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Intel Core i5 9400T Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£160
  • Avg. price in US: ~$180
  • PassMark benchmark result: 8144
  • N. of physical cores: 6
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.4 GHz

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

4.2

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.2

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

2.9

Performance

18.0%

5.0

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.6

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

8.3

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.9

Platform

1.0%

6.9

Integrated Graphics

Poor
?

User score

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.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 2.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    3.1

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    3.2

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    2.8

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    2.3

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    2.6

    N. of physical cores

  • 1.9
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.3

    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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Best prices in UK

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?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-9400T is a 9th-generation desktop processor designed for power efficiency, featuring 6 cores and 6 threads with a 1.8 GHz base frequency and a max turbo speed of 3.4 GHz. Built on a 14nm process for the LGA 1151 socket, it includes 9MB of Intel Smart Cache, supports up to 128GB of DDR4-2666 memory, and integrates Intel UHD Graphics 630. Its primary advantages are its low 35W TDP, making it ideal for compact or low-heat builds, and its solid multi-core performance for general productivity. However, it lacks hyper-threading, has significantly lower clock speeds than standard models, and is on a legacy platform that lacks a clear modern upgrade path.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 9400T

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

4.2
Intel Core i5 9400T has a technical score of 4.18 points, which is lower than that of 76.1% of products in this category.
User score

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.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Intel Core i5 9400T has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.2

Overall score

40.0%

9.7

Price

5.8
Intel Core i5 9400T has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.8 points, which is lower than 73.6% of products in this category.
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

desktop
Intel Core i5 9400T belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
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

LGA1151
Intel Core i5 9400T uses the LGA1151 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 60.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
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

Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310
Intel Core i5 9400T supports Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 57.1% of processors and equal to that of 4.4% of processors.
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

x86-64
Intel Core i5 9400T uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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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+

6
Intel Core i5 9400T has 6 CPU cores, which is more than 49.9% of processors and equal to 13.4% of processors.
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+

6
Intel Core i5 9400T offers 6 CPU threads, which is fewer than 64.8% of processors and equal to 2.2% of processors.
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

1
Intel Core i5 9400T offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.7% of processors and equal to 30.3% of processors.
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

3.4 GHz
Intel Core i5 9400T reaches a boost clock of 3.4 GHz which is lower than that of 83.7% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
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

6 x 1.8 GHz
Intel Core i5 9400T has a base clock of 6x1.8 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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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

14 nm
Intel Core i5 9400T uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
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

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i5 9400T is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
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

9 MB
Intel Core i5 9400T has an L3 cache of 9 MB which is larger than that of 51.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.9% of processors.
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

1.5 MB
Intel Core i5 9400T has an L2 cache of 1.5 MB which is smaller than that of 62.5% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% of processors.
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

384 KB
Intel Core i5 9400T has an L1 cache of 384 KB which is larger than that of 45% of processors and equal to that of 15.8% of processors.
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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

DDR4
Intel Core i5 9400T supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 26.3% of processors and equal to that of 31.7% of processors.
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

2,666 MHz
Intel Core i5 9400T supports memory speeds up to 2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
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

DDR4-2666 MHz
Intel Core i5 9400T supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55.3% of processors and equal to 7.4% of processors.
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

128 GB
Intel Core i5 9400T supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% of processors.
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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

yes
Intel Core i5 9400T includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
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

Intel UHD Graphics 630
Intel Core i5 9400T uses the Intel UHD Graphics 630 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 44.3% of processors and equal to that in 8.3% of processors.
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

24
Intel Core i5 9400T has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% of processors.
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

350 MHz
Intel Core i5 9400T has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% of processors.
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

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
Intel Core i5 9400T supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode) media codecs, which is broader support than 72.1% of processors and equal to 2.9% of processors.
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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

35 W
Intel Core i5 9400T has a TDP of 35 W which is lower than that of 51.8% of processors and equal to that of 14.8% of processors.
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

35 W
Intel Core i5 9400T has a base power of 35 W which is lower than that of 51.7% of processors and equal to that of 15.1% of processors.
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

28 seconds
Intel Core i5 9400T has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
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

yes
Intel Core i5 9400T supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
cTDP: 25 W
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Intel Core i5 9400T vs the average processor

  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i5 9400T 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 9400T supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i5 9400T 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 9400T 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
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i5 9400T uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,151 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 9400T uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,151 vs FP2).LGA1151 vs FP2
  • 22.2% lower base power
    Intel Core i5 9400T has a lower base power draw than the average processor (35 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 9400T has a lower base power draw than the average processor (35 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.35 W vs 45 W
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i5 9400T uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Coffee Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake).
    What it is: The internal core-design codename used for this processor generation.
    When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs at a deeper design level and want to identify the exact architecture behind marketing names.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i5 9400T uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Coffee Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake).Coffee Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i5 9400T uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,151 vs FP2).
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i5 9400T uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Coffee Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake).
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i5 9400T supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i5 9400T has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • 22.2% lower base power
    Intel Core i5 9400T has a lower base power draw than the average processor (35 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.

Total
Platform
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i5 9400T does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i5 9400T 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).
  • 20.9% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i5 9400T has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 58.5% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i5 9400T has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,155 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 75.9% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i5 9400T has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,155 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 16.7% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 9400T has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,068 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 21.5% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i5 9400T has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,155 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i5 9400T does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Intel Core i5 9400T has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • 2 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i5 9400T has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (6 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 22.7% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i5 9400T has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (8,144 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 10 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core i5 9400T has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (18 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 9400T 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 9400T 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 9400T 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 9400T 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 9400T 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 9400T 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.
  • 20.9% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i5 9400T has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    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

    Intel Core i5 9400T has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 58.5% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i5 9400T has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,155 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core i5 9400T has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,155 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.1,155 vs 2,783
  • 75.9% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i5 9400T has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,155 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i5 9400T has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,155 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.1,155 vs 4,793
  • 16.7% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 9400T has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,068 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i5 9400T has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,068 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.2,068 vs 2,483
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i5 9400T 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 9400T does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 21.5% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i5 9400T has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,155 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core i5 9400T has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,155 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.1,155 vs 1,471
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 9400T 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 9400T 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
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i5 9400T 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 9400T 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
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5 9400T and other processors

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i5 9400T?

  • Extremely low power consumption with a 35W TDP, making it ideal for energy-efficient or small-form-factor (SFF) builds.
  • Solid efficiency for general desktop tasks, office productivity, and web browsing.
  • Generates very little heat, allowing for quiet operation and compatibility with smaller cooling solutions.
  • Includes integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630, which is useful for systems without a dedicated GPU or for media serving like Plex.
  • Supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory, providing a high ceiling for specific professional or multitasking needs.

What customers dislike about Intel Core i5 9400T?

  • Lower clock speeds (1.8 GHz base) compared to standard 9400 models, leading to roughly 13-15% slower performance in both single and multi-threaded tasks.
  • Lack of hyperthreading (6 cores/6 threads) can lead to 100% CPU usage and stuttering in modern, intensive games or heavy multitasking.
  • Considered a 'dead platform' by many, as upgrading beyond 9th gen requires a new motherboard.
  • Limited overclocking capabilities due to a locked multiplier.
  • May act as a significant bottleneck when paired with modern, high-end graphics cards in gaming scenarios.

Expert reviews

S
score.nero.com
29/03/2026
Intel Core i5-9400T CPU @ 1.80GHz Benchmarks - Nero Score

The Intel Core i5-9400T is a 9th-generation desktop processor optimized for energy-efficient, small form factor systems, delivering a "good" performance level for general office tasks and AI tagging, as reported by Nero Score. Featuring 6 cores and a low 35W TDP, this processor is ideal for fanless, compact builds, while supporting 4K display output and up to 128GB of RAM. However,...Read more

B
browser.geekbench.com
28/03/2026
Intel Core i5-9400T Benchmarks - Geekbench Browser

The Intel Core i5-9400T is a 9th-gen, 6-core/6-thread "Coffee Lake" processor designed for high efficiency and low heat with a 35W TDP, making it ideal for compact PCs. Operating at 1.8 GHz base and 3.4 GHz turbo frequencies, it offers solid office productivity performance, although it is ~21% slower in multi-core tasks than the standard 65W i5-9400. Key pros include exceptional...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
30/04/2024
Intel Core i5-9400T @ 1.80GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i5-9400T is a 9th-gen, 6-core/6-thread, 35W TDP processor designed for low-power, small-form-factor systems like HTPCs, achieving approximately 8,144 in PassMark multi-thread tests. Key pros include exceptional energy efficiency, low heat output, and solid performance for daily tasks and basic 4K media consumption, offering roughly 35% better multi-threaded...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
Updated Daily
Intel i5-9400T vs i3-8100 - CPU Benchmarks Would you like to see a comparison of these benchmark scores against more recent low-power T-series process...

The PassMark benchmark comparison shows the Intel Core i5-9400T as a six-core, low-power chip offering approximately 34% better multi-threaded performance than the quad-core i3-8100. While the i5-9400T thrives in modern multitasking with a 35W TDP, it suffers from a roughly 6% lower single-thread rating compared to the i3. Conversely, the i3-8100 delivers a faster single-core...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
Updated Daily
Intel i5-9400T vs N95 vs N100 - CPU Benchmarks

PassMark benchmark data reveals a significant performance gap between the older desktop-class Intel Core i5-9400T and the modern Alder Lake-N processors, the N95 and N100. The 6-core i5-9400T leads in raw, multi-threaded performance (roughly 8,300+ score) and memory capacity, making it suitable for heavier workloads, though its 35W TDP represents a "con" in power efficiency compared...Read more

S
simpletek.net
01/06/2026
Intel Core i5-9400T 9th Gen – Tray CPU LGA1151 v2

The Intel Core i5-9400T, available at SimpleTek, is a 9th Gen, 6-core/6-thread desktop processor (LGA 1151 v2) designed for extreme energy efficiency with a 35W TDP. A key advantage is its suitability for compact, silent, or low-power "mini-PC" builds, supported by integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 capable of driving up to three displays. Performance constraints are the main...Read more

(Translated)Show original
R
refurbed.be
30/03/2024
Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny - Refurbished Desktop

The Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny is a compact, MIL-STD 810G-rated refurbished PC designed for space-constrained environments. Key pros include capable performance with 8th/9th Gen Intel processors, efficient near-silent cooling, and robust security via dTPM 2.0 and Smart USB Protection. Limitations involve a lack of discrete graphics and potential heat buildup under high loads. For...Read more

(Translated)Show original
R
refurbed.nl
30/03/2024
Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny - Refurbished Desktop Review

The Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny is a 1-litre, MIL-STD 810G certified desktop designed for space-constrained office environments, offering robust durability and versatile mounting options. Equipped with 8th or 9th Generation Intel Core processors, it provides strong multitasking capabilities and includes security features like a TPM 2.0 chip, making it suitable for professional...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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