Core i5-9400 vs Atom x7809C
Core i5-9400
Atom x7809C
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 i5-9400
Performance Per Dollar Atom x7809C
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-9400 | Atom x7809C |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($85) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Amston Lake (2024−2025) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-9400 | Atom x7809C |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($85) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i5-9400 and Atom x7809C
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.
Atom x7809C
The Atom x7809C is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 April 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Amston Lake (2024−2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per module). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 9,409 points. Launch price was $117.
Processing Power
The Core i5-9400 packs 6 cores / 6 threads, while the Atom x7809C offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Atom x7809C has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-9400 versus 3.6 GHz on the Atom x7809C — a 13% clock advantage for the Core i5-9400 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-9400 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Atom x7809C uses Amston Lake (2024−2025) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-9400 scores 9,372 against the Atom x7809C's 9,409 — a 0.4% lead for the Atom x7809C. L3 cache: 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-9400 vs 6 MB (total) on the Atom x7809C.
| Feature | Core i5-9400 | Atom x7809C |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 6 | 8 / 8+33% |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+14% | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz+45% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 9 MB (total)+50% | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 2 MB (per module)+700% |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) | Amston Lake (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 9,372 | 9,409 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,102 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 4,657 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-9400 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Atom x7809C uses FCBGA1264 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-9400 versus DDR5-4800 on the Atom x7809C — the Atom x7809C supports 22.2% 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 32 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-9400) vs 1 (Atom x7809C). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-9400) vs 9 (Atom x7809C) — the Core i5-9400 offers 7 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i5-9400 | Atom x7809C |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | FCBGA1264 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR5-4800+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+300% | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2+100% | 1 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+78% | 9 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i5-9400 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Atom x7809C requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-9400 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-9400 | Atom x7809C |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
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