Core i5-9400H vs Core i7-8709G

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 i5-9400H vs Core i7-8709G 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 i5-9400H vs Core i7-8709G: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-9400H

2019

Why buy it

✅Costs $156 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $338 MSRP).
✅Delivers 82.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 42.8 vs 23.5 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $338 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 100W, a 55W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Core i7-8709G needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,794 vs 7,934).

Core i7-8709G

2018

Why buy it

✅+1.8% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 23.5 vs 42.8 PassMark/$ ($338 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
❌122.2% higher power demand at 100W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-9400H can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-9400H better than Core i7-8709G?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-9400H is ahead with a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-8709G pulls ahead with 1.8% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-8709G is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i5-9400H is the better buy right now. Core i5-9400H comes in $156 cheaper on MSRP at $182 MSRP versus $338 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-8709G is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.8% better PassMark. It is also 82.4% better value on MSRP (42.8 vs 23.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-9400H makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2018). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-9400H vs Core i7-8709G Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-9400H

The Core i5-9400H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-H (2018−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,794 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i7-8709G

The Core i7-8709G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2270. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 7,934 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-9400H and Core i7-8709G share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-9400H versus 4.1 GHz on the Core i7-8709G — a 4.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-9400H (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i5-9400H uses the Coffee Lake-H (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-8709G uses Kaby Lake G (2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-9400H scores 7,794 against the Core i7-8709G's 7,934 — a 1.8% lead for the Core i7-8709G. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Core i5-9400H vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-8709G.

Feature	Core i5-9400H	Core i7-8709G
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz+5%	4.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	3.1 GHz+24%
L3 Cache	8 MB	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake-H (2018−2019)	Kaby Lake G (2018)
PassMark	7,794	7,934+2%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,341	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-9400H uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-8709G uses FCBGA2270 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-9400H	Core i7-8709G
Socket	BGA1440	FCBGA2270
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	—
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-9400H) / not specified (Core i7-8709G). The Core i5-9400H includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-8709G requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-9400H targets High Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-9400H rivals Ryzen 5 4600H.

Feature	Core i5-9400H	Core i7-8709G
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	High Performance Laptop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-9400H was priced at $182, while the Core i7-8709G came in at $338. On launch pricing ($182 vs $338), Core i5-9400H was $156 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-9400H delivers 42.8 pts/$ vs 23.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-8709G — making the Core i5-9400H the 58.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-9400H	Core i7-8709G
MSRP	$182-46%	$338
Performance per Dollar	42.8+82%	23.5
Release Date	2019	2018

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