Core i5-9400T vs Core i5-9500T

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 i5-9400T vs Core i5-9500T 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 i5-9400T vs Core i5-9500T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-9400T

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $10 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-9500T.

Core i5-9500T

2019

Why buy it

✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i5-9400T.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-9400T across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (8,095 vs 8,180).
❌
5.5% HIGHER MSRP
$192 MSRPvs$182 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-9400T better than Core i5-9500T?

Yes. Core i5-9400T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-9400T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.9% 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, Core i5-9400T is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 6 threads.

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

Core i5-9400T is the better buy right now. Core i5-9400T comes in $10 cheaper on MSRP at $182 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 6.6% better value on MSRP (44.9 vs 42.2 PassMark/$), 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 i5-9400T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 6 threads instead of 6/6. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-9400T vs Core i5-9500T Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-9400T

The Core i5-9400T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 8,180 points. Launch price was $182.

Core i5-9500T

The Core i5-9500T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 8,095 points. Launch price was $192.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-9400T and Core i5-9500T share an identical 6-core/6-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-9400T versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-9500T — a 8.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-9500T (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). Both are built on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-9400T scores 8,180 against the Core i5-9500T's 8,095 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-9400T. Both processors carry 9 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-9400T	Core i5-9500T
Cores / Threads	6 / 6	6 / 6
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	3.7 GHz+9%
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	2.2 GHz+22%
L3 Cache	9 MB (total)	9 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
PassMark	8,180+1%	8,095
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,236
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	4,218

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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.

Feature	Core i5-9400T	Core i5-9500T
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	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i5-9400T) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i5-9500T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-9400T targets Desktop, Core i5-9500T targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-9500T rivals Ryzen 5 2600.

Feature	Core i5-9400T	Core i5-9500T
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Desktop	Gaming

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-9400T was priced at $182, while the Core i5-9500T came in at $192. On launch pricing ($182 vs $192), Core i5-9400T was $10 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-9400T delivers 44.9 pts/$ vs 42.2 pts/$ for the Core i5-9500T — making the Core i5-9400T the 6.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-9400T	Core i5-9500T
MSRP	$182-5%	$192
Performance per Dollar	44.9+6%	42.2
Release Date	2019	2019

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