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.

Overview

The Core i5-9400H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-H (2018−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,794 points. Launch price was $149.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-9400H is positioned at rank #421 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-9400H

#409

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

565%

#410

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

556%

#411

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

511%

#412

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

508%

#413

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

504%

#415

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

487%

#416

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

467%

#417

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

466%

#418

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

453%

#421

Core i5-9400H

MSRP: $182|Avg: N/A

100%

#426

Celeron 2981U

MSRP: $137|Avg: N/A

100%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-9400H across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-9400H specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-9400H is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Coffee Lake-H (2018−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.3 GHz from a base frequency of 2.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 8 MB of L3 cache, plus 1 MB of L2 cache and 256 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 7,794, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,341.

Specification	Core i5-9400H
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Coffee Lake-H (2018−2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	8 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	1 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	256 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	126 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	7,794
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,341

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-9400H fits into the BGA1440 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2666 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 128 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: UHD Graphics 630 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i5-9400H
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i5
SocketMotherboard socket required	BGA1440
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2666
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	128 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	UHD Graphics 630
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	HM370,QM370
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

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Advanced Features

The Core i5-9400H is primarily designed for High Performance Laptop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Ryzen 5 4600H.

Specification	Core i5-9400H
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	High Performance Laptop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Ryzen 5 4600H

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-9400H has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: None.

Specification	Core i5-9400H
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	45 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	None

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $182, the Core i5-9400H delivers 43 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #421 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1475 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-9400H
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$182
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$149
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#421
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1475
Release DateLaunch date	23 April 2019 (6 years ago)
Release Year	2019
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel