Intel Core i5-8400H socket: BGA 1440

What the Core i5-8400H is

The Core i5-8400H is a four core, eight thread mobile processor with a 2.5 GHz base and up to 4.2 GHz turbo. It carries 8 MB of Smart Cache and a 45 W TDP on the 14 nm process. Intel ARK lists configurable TDP down to 35 W at 2.0 GHz, a $250.00 recommended price and embedded options for long life systems.

It sits 200 MHz above the 8300H on both base and turbo, which makes it a small step for gaming and entry workstation laptops from 2018. Four cores with Hyper-Threading cover play beside creation at 1080p with a discrete GPU. The multiplier is locked.

UHD Graphics 630 runs from 350 MHz base to 1.10 GHz max for setup displays and triple office outputs. Memory runs as DDR4-2666 or LPDDR3-2133 in two channels up to 64 GB. The chip is soldered in the FCBGA1440 package at 42 by 28 mm.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The 8400H is soldered to the board in the BGA 1440 package and cannot be replaced. Upgrading means replacing the board or the whole laptop, so buyers should choose the GPU tier and memory size at order time. Embedded options extend supply for industrial performance bodies beyond consumer cycles.

Intel ARK lists Sockets Supported as FCBGA1440 with a 42 by 28 mm package. Boards pair it with dual fan cooling tuned for 45 W sustained loads. Laptop makers wire the 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes to a discrete GPU or split them between graphics and a fast SSD.

There is no socket retention or aftermarket mounting choice. Service follows the laptop or board maker manual. The Intel Core i5-10200H is a later 45 W sibling on the same package with newer platform features.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory support covers DDR4-2666 modules or LPDDR3-2133 in two channels up to 64 GB, with up to 41.8 GB per sec of bandwidth. Two matched SODIMMs give dual channel speed for play and creation. Embedded boards often validate ECC style stability through board design rather than chip ECC, which is not offered on this consumer mobile part.

PCI Express arrives as version 3.0 with 16 lanes from the CPU, wired as one by 16, two by 8, or one by 8 plus two by 4. Designs typically give the full link to the discrete GPU. There is no cooler to swap, so thermal design stays with the maker.

Upgrade paths

There is no CPU upgrade path on BGA 1440. The only moves are more memory where SODIMM slots allow it, a larger SSD, or a whole system replacement. Buyers who render often should choose six core H parts at order time.

Staying on this board, dual channel memory and a clean OS install help more than chasing clocks. The locked multiplier removes overclocking as a tuning option.