The Intel Core i5 processor family has long been a favorite among PC enthusiasts for its balance of performance, power consumption, and price. Two popular models from the recent i5 releases are the i5-9400F and the i5-10400F. In this guide, we’ll compare these two processors and help you decide which one is right for your needs.
i5-9400F vs i5-10400F: Overview
The i5-9400F and the i5-10400F are both mid-range processors from Intel’s 9th and 10th generations, respectively. They are both six-core processors with a base clock speed of 2.9 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 4.3 GHz. They both lack integrated graphics, which means you’ll need a dedicated graphics card to use them.
However, there are some key differences between these two processors that may affect your buying decision. Let’s take a closer look.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the i5-10400F is generally considered to be the better performer. It has a higher clock speed and supports Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology, which allows for up to 12 threads to be processed simultaneously. This can result in better performance in multi-threaded applications, such as video editing and 3D rendering.
However, the i5-9400F is no slouch in terms of performance either. It’s still a capable processor for most tasks, including gaming, web browsing, and productivity applications.
Specifications:
The i5 9400F is a 6-core, 6-thread CPU with a base clock speed of 2.9 GHz and a turbo boost frequency of 4.1 GHz. It has a TDP of 65 watts, supports up to 128GB of DDR4 RAM, and has integrated UHD 630 graphics.
The i5 10400F, on the other hand, is a 6-core, 12-thread CPU with a base clock speed of 2.9 GHz and a turbo boost frequency of 4.3 GHz. It has a TDP of 65 watts, supports up to 128GB of DDR4 RAM, and has integrated UHD 630 graphics.
Power Consumption
One of the biggest differences between these two processors is their power consumption. The i5-10400F has a higher TDP (thermal design power) of 65 watts, compared to the i5-9400F’s 65 watts. This means that the i5-10400F may consume more power and generate more heat than the i5-9400F.
However, both processors are still relatively power-efficient and should not require an expensive cooling solution.
Price
Another important factor to consider is price. The i5-9400F is generally a more affordable option than the i5-10400F. The i5-9400F is priced at around $150, while the i5-10400F is priced at around $180. However, prices may vary depending on availability and location.
If you’re on a budget, the i5-9400F may be the better option. However, if you have a little more wiggle room in your budget, the i5-10400F’s better performance may be worth the extra cost.
Conclusion
Both the i5-9400F and the i5-10400F are capable processors that can handle most tasks. However, if you’re looking for better performance and have a little more money to spend, the i5-10400F is the better option. If you’re on a tight budget and still need good performance, the i5-9400F is a solid choice.
Ultimately, the best processor for you depends on your specific needs and budget. Be sure to consider factors such as performance, power consumption, and price when making your decision.
