Intel Core i5-8400 vs Intel Core i9-9900K
31.1Single-core40.4
28.6Multi-core41
27.2Gamingspec-based47.4
2 spec wins — Intel Core i5-840016 spec wins — Intel Core i9-9900K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i9-9900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 42.4 to 29, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+12) and single-core (+9). Intel Core i5-8400 still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-8400
- 32% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 95 W
- Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
- Lower launch price: $182 vs $488
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-9900K
- Stronger single-core score: 40 vs 31
- Stronger multi-core score: 41 vs 29
- 167% higher threads: 16 vs 6
- 100% higher Max memory: 128 GB vs 64 GB
- 95% higher PassMark: 18,023 vs 9,235
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-8400 | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2017 | 2018 |
| Socket | LGA1151-v2 | LGA1151-v2 |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Base TDP | 65 W+32% | 95 W |
| Max turbo power | — | 119 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-8400 | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 6 | 8+33% |
| Performance cores | 6 | 8+33% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 6 | 16+167% |
| Base clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.6 GHz+29% |
| Boost clock | 4 GHz | 5 GHz+25% |
| L2 cache | 2 MB | 2 MB+33% |
| L3 cache | 9 MB | 16 MB+78% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-8400 | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| iGPU clock | 1,050 MHz | 1,200 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-8400 | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max memory | 64 GB | 128 GB+100% |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-8400 | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-8400 | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,370Bottom 24% | 1,720+26%Bottom 41% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 4,900Bottom 18% | 8,800+80%Bottom 45% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,150Bottom 21% | 1,280+11%Bottom 29% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 6,400Bottom 17% | 12,400+94%Bottom 44% |
| PassMark | 9,235Bottom 14% | 18,023+95%Bottom 38% |
| PassMark (single thread) | 2,364Bottom 14% | 2,908+23%Bottom 38% |
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