Core i5-9400F vs Core i3-1210U
Core i5-9400F
Core i3-1210U
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 i5-9400F
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-1210U
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-9400F | Core i3-1210U |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-U (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-9400F | Core i3-1210U |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) | ✅ 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 i5-9400F and Core i3-1210U
Core i5-9400F
The Core i5-9400F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) 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: 9,462 points. Launch price was $182.
Core i3-1210U
The Core i3-1210U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 February 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-U (2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1781. Thermal design power (TDP): 9 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 9,438 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i5-9400F packs 6 cores / 6 threads, matching the Core i3-1210U's 6 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-9400F versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i3-1210U — a 7.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-1210U (base: 2.9 GHz vs 1 GHz). The Core i5-9400F uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-1210U uses Alder Lake-U (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-9400F scores 9,462 against the Core i3-1210U's 9,438 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-9400F. L3 cache: 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-9400F vs 10 MB (total) on the Core i3-1210U.
| Feature | Core i5-9400F | Core i3-1210U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 6 | 6 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz | 4.4 GHz+7% |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz+190% | 1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 9 MB (total) | 10 MB (total)+11% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% |
| Process | 14 nm | Intel 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) | Alder Lake-U (2022) |
| PassMark | 9,462 | 9,438 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,040 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-9400F uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-1210U uses FCBGA1781 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-9400F versus LPDDR5-5200 on the Core i3-1210U — the Core i3-1210U supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-9400F supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-9400F) vs 14 (Core i3-1210U) — the Core i5-9400F offers 2 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i5-9400F | Core i3-1210U |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | FCBGA1781 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | LPDDR5-5200+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+100% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+14% | 14 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-9400F) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-1210U). The Core i3-1210U includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics for 12th Gen (64 EU)), while the Core i5-9400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-9400F targets Desktop, Core i3-1210U targets Thin & Light Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-1210U rivals Ryzen 3 5425U.
| Feature | Core i5-9400F | Core i3-1210U |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics for 12th Gen (64 EU) |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Desktop | Thin & Light Laptop |
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