The Intel Core i5-9400F CPU was first released on January 8, 2019. It is classified as an entry-level CPU. In this article, we will examine its specifications and conduct in-depth tests. This processor delivers good overall performance and can be used for office tasks, gaming, and even for running demanding applications. At launch, this CPU had a suggested retail price (MSRP) of $144. Its current price is $160 online, particularly on Amazon, which generally offers a more attractive price.
Introducing the Intel Core i5-9400F processor
Intel Core i5-9400F processor is based on the Coffee Lake . It is the 9th generation of Core processors. It was initially designed by Intel for desktop computers. This processor is multi-core and multi-threaded. It has 6 cores and 6 threads . It does not include a dedicated graphics card. Regarding the manufacturing process, the Intel Core i5-9400F CPU was manufactured using a 14-nanometer . In normal operation, the CPU runs at 2.9 GHz. In boost clock mode, the Intel Core i5-9400F reaches a maximum operating frequency of 4.1 GHz. Its dimensions are 149 mm² . This processor measures 11.68 x 7.11 x 10.15 cm and weighs 59 grams. As for power consumption, it has a TDP of 65 Watts . For comparison, the Xeon Platinum 9282 processor consumes 400 watts. With these specifications, in addition to office use, this Intel Core i5-9400F processor can be used for gaming and running demanding applications. If paired with a powerful graphics card, your PC will perform even better.
Advanced features of the Intel Core i5-9400F processor
The Intel Core i5-9400F processor connects to the motherboard via the FCLGA1151 socket. It can operate in a case with a maximum temperature of 72°C (TCase). The core can withstand 100°C. For comparison, the Atom x7-E3950 processor core can withstand 110°C. The Intel Core i5-9400F CPU is compatible with DDR4-2666 memory, which can have a maximum capacity of 128 GB across two channels. The memory bandwidth is approximately 41.6 Gbps. This processor has 384 KB of Level 1 (L1) cache . The Intel Core i5-9400F CPU has 1.5 MB of Level 2 (L2) cache and 9 MB of Level 3 ( L3) cache. This processor supports Turbo Boost 2.0 , which allows for dynamic management of the processor's frequency. It can increase the operating frequency when needed if there are usable thermal and electrical margins. It can also adjust the operating frequency downwards for better energy efficiency if no particularly demanding processes are underway.
This CPU integrates Yes with Intel® ME (SGX) system security technology. It also features Intel Virtualization VT-x/VT-d . This virtualization technology allows a physical resource to be divided into multiple virtual elements. As a result, virtual servers or PCs are clustered. This allows certain operations to be isolated, thus limiting productivity losses related to a general service interruption. Input/output devices are supported (VT-d) for improved efficiency of the virtualized elements. Furthermore, page table extensions enable acceleration for memory-intensive applications. Supported instruction sets include AVX 2.0, SSE 4.1, and SSE 4.2. This processor supports 64-bit architecture. With this new architecture, 64-bit calculations are possible, thus exceeding the 4 GB memory addressing limit. Mathematically speaking, with 32 bits, addressing is limited to 2^32 (2 ^32 ) = 4 GB. Therefore, with a 64-bit architecture, your machine will be able to support more than 4 GB of memory. The maximum limit with this 64-bit architecture would be 18 million TB.
Regarding supported peripherals, the CPU is compatible with PCIe 3.0 with 16 lanes, SATA-3, USB 3.1, M.2, HDMI, DisplayPort, and many others. Intel integrates Optane memory located between system memory and storage. This allows the system to be more responsive and perform better. Intel provides Intel Rapid Storage technology, which acts as an interface between memory and storage. A virtual Optane memory drive is available for the system to store frequently used data.
Benchmarking of the Intel Core i5-9400F processor
Compared to the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX, the leading CPU in the gaming market, the Intel Core i5-9400F CPU doesn't perform well, scoring only 10.81%. In overall performance rankings, this processor occupies 381st place . In terms of value for money, on a scale of 0 to 100, the Intel Core i5-9400F CPU scores 0.43.
When comparing the Intel Core i5-9400F with CPUs of similar performance, it outperforms the Core i5-9400 (99.54%), the Core i5-8500 (99.07%), and the Ryzen 5 PRO 3400G (98.98%). However, it performs less well than the Core i5-8600 (102.87%), the Core i7-5820K (102.04%), and the Core i7-7700K (101.30%).
Let's compare processors with similar MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) using 3DMark. Our Intel Core i5-9400F processor has a 3DMark score of 5195. It performs less well than the following processors. The AMD Ryzen 5 3600, which launched at $199, achieves a 3DMark score of 7040; the Intel Core i7-8700K processor, initially sold at $359, has a 3DMark score of 7912; the Intel Core i7-9700K processor, with an MSRP of $374, achieves a score of 8063; the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X CPU achieves a 3DMark score of 9673 with its launch price of $329; and the Intel Core i9-9900K processor, launched at $488, achieves a 3DMark score of 10958. and finally the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X with an MSRP price of $499 has a 3DMark score of 12213.
However, when comparing the Intel Core i5-9400F CPU to CPUs with similar 3DMark scores, our Intel Core i5-9400F outperforms the Intel Core i5-8400 Processor (3DMark score 5079) and the Intel Core i5-9400 Processor (3DMark score 5145). It performs less well than the Intel Core i7-7700K Processor (3DMark score 5354) and the Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition Processor (3DMark score 5281)
In short, the Core i5-9400F processor delivers good performance thanks in part to SMT virtual multithreading. This processor can be used for office work, gaming, or processing fairly large files. Although it's an entry-level CPU, this 9th-generation processor allows for a powerful, efficient, and energy-saving PC. The Intel Core i5-9400F CPU is available online, notably on Amazon, for around $160.
