Core i3-1125G4 vs Core i5-9400

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.

Core i3-1125G4 vs Core i5-9400 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-1125G4 vs Core i5-9400: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-1125G4

2021

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 65W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (9,284 vs 9,372).

Core i5-9400

2019

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $192 MSRP, while Core i3-1125G4 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌333.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-9400 better than Core i3-1125G4?

Yes. Core i5-9400 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-9400 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-9400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 6 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-9400 is the better buy right now. Core i5-9400 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $192 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (48.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-1125G4 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2019). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-1125G4 vs Core i5-9400 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-1125G4

The Core i3-1125G4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 31 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,284 points. Launch price was $281.

Core i5-9400

The Core i5-9400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 9,372 points. Launch price was $182.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-1125G4 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-9400 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Core i5-9400 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-1125G4 versus 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-9400 — a 10.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-9400 (base: 2 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i3-1125G4 uses the Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm SuperFin), while the Core i5-9400 uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1125G4 scores 9,284 against the Core i5-9400's 9,372 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i5-9400. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i3-1125G4 vs 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-9400.

Feature	Core i3-1125G4	Core i5-9400
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz	4.1 GHz+11%
Base Clock	2 GHz	2.9 GHz+45%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	9 MB (total)+13%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+20380%
Process	10 nm SuperFin-29%	14 nm
Architecture	Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021)	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
PassMark	9,284	9,372
Cinebench R23 Multi	5,112	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,560	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	4,770	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1125G4 uses the FCBGA1449 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i5-9400 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i3-1125G4 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-9400 — the Core i3-1125G4 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-9400 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-1125G4	Core i5-9400
Socket	FCBGA1449	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200+20%	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	128 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Core i3-1125G4 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-1125G4) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-9400). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics (48 EU) (Core i3-1125G4) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i5-9400) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-1125G4 targets Productivity, Core i5-9400 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-1125G4 rivals Ryzen 3 5300U.

Feature	Core i3-1125G4	Core i5-9400
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics (48 EU)	UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Productivity	Desktop