PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Overview

The Core i5-9400T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 8,180 points. Launch price was $182.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-9400T

#170

Athlon II X4 631

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

104%

#171

Core i7-4770

MSRP: $303|Avg: $50

103%

#172

Core i5-12500

MSRP: $212|Avg: $140

103%

#173

Core i5-3570

MSRP: $194|Avg: $35

103%

#174

A4 PRO-7350B

MSRP: $50|Avg: $11

103%

#175

Core i5-14600K

MSRP: $329|Avg: $275

103%

#176

Core i7-3960X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $60

103%

#177

Ryzen 7 7700

MSRP: $329|Avg: $246

103%

#178

Core i5-13400F

MSRP: $196|Avg: $180

102%

#179

Core i3-2125

MSRP: $134|Avg: $15

102%

#180

Core i3-12100T

MSRP: $125|Avg: $90

102%

#181

Core i7-11700F

MSRP: $298|Avg: $150

102%

#182

Core i7-980

MSRP: $583|Avg: $50

101%

#183

Athlon X4 850

MSRP: $77|Avg: $20

101%

#184

Core i3-10105F

MSRP: $97|Avg: $65

101%

#185

Core i5-9400T

MSRP: $182|Avg: $60

100%

#186

Core i7-12700KF

MSRP: $384|Avg: $250

100%

#187

Core i5-6500T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $35

100%

#188

Ryzen 7 1800X

MSRP: $499|Avg: $120

100%

#189

Core i5-12490F

MSRP: $250|Avg: $150

100%

#190

FX-4170

MSRP: $157|Avg: $23

100%

#191

Ryzen 5 1500X

MSRP: $189|Avg: $67

99%

#192

Ryzen 5 5600GT

MSRP: $140|Avg: $150

99%

#193

Core i3-2102

MSRP: $117|Avg: $15

99%

#194

Ryzen 5 PRO 5655G

MSRP: $146|Avg: $146

99%

#195

Athlon II X4 620

MSRP: $99|Avg: $15

99%

#196

Core i3-8100

MSRP: $117|Avg: $45

99%

#197

Core i3-4330TE

MSRP: $138|Avg: $15

99%

#198

Ryzen 7 PRO 5755G

MSRP: $300|Avg: $180

99%

#199

Athlon II X4 740

MSRP: $71|Avg: $20

98%

#200

Ryzen 5 PRO 4650G

MSRP: $209|Avg: $120

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-9400T across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-9400T specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-9400T is a 6-core / 6-thread processor based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.4 GHz from a base frequency of 1.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 9 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 8,180, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i5-9400T
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	6C / 6T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	9 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	149 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	8,180

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-9400T fits into the LGA1151 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4-2666 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2666 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 128 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: UHD Graphics 630 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i5-9400T
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i5
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1151
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4-2666
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2666
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	128 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	UHD Graphics 630
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i5-9400T is primarily designed for Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i5-9400T
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-9400T has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i5-9400T
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $60 (MSRP: $182), the Core i5-9400T delivers 136 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1438 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-9400T
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$182
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$60
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$182
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1438
Release DateLaunch date	1 September 2018 (7 years ago)
Release Year	2019
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel