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Intel Core i5 9400F Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£90
Avg. price in US: ~$120
PassMark benchmark result: 9461
N. of physical cores: 6
CPU boost clock speed: 4.1 GHz

Intel Core i5 9400F review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

5.3

Good

4.9

Poor

9.6

Exceptional

3.8
Gaming
Score components:
30.0%
4.0
PassMark single-core benchmark score
25.0%
4.0
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
20.0%
4.9
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
2.3
L3 cache
8.0%
2.6
N. of physical cores
5.4
Video editing
Score components:
45.0%
9.0
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
20.0%
2.6
N. of physical cores
20.0%
2.2
CPU threads
15.0%
2.3
L3 cache

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Verdict

The Intel Core i5-9400F is a 9th Generation Coffee Lake desktop processor featuring 6 cores and 6 threads with a 2.9 GHz base frequency and up to 4.1 GHz max turbo speed. Built on a 14nm process with a 65W TDP and 9MB of Intel Smart Cache, it provides strong single-core performance and excellent value for mainstream gaming. Key advantages include low power consumption, included thermal cooling, and compatibility with affordable 300-series motherboards. However, it lacks integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU, and does not support Hyper-Threading or overclocking, which can limit its effectiveness in heavy multi-threaded professional workloads.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 9400F

Overall score

5.3

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.

Platform

7.8

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel

Processor type

What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.

When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

CPU socket

What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.

When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

Chipset

What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.

When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

CPU architecture

What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.

When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

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Performance

4.4

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N. of physical cores

What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.

When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

CPU threads

What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.

When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

Threads per core

What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.

When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

CPU boost clock speed

What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.

When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

CPU base clock speed

What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.

When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Cache & Architecture

4.9

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Semiconductor size

What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.

When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

Foundry

What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.

When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

L3 cache

What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.

When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

L2 cache

What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.

When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

L1 cache

What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.

When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

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Memory & PCIe

5.6

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DDR memory version

What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.

When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

Maximum memory speed

What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.

When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.

When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A

Maximum memory capacity

What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

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Integrated Graphics

3.4

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Integrated graphics

What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.

When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

Integrated GPU model

What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.

When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Integrated GPU execution units

What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.

When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

N/A

Integrated GPU base frequency

What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.

When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

?

Integrated media encoders/decoders

What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.

When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

N/A

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Power & Thermal

6.4

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TDP (Thermal design power)

What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.

When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

Base power (PL1)

What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.

When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

Boost power (PL2)

What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.

When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

?

Tau (power duration limit)

What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.

When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

Configurable TDP

What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.

When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

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Intel Core i5 9400F vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i5 9400F better than the average processor?

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Includes stock cooler
Intel Core i5 9400F includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.
Importance: MEDIUM
Intel Core i5 9400F includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
Supports memory overclocking
Intel Core i5 9400F supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.
Importance: MEDIUM
Intel Core i5 9400F supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
2x more memory capacity
Intel Core i5 9400F has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >=128 GB
Intel Core i5 9400F has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.128 GB vs 64 GB
10x more popular
Intel Core i5 9400F is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1,000).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
Intel Core i5 9400F is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1,000).10 vs 1
46.7% faster classroom rendering
Intel Core i5 9400F has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,161.7 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.
What it is: A Blender render result based on the Classroom scene, used to show how quickly the processor can complete a demanding rendering workload.
When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >1500
Intel Core i5 9400F has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,161.7 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.1,161.7 vs 791,745
19.4% higher user score
Intel Core i5 9400F has a higher user score than the average processor (9.55 vs 8,000).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
Intel Core i5 9400F has a higher user score than the average processor (9.55 vs 8,000).9.55 vs 8
16.3% smaller die size
Intel Core i5 9400F has a lower die size than the average processor (149 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <150 mm²
Intel Core i5 9400F has a lower die size than the average processor (149 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².149 mm² vs 178 mm²
Modern CPU socket
Intel Core i5 9400F uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.
Importance: HIGH
Intel Core i5 9400F uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).LGA1151 vs FP2
Modern CPU socket
Intel Core i5 9400F uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).
46.7% faster classroom rendering
Intel Core i5 9400F has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,161.7 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.
16.3% smaller die size
Intel Core i5 9400F has a lower die size than the average processor (149 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
More advanced microarchitecture
Intel Core i5 9400F uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Coffee Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake).
Supports memory overclocking
Intel Core i5 9400F supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
2x more memory capacity
Intel Core i5 9400F has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
Includes stock cooler
Intel Core i5 9400F includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.

Cache & Architecture

Power & Thermal

Why is Intel Core i5 9400F worse than the average processor?

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No crypto acceleration
Intel Core i5 9400F does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
Narrower instruction support
Intel Core i5 9400F supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
No multithreading support
Intel Core i5 9400F does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
12.6% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
Intel Core i5 9400F has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (423 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
4.7% lower boost clock
Intel Core i5 9400F has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
1 fewer threads per core
Intel Core i5 9400F has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
13.5% weaker multi-core performance
Intel Core i5 9400F has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (2,407 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
2 fewer CPU threads
Intel Core i5 9400F has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (6 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
16.7% larger process node
Intel Core i5 9400F has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
50% less L2 per core
Intel Core i5 9400F has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
12.5% less L3 per core
Intel Core i5 9400F has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
40% smaller L2 cache
Intel Core i5 9400F has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
9.2% lower memory bandwidth
Intel Core i5 9400F has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (41.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
9.1% lower memory speed
Intel Core i5 9400F has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,666 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
No integrated graphics
Intel Core i5 9400F does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
44.4% higher base power
Intel Core i5 9400F has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i5 9400F does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
44.4% higher TDP
Intel Core i5 9400F has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
No multithreading support
Intel Core i5 9400F does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
What it is: Lets each physical core run more than one thread at the same time, such as with Hyper-Threading or SMT.
When it matters: When multitasking, rendering, compiling, virtualization, or other thread-heavy work benefits from more total processing threads.
Importance: HIGH
Intel Core i5 9400F does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
16.7% larger process node
Intel Core i5 9400F has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <10 nm
Intel Core i5 9400F has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.14 nm vs 12 nm
44.4% higher base power
Intel Core i5 9400F has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <30 W
Intel Core i5 9400F has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W
50% less L2 per core
Intel Core i5 9400F has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=1 MB/core
Intel Core i5 9400F has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
12.6% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
Intel Core i5 9400F has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (423 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
What it is: A Cinebench R20 benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
When it matters: When you care about lighter workloads, interface responsiveness, or software that still depends heavily on one fast core.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >600
Intel Core i5 9400F has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (423 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.423 vs 484
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i5 9400F does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.
Importance: LOW
Intel Core i5 9400F does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
12.5% less L3 per core
Intel Core i5 9400F has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=2 MB/core
Intel Core i5 9400F has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core
No integrated graphics
Intel Core i5 9400F does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.
Importance: HIGH
Intel Core i5 9400F does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.

Cache & Architecture

Integrated Graphics

Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5 9400F and other processors

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i5 9400F?

Excellent price-to-performance ratio for mid-range gaming builds
Strong single-core performance ensures snappy everyday responsiveness
Low power consumption (65W TDP) and operates at cool temperatures
Easy installation process and compatible with affordable 300-series motherboards
Effective 4.1 GHz turbo boost for handling demanding active workloads
Often significantly cheaper than the standard i5-9400 model

What customers dislike about Intel Core i5 9400F?

Lacks integrated graphics, making a dedicated GPU mandatory for display
No Hyper-Threading support (6 cores/6 threads) limits multi-threaded professional tasks
Locked multiplier prevents traditional overclocking
Included stock cooler is often described as basic or audible under high loads
Ages poorly in modern, CPU-heavy games compared to newer 10th+ gen or Ryzen alternatives
On a 'dead' platform (LGA 1151) with limited future upgrade paths

Expert reviews

hexus.net

23/04/2019

Review: Intel Core i5-9400

The HEXUS review of the Intel Core i5-9400 highlights it as a power-efficient, 6-core chip that offers solid performance for daily tasks and gaming, though it serves only as a minor, slightly faster update to the i5-8400. While leading in light-load, single-threaded benchmarks, the processor struggles in heavy, multi-threaded workloads against competitive AMD Ryzen offerings. Key...Read more

hardwareluxx.de

19/04/2020

Intel Core i5-9400F and 9600KF Review - Hardwareluxx

The Hardwareluxx review of the Intel Core i5-9400F and i5-9600KF highlights both 6-core CPUs as budget-friendly options, with their "F" suffix indicating disabled integrated graphics. The i5-9600KF is identified as the performance-oriented choice, offering a higher 3.7 GHz base clock and an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, which provides roughly 12-13% better performance in...Read more

chip.de

09. März 2021

Intel Core i5-9400F Review - CHIP

The CHIP review highlights the Intel Core i5-9400F as a high-value, budget-friendly six-core processor, ideal for gamers and daily tasks, offering reliable speeds. Key pros include an exceptional price-performance ratio and efficient, low-heat operation, though it lacks an integrated graphics unit and Hyperthreading. Technically, the CPU delivers strong benchmark results, such as...Read more

computerbase.de

13. Februar 2019

Intel Core i5-9400F Review - ComputerBase

The ComputerBase review identifies the Intel Core i5-9400F as a price-performance leader for mid-range gaming, serving as a slightly faster 6-core/6-thread "Coffee Lake Refresh" successor to the i5-8400, though it lacks an integrated GPU (iGPU). With a 65W TDP and locked multiplier, it excels in gaming and maintains high efficiency with a stock cooler, making it ideal for...Read more

overclocking.com

04/02/2019

i5-9400F: No solder for the "small" CPUs!

The Intel Core i5-9400F is a 9th Gen Coffee Lake Refresh six-core processor designed for budget gaming, featuring a 2.9 GHz base clock, 4.1 GHz boost, and a 65W TDP. By removing integrated graphics, it provides a cost-effective, slightly faster alternative to the i5-8400, ideal for users with dedicated GPUs. Key advantages include strong, value-oriented gaming performance, low heat...Read more

profesionalreview.com

03/09/2019

Intel Core i5-9400F Review (Full Analysis)

The Profesional Review analysis positions the Intel Core i5-9400F as a cost-effective, 6-core/6-thread "Coffee Lake Refresh" processor, delivering strong gaming performance at a 2.9 GHz base and 4.1 GHz boost clock. Key advantages include its exceptional performance-per-dollar, low power consumption (65W TDP), and compatibility with budget-friendly H310/B360 motherboards. However,...Read more

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