Core i5-9400 vs Core i7-4930K
Core i5-9400
Core i7-4930K
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 Core i7-4930K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-9400 | Core i7-4930K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($85) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge-E (2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-9400 | Core i7-4930K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+18%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($85) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) |
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 Core i7-4930K
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 i7-4930K
The Core i7-4930K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 9,379 points. Launch price was $670.
Processing Power
The Core i5-9400 packs 6 cores / 6 threads, matching the Core i7-4930K's 6 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-9400 versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4930K — a 5% clock advantage for the Core i5-9400 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i5-9400 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-4930K uses Ivy Bridge-E (2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-9400 scores 9,372 against the Core i7-4930K's 9,379 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-4930K. L3 cache: 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-9400 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-4930K.
| Feature | Core i5-9400 | Core i7-4930K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 6 | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+5% | 3.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz | 3.4 GHz+17% |
| L3 Cache | 9 MB (total) | 12 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-36% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) | Ivy Bridge-E (2013) |
| PassMark | 9,372 | 9,379 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-9400 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4930K uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-9400 | Core i7-4930K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-9400) / not specified (Core i7-4930K). The Core i5-9400 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-4930K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-9400 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-9400 | Core i7-4930K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-9400 launched at $192 MSRP, while the Core i7-4930K debuted at $670. At current prices ($85 vs $100), the Core i5-9400 is $15 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-9400 delivers 110.3 pts/$ vs 93.8 pts/$ for the Core i7-4930K — making the Core i5-9400 the 16.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-9400 | Core i7-4930K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $192-71% | $670 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $85-15% | $100 |
| Performance per Dollar | 110.3+18% | 93.8 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2013 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i5-9400 and Core i7-4930K
