Core i5-9400F vs Core i5-9600T
Core i5-9400F
Core i5-9600T
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 i5-9600T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-9400F | Core i5-9600T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($80) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($118) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-9400F | Core i5-9600T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+45%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($80) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($118) |
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 i5-9600T
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 i5-9600T
The Core i5-9600T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2019 (6 years ago). It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 9,601 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-9400F and Core i5-9600T share an identical 6-core/6-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-9400F versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-9600T — a 5% clock advantage for the Core i5-9400F (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i5-9400F is built on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-9400F scores 9,462 against the Core i5-9600T's 9,601 — a 1.5% lead for the Core i5-9600T. L3 cache: 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-9400F vs 9 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i5-9600T.
| Feature | Core i5-9400F | Core i5-9600T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 6 | 6 / 6 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+5% | 3.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz+26% | 2.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 9 MB (total) | 9 MB Intel® Smart Cache |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | — |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) | — |
| PassMark | 9,462 | 9,601+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,344 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 300 series (Core i5-9400F) and B360,H370,H310,Q370,Z390,B365 (Core i5-9600T).
| Feature | Core i5-9400F | Core i5-9600T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-9400F) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-9600T). The Core i5-9600T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-9400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-9400F targets Desktop, Core i5-9600T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-9600T rivals Ryzen 5 2400G.
| Feature | Core i5-9400F | Core i5-9600T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Desktop | Low Power Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-9400F launched at $182 MSRP, while the Core i5-9600T debuted at $213. At current prices ($80 vs $118), the Core i5-9400F is $38 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-9400F delivers 118.3 pts/$ vs 81.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-9600T — making the Core i5-9400F the 37% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-9400F | Core i5-9600T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $182-15% | $213 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $80-32% | $118 |
| Performance per Dollar | 118.3+45% | 81.4 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2019 |
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