Recommendation
Recommendation
There could be several possibilities. I’m not sure which one to begin with. Could you tell me what you’d like to achieve with this device?
The 9400f runs quickly but lacks sufficient threads. Performance improves until it starts to decline rapidly. AMD dominates the i5 and high-end Xenon lines today. The only strong gaming option remains Intel, though with limited advantages. This gap is narrowing. You’ll likely need to switch to AMD unless you’re willing to invest more for better results.
OC 1600af (if available), OC 2600, and 3600 all offer similar core counts but support multiple threads. They all prioritize fast RAM, which can cost around $500. These models resemble the 8700, but they demand high-speed memory. Your graphics card is similarly constrained, often matching the limits of external cards. It’s also a power supply card—making me question your PSU and monitor setup.
Keep your existing motherboard in place; upgrading the CPU won’t help much. The 8GB RAM limit is near the minimum threshold. I’m uncertain if targeting an 8700 with 16GB RAM won’t be as expensive as switching to AMD. The 9400f isn’t worth the investment unless you’re comfortable with trade-offs.
AMD’s 6/6 chips are rare outside developing markets. Storage type matters—HDDs need replacement with SSDs, even small ones. Cache is nice but not essential. Brand doesn’t matter much. If your drive is HDD, upgrading to an SSD is straightforward.
Speed is achievable with 16GB of fast RAM on an AMD platform, especially if you upgrade the motherboard later. You can still use older components temporarily. Upgrading the CPU will boost performance immediately and keep your system functional. Choose the cheaper option between CPU and memory.
Update: This information may not apply. I learned about the motherboard after researching it—expect it to struggle with even a moderate workload like Coffee Lake! It uses LGA1151, not GSLGA1151, so neither the 9400f nor the 8700 will function properly. Any upgrade will require a new motherboard. Edited February 16, 2020 by Bombastinator – Added updates