Intel Core i5-9400F vs Intel Core i9-9900K
30.1Single-core40.4
27.9Multi-core41.2
27.8Gamingspec-based47.4
3 spec wins — Intel Core i5-9400F13 spec wins — Intel Core i9-9900K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i9-9900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 42.5 to 28.5, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+13) and single-core (+10). 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
- 32% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 95 W
- Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
- Lower launch price: $157 vs $488
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-9900K
- Stronger single-core score: 40 vs 30
- Stronger multi-core score: 41 vs 28
- 167% higher threads: 16 vs 6
- 110% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 12,400 vs 5,900
- 100% higher PassMark: 18,600 vs 9,300
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9400F | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2019 | 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 i5-9400F | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 6 | 8+33% |
| Performance cores | 6 | 8+33% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 6 | 16+167% |
| Base clock | 2.9 GHz | 3.6 GHz+24% |
| Boost clock | 4.1 GHz | 5 GHz+22% |
| L2 cache | 2 MB | 2 MB+33% |
| L3 cache | 9 MB | 16 MB+78% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9400F | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | — | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| iGPU clock | — | 1,200 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9400F | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9400F | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9400F | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,400Bottom 24% | 1,720+23%Bottom 41% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 4,500Bottom 16% | 8,800+96%Bottom 44% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,080Bottom 14% | 1,280+19%Bottom 31% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 5,900Bottom 18% | 12,400+110%Bottom 47% |
| PassMark | 9,300Bottom 15% | 18,600+100%Bottom 32% |
Related comparisons
Intel Core i5-9400Fvs Intel Core i3-10100FVSIntel Core i5-9400Fvs Intel Core i5-8400VSIntel Core i5-9400Fvs Intel Core i7-5820KVSIntel Core i5-9400Fvs Intel Core i7-4790KVSIntel Core i9-9900Kvs AMD Ryzen 5 3600XVSIntel Core i9-9900Kvs AMD Ryzen 5 5600GVSIntel Core i9-9900Kvs Intel Core i7-10700KVSIntel Core i9-9900Kvs Intel Core i5-11600KVS