Core i5-14400 vs Core i9-7940X
Core i5-14400
Core i9-7940X
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-14400
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-7940X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-14400 | Core i9-7940X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($197) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($275) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-14400 | Core i9-7940X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+39%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($197) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($275) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-14400 and Core i9-7940X
Core i5-14400
The Core i5-14400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 25,329 points. Launch price was $221.
Core i9-7940X
The Core i9-7940X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 25,452 points. Launch price was $1,399.
Processing Power
The Core i5-14400 packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i9-7940X offers 14 cores / 28 threads — the Core i9-7940X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core i5-14400 versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i9-7940X — a 6.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-14400 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i5-14400 uses the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-7940X uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-14400 scores 25,329 against the Core i9-7940X's 25,452 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i9-7940X. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-14400 vs 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-7940X.
| Feature | Core i5-14400 | Core i9-7940X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 16 | 14 / 28+40% |
| Boost Clock | 4.7 GHz+7% | 4.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.1 GHz+24% |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total)+4% | 19.25 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+25% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 25,329 | 25,452 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-14400 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-7940X uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-14400 | Core i9-7940X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-14400 launched at $221 MSRP, while the Core i9-7940X debuted at $1399. At current prices ($197 vs $275), the Core i5-14400 is $78 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-14400 delivers 128.6 pts/$ vs 92.6 pts/$ for the Core i9-7940X — making the Core i5-14400 the 32.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-14400 | Core i9-7940X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $221-84% | $1399 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $197-28% | $275 |
| Performance per Dollar | 128.6+39% | 92.6 |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2017 |
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