Core i7-3930K vs Core i5-9400T
Core i7-3930K
Core i5-9400T
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 i7-3930K is positioned at rank #917 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 i7-3930K
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-9400T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3930K | Core i5-9400T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) | ✅ More affordable ($60) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3930K | Core i5-9400T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+149%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) | ✅ More affordable ($60) |
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 i7-3930K and Core i5-9400T
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.
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.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3930K packs 6 cores / 12 threads, matching the Core i5-9400T's 6 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3930K versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-9400T — a 11.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-3930K (base: 3.2 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i7-3930K uses the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-9400T uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3930K scores 8,204 against the Core i5-9400T's 8,180 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-3930K. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-3930K vs 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-9400T.
| Feature | Core i7-3930K | Core i5-9400T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 6 |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz+12% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+78% | 1.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total)+33% | 9 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 8,204 | 8,180 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 731 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3930K uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-9400T uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3930K versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-9400T — 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: 4 (Core i7-3930K) vs 2 (Core i5-9400T). PCIe lanes: 40 (Core i7-3930K) vs 16 (Core i5-9400T) — the Core i7-3930K offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i7-3930K | Core i5-9400T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR4-2666+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 128 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40+150% | 16 |
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, EPT (Core i7-3930K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-9400T). The Core i5-9400T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-3930K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3930K targets HEDT Desktop, Core i5-9400T targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3930K rivals FX-8350.
| Feature | Core i7-3930K | Core i5-9400T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | HEDT Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-3930K launched at $583 MSRP, while the Core i5-9400T debuted at $182. At current prices ($150 vs $60), the Core i5-9400T is $90 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3930K delivers 54.7 pts/$ vs 136.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-9400T — making the Core i5-9400T the 85.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-3930K | Core i5-9400T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $583 | $182-69% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $150 | $60-60% |
| Performance per Dollar | 54.7 | 136.3+149% |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2019 |
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