Core i5-9400T vs Core i7-3930K

CPU

GPU

Core i5-9400T

6 Cores6 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2019

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Core i7-3930K

6 Cores12 Thrd130 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2011

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Core i5-9400T vs Core i7-3930K Performance Spectrum

Core i5-9400T

6 / 6

8,180

0.0%

8,204

+0.3%

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 i5-9400T vs Core i7-3930K 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 i7-3930K: 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

✅Costs $401 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).
✅Delivers 219.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 44.9 vs 14.1 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 130W, a 95W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Core i7-3930K needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3930K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (8,180 vs 8,204).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (9 MB vs 12 MB).

Core i7-3930K

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +17.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 9 MB).
✅150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.1 vs 44.9 PassMark/$ ($583 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
❌271.4% higher power demand at 130W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-9400T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3930K better than Core i5-9400T?

Yes. Core i7-3930K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 17.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3930K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 17.4% 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 i7-3930K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 9 MB).

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

Core i7-3930K is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-9400T is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-3930K comes in 220.3% more expensive on MSRP at $583 MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 17.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-9400T is also 219.4% better value on MSRP (44.9 vs 14.1 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Core i5-9400T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-9400T vs Core i7-3930K 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 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.

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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 66.6% 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 — 100% 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+67%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+100%	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	No
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

At launch, the Core i5-9400T was priced at $182, while the Core i7-3930K came in at $583. On launch pricing ($182 vs $583), Core i5-9400T was $401 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-9400T delivers 44.9 pts/$ vs 14.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-3930K — making the Core i5-9400T the 104.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-9400T	Core i7-3930K
MSRP	$182-69%	$583
Performance per Dollar	44.9+218%	14.1
Release Date	2019	2011

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