Intel Core i5-9400 vs Intel Core i7-4790K
30.3Single-core29.7
27.5Multi-core26.8
27.8Gamingspec-based26.9
8 spec wins — Intel Core i5-94005 spec wins — Intel Core i7-4790K
InnoReviews verdict
This one is close to a dead heat: Intel Core i5-9400 scores 28.4 against 27.7 for Intel Core i7-4790K. Pick by the categories that matter to you — Intel Core i5-9400 edges ahead in multi-core and single-core, or by price.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-9400
- 300% higher Max memory: 128 GB vs 32 GB
- 50% higher cores: 6 vs 4
- 50% higher L2 cache: 2 MB vs 1 MB
- 36% lower process: 14 nm vs 22 nm
- 26% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 88 W
- Lower launch price: $182 vs $339
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-4790K
- 38% higher Base clock: 4 GHz vs 2.9 GHz
- 33% higher threads: 8 vs 6
- Has Unlocked multiplier — the other doesn't
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9400 | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2019 | 2014 |
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1150 |
| Process | 14 nm+36% | 22 nm |
| Base TDP | 65 W+26% | 88 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | Yes |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9400 | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 6+50% | 4 |
| Performance cores | — | 4 |
| Efficiency cores | — | 0 |
| Threads | 6 | 8+33% |
| Base clock | 2.9 GHz | 4 GHz+38% |
| Boost clock | 4.1 GHz | 4.4 GHz+7% |
| L2 cache | 2 MB+50% | 1 MB |
| L3 cache | 9 MB+13% | 8 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9400 | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Intel HD Graphics 4600 |
| iGPU clock | 1,050 MHz | 1,250 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9400 | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR4-2666 | DDR3-1600 |
| Max memory | 128 GB+300% | 32 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9400 | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9400 | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | — | 1,350Bottom 23% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | — | 4,600Bottom 16% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | — | 1,100Bottom 15% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | — | 5,250Bottom 13% |
| PassMark | 9,350+16%Bottom 15% | 8,062Bottom 11% |
| PassMark (single thread) | 2,412Bottom 15% | 2,464+2%Bottom 18% |
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