Intel Core i5-9400F vs Intel Core i9-10900K
30.1Single-core41.9
27.9Multi-core47.6
27.8Gamingspec-based54.6
2 spec wins — Intel Core i5-9400F15 spec wins — Intel Core i9-10900K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i9-10900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 47.6 to 28.6, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+20) and single-core (+12). Intel Core i5-9400F 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 i5-9400F
- 48% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 125 W
- Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
- Lower launch price: $157 vs $488
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-10900K
- Stronger single-core score: 42 vs 30
- Stronger multi-core score: 48 vs 28
- 233% higher threads: 20 vs 6
- 176% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 16,300 vs 5,900
- 135% higher PassMark: 22,218 vs 9,463
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9400F | Intel Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2019 | 2020 |
| Socket | LGA1151-v2 | LGA1200 |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Base TDP | 65 W+48% | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | — | 250 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9400F | Intel Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 6 | 10+67% |
| Performance cores | 6 | 10+67% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 6 | 20+233% |
| Base clock | 2.9 GHz | 3.7 GHz+28% |
| Boost clock | 4.1 GHz | 5.3 GHz+29% |
| L2 cache | 2 MB | 3 MB+67% |
| L3 cache | 9 MB | 20 MB+122% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9400F | Intel Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | — | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| iGPU clock | — | 1,200 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9400F | Intel Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2933 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9400F | Intel Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9400F | Intel Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,400Bottom 24% | 1,730+24%Bottom 42% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 4,500Bottom 16% | 10,400+131%Top 50% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,080Bottom 13% | 1,340+24%Bottom 37% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 5,900Bottom 18% | 16,300+176%Top 40% |
| PassMark | 9,463Bottom 15% | 22,218+135%Bottom 42% |
| PassMark (single thread) | 2,420Bottom 17% | 3,107+28%Bottom 36% |
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