Core i7-10710U vs Core i5-9400
Core i7-10710U
Core i5-9400
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. The Core i7-10710U is positioned at rank #829 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 i7-10710U
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-9400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-10710U | Core i5-9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($415) | ✅ More affordable ($85) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake-U (2019−2020) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-10710U | Core i5-9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+395%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($415) | ✅ More affordable ($85) |
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 i7-10710U and Core i5-9400
Core i7-10710U
The Core i7-10710U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-U (2019−2020) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1528. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,240 points. Launch price was $149.
Core i5-9400
The Core i5-9400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 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: 9,372 points. Launch price was $182.
Processing Power
The Core i7-10710U packs 6 cores / 12 threads, matching the Core i5-9400's 6 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core i7-10710U versus 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-9400 — a 13.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-10710U (base: 1.1 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i7-10710U uses the Comet Lake-U (2019−2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-9400 uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-10710U scores 9,240 against the Core i5-9400's 9,372 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i5-9400. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-10710U vs 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-9400.
| Feature | Core i7-10710U | Core i5-9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 6 |
| Boost Clock | 4.7 GHz+15% | 4.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.1 GHz | 2.9 GHz+164% |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total)+33% | 9 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Comet Lake-U (2019−2020) | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 9,240 | 9,372+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-10710U uses the FCBGA1528 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-9400 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR3-2133 on the Core i7-10710U versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-9400 — the Core i5-9400 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-9400 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i7-10710U | Core i5-9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1528 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | LPDDR3-2133 | DDR4-2666+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 128 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics (Core i7-10710U) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i5-9400) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-10710U targets Mobile, Core i5-9400 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i7-10710U | Core i5-9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Mobile | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-10710U launched at $415 MSRP, while the Core i5-9400 debuted at $192.
| Feature | Core i7-10710U | Core i5-9400 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $415 | $192-54% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $85 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2019 |
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