Core i5-9400T vs Core i7-3930K
Core i5-9400T
Core i7-3930K
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 i5-9400T
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3930K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-9400T | Core i7-3930K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($60) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-9400T | Core i7-3930K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+149%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($60) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) |
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 i5-9400T and Core i7-3930K
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 i7-3930K
The Core i7-3930K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 November 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,204 points. Launch price was $611.
Processing Power
The Core i5-9400T packs 6 cores / 6 threads, matching the Core i7-3930K's 6 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-9400T versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3930K — a 11.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-3930K (base: 1.8 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-9400T uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3930K uses Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-9400T scores 8,180 against the Core i7-3930K's 8,204 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-3930K. L3 cache: 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-9400T vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-3930K.
| Feature | Core i5-9400T | Core i7-3930K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 6 | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz | 3.8 GHz+12% |
| Base Clock | 1.8 GHz | 3.2 GHz+78% |
| L3 Cache | 9 MB (total) | 12 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) | Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 8,180 | 8,204 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 731 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-9400T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3930K uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-9400T versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3930K — the Core i5-9400T supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-9400T supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-9400T) vs 4 (Core i7-3930K). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-9400T) vs 40 (Core i7-3930K) — the Core i7-3930K offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i5-9400T | Core i7-3930K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666+33% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+100% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 40+150% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-3930K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-9400T) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3930K). The Core i5-9400T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-3930K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-9400T targets Desktop, Core i7-3930K targets HEDT Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3930K rivals FX-8350.
| Feature | Core i5-9400T | Core i7-3930K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 630 | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Desktop | HEDT Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-9400T launched at $182 MSRP, while the Core i7-3930K debuted at $583. At current prices ($60 vs $150), the Core i5-9400T is $90 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-9400T delivers 136.3 pts/$ vs 54.7 pts/$ for the Core i7-3930K — making the Core i5-9400T the 85.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-9400T | Core i7-3930K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $182-69% | $583 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $60-60% | $150 |
| Performance per Dollar | 136.3+149% | 54.7 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2011 |
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