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 i5-9400 vs Core i7-10710U 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 i5-9400 vs Core i7-10710U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-9400

2019

Why buy it

✅+1.4% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $223 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $415 MSRP).
✅Delivers 119.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 48.8 vs 22.3 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $415 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-10710U across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (9 MB vs 12 MB).
❌160% higher power demand at 65W vs 25W.

Core i7-10710U

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +23.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 9 MB).
✅Draws 25W instead of 65W, a 40W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (9,240 vs 9,372).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 22.3 vs 48.8 PassMark/$ ($415 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-10710U better than Core i5-9400?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-10710U is ahead with a 23.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-9400 pulls ahead with 1.4% better PassMark. Core i7-10710U also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 9 MB).

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 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 6 threads.

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

Core i7-10710U is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-9400 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-10710U comes in 116.1% more expensive on MSRP at $415 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 23.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-9400 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.4% better PassMark. Core i5-9400 is also 119.2% better value on MSRP (48.8 vs 22.3 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Core i7-10710U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 33.3% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 9 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-9400 vs Core i7-10710U Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i7-10710U

The Core i7-10710U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-U (2019−2020) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1528. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,240 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-9400 packs 6 cores / 6 threads, matching the Core i7-10710U's 6 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-9400 versus 4.7 GHz on the Core i7-10710U — a 13.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-10710U (base: 2.9 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Core i5-9400 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-10710U uses Comet Lake-U (2019−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-9400 scores 9,372 against the Core i7-10710U's 9,240 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i5-9400. L3 cache: 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-9400 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-10710U.

Feature	Core i5-9400	Core i7-10710U
Cores / Threads	6 / 6	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz	4.7 GHz+15%
Base Clock	2.9 GHz+164%	1.1 GHz
L3 Cache	9 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Comet Lake-U (2019−2020)
PassMark	9,372+1%	9,240

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-9400 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-10710U uses FCBGA1528 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-9400 versus LPDDR3-2133 on the Core i7-10710U — the Core i5-9400 supports 25% 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 i5-9400	Core i7-10710U
Socket	LGA1151	FCBGA1528
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+25%	LPDDR3-2133
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+100%	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i5-9400) and UHD Graphics (Core i7-10710U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-9400 targets Desktop, Core i7-10710U targets Mobile.

Feature	Core i5-9400	Core i7-10710U
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	UHD Graphics
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Desktop	Mobile

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-9400 was priced at $192, while the Core i7-10710U came in at $415. On launch pricing ($192 vs $415), Core i5-9400 was $223 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-9400 delivers 48.8 pts/$ vs 22.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-10710U — making the Core i5-9400 the 74.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-9400	Core i7-10710U
MSRP	$192-54%	$415
Performance per Dollar	48.8+119%	22.3
Release Date	2019	2019

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