This was the ultimate niche CPU. At the time of its release, it had an optimal combination of multi-core performance without sacrificing as much single- and quad- as the higher-core CPUs, at an excellent price-point. It utilizes quad-channel RAM. If you were a content creator without external funding, had one machine in the budget, then this chip might even now in mid-2019 be what you're looking for.
The higher-end Threadrippers will throw more cores at you... for up to five times the price. If you've a home studio, running a DAW on the same PC you use for everything; or you do your own video editing; or you're an independent streamer; then those extra 12 or 18 cores aren't really going to help you that much anyway, for all that extra cash - AND those CPUs have lower performance in more common applications (single- low-thread apps). Not worth it. Intel isn't even on the table, of course.
If you're reading this in the future: these benchmarks have multiple categories for a reason. Read and think. Find the best combination for what you intend to do with it - not some arbitrary "the best" overall. There is no such thing, because you won't be using your computer for Overall, now will you? [Aug '19spacefiddle]
The Ryzen 5 1400 is the entry-level chip from AMD's latest Ryzen 5 series which is aimed at the mainstream market. The 1400 is a budget quad core, 8 threaded CPU with base/boost clocks of 3.2/3.4 GHz. Like most the other non-X Ryzen CPUs the 1400 comes with a decent cooler included in the box (Wraith Stealth in this case). Modestly priced at $169 the 1400 is in direct competition with Intel's recent Kaby Lake dual core, four threaded i3-7350k which runs at a base clock of 4.2GHz. The 1400's 8 threads allow a near 40% lead in multi-core processing, but for single-core tasks the 7350K is 45% faster. The Ryzen 5 1500X commands a $20 premium and offers a 25% increase in effective speed over the 1400. Although the 1400 only has a base clock of 3.2 GHz it should more or less match the 1500X when overclocked. Provided it is overclocked, the 1400 joins the other non-X Ryzen models in offering the best bang for your buck. Users not keen on overclocking would probably do better to consider the 1500X at this price point. [Apr '17CPUPro]
We calculate effective speed which measures real world performance for typical users. Effective speed is adjusted by current prices to yield a value for money rating. Our calculated values are checked against thousands of individual user ratings. The customizable table below combines these factors to bring you the definitive list of top CPUs. [CPUPro]
Welcome to our PC speed test tool. UserBenchmark will test your PC and compare the results to other users with the same components. You can quickly size up your PC, identify hardware problems and explore the best value for money upgrades.