Core i5-9400F vs Xeon D-1718T

Intel

Core i5-9400F

6 Cores6 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.1 GHz2019
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon D-1718T

4 Cores8 Thrd46 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2022
Similar parts
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Core i5-9400F vs Xeon D-1718T Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i5-9400F vs Xeon D-1718T 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 i5-9400F vs Xeon D-1718T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-9400F

2019

Why buy it

  • Costs $120 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $302 MSRP).
  • Delivers 62.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 52.0 vs 32.0 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $302 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon D-1718T across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (9,462 vs 9,674).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon D-1718T, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
  • 41.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 46W.

Xeon D-1718T

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +4.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.
  • Draws 46W instead of 65W, a 19W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 32.0 vs 52.0 PassMark/$ ($302 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon D-1718T better than Core i5-9400F?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-1718T makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-9400F is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Xeon D-1718T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon D-1718T is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon D-1718T is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-9400F is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon D-1718T comes in 65.9% more expensive on MSRP at $302 MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-9400F is also 62.3% better value on MSRP (52.0 vs 32.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon D-1718T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2019), more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/6, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-9400F vs Xeon D-1718T Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Xeon D-1718T

The Xeon D-1718T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB. Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2227. Thermal design power (TDP): 46 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,674 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Core i5-9400F packs 6 cores / 6 threads, while the Xeon D-1718T offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i5-9400F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-9400F versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon D-1718T — a 15.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-9400F (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.6 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 Xeon D-1718T's 9,674 — a 2.2% lead for the Xeon D-1718T. L3 cache: 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-9400F vs 10 MB on the Xeon D-1718T.

FeatureCore i5-9400FXeon D-1718T
Cores / Threads
6 / 6+50%
4 / 8
Boost Clock
4.1 GHz+17%
3.5 GHz
Base Clock
2.9 GHz+12%
2.6 GHz
L3 Cache
9 MB (total)
10 MB+11%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
Process
14 nm
10 nm-29%
Architecture
Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
PassMark
9,462
9,674+2%
Geekbench 6 Single
900
Geekbench 6 Multi
3,500
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-9400F uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon D-1718T uses FCBGA2227 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-9400F versus DDR4-2933 on the Xeon D-1718T — the Xeon D-1718T supports 10% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon D-1718T supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 300 series (Core i5-9400F) and SoC (Xeon D-1718T).

FeatureCore i5-9400FXeon D-1718T
Socket
LGA1151
FCBGA2227
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
DDR4-2933+10%
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
256 GB+100%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
16
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon D-1718T supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Core i5-9400F targets Desktop, Xeon D-1718T targets Server/Edge.

FeatureCore i5-9400FXeon D-1718T
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Desktop
Server/Edge
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-9400F was priced at $182, while the Xeon D-1718T came in at $302. On launch pricing ($182 vs $302), Core i5-9400F was $120 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-9400F delivers 52.0 pts/$ vs 32.0 pts/$ for the Xeon D-1718T — making the Core i5-9400F the 47.5% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-9400FXeon D-1718T
MSRP
$182-40%
$302
Performance per Dollar
52.0+63%
32.0
Release Date
2019
2022

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