Core i7-4930K vs Core i5-9400
Core i7-4930K
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 i7-4930K is positioned at rank #919 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 i7-4930K
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-9400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-4930K | Core i5-9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) | ✅ More affordable ($85) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge-E (2013) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-4930K | Core i5-9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+18%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) | ✅ 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 i7-4930K and Core i5-9400
Core i7-4930K
The Core i7-4930K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 9,379 points. Launch price was $670.
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 i7-4930K packs 6 cores / 12 threads, matching the Core i5-9400's 6 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4930K versus 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-9400 — a 5% clock advantage for the Core i5-9400 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i7-4930K uses the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-9400 uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4930K scores 9,379 against the Core i5-9400's 9,372 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-4930K. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-4930K vs 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-9400.
| Feature | Core i7-4930K | Core i5-9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 6 |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz | 4.1 GHz+5% |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+17% | 2.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total)+33% | 9 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge-E (2013) | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 9,379 | 9,372 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-4930K uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-9400 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-4930K | Core i5-9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-4930K) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-9400). The Core i5-9400 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-4930K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-9400 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i7-4930K | Core i5-9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-4930K launched at $670 MSRP, while the Core i5-9400 debuted at $192. At current prices ($100 vs $85), the Core i5-9400 is $15 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4930K delivers 93.8 pts/$ vs 110.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-9400 — making the Core i5-9400 the 16.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-4930K | Core i5-9400 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $670 | $192-71% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $100 | $85-15% |
| Performance per Dollar | 93.8 | 110.3+18% |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2019 |
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