can handle rendering software like Blender, but the performance may not be as fast as more powerful systems. The Intel Core i5-8400 processor is not designed for heavy rendering workloads, so complex scenes or high-fidelity animations may require more powerful hardware. Overall, the PC is suitable for basic rendering needs but may not be ideal for advanced rendering projects.

Pros:

• Capable of handling basic rendering tasks
• Affordable option for entry-level rendering
• Compatible with popular rendering software

Cons:

• Limited performance for complex rendering projects
• Not suitable for heavy rendering workloads

Comparison with Mac Mini M2

When comparing the PC with the Mac Mini M2, there are notable differences in performance and capabilities. The Mac Mini M2, equipped with the latest hardware, outperforms the PC in terms of speed and efficiency. Its ARM architecture allows for better optimization and power management. However, the PC still holds its own in terms of overall performance and value for money. While the Mac Mini M2 may offer better performance for specific tasks, the PC provides a more affordable option with decent performance across various applications.

Pros:

• Mac Mini M2 offers better performance and efficiency with its latest hardware
• PC provides a more affordable option with decent performance across multiple applications
• Both options offer a range of capabilities for different user needs

Cons:

• Mac Mini M2 comes at a higher price point
• PC may not match the performance of the latest hardware

Conclusion

After 6 years of use, the PC with an Intel Core i5-8400 processor still holds up reasonably well in terms of performance. It performs adequately for gaming, work, video editing, photo editing, and rendering tasks. Although it may not match the performance of the latest hardware, it provides a cost-effective option for those on a budget. Overall, the PC delivers decent performance across different applications and proves that older hardware can still be reliable and functional.

Highlights

• The PC with an Intel Core i5-8400 processor has been used for 6 years and still performs well.
• It offers satisfactory gaming performance for popular games at 1080p resolution.
• The PC provides smooth multitasking and performance for everyday work tasks.
• It can handle basic video editing and photo editing tasks, although performance limitations may occur with more complex projects.
• The PC delivers adequate rendering performance for basic rendering tasks.
• When compared with the Mac Mini M2, the PC offers a more affordable option without compromising too much on performance.
• Older hardware can still be reliable and functional, providing a cost-effective solution for those on a budget.

FAQ

Q: Can the PC handle modern games at high resolutions? A: The PC can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution, but you may need to adjust graphic settings for optimal performance.

Q: Is the PC suitable for professional-level work requirements? A: While the PC can handle everyday work tasks, it may not be suitable for demanding workloads such as video rendering or 3D modeling.

Q: How does the PC compare to the Mac Mini M2 in terms of performance? A: The Mac Mini M2 offers better performance and efficiency with its latest hardware, but the PC provides a more affordable option with decent performance across multiple applications.

Q: Can the PC handle complex video editing projects? A: The PC can handle basic video editing tasks, but complex projects may require more powerful hardware due to limitations of the GTX 1060 3GB graphics card.

Q: Is the PC suitable for professional-level photo editing requirements? A: The PC provides satisfactory performance for basic photo editing tasks, but professionals or advanced users may require more powerful hardware for complex projects.