CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-10400 vs Intel Core i5-9400
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-10400 is a 6-core, 12-thread desktop processor built on the 14nm Comet Lake architecture, offering solid mainstream performance with integrated UHD 630 graphics.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles everyday productivity and multitasking without issues.
Handles office tasks and moderate programming workloads efficiently.
Gaming
Capable of smooth 1080p gaming when paired with a mid-range GPU.
Capable of smooth 1080p gaming when paired with a mid-range discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Suitable for basic virtualization needs with 12 threads.
Good for basic VMs, but 6 threads limit heavy parallel virtualization.
Efficiency
Power consumption is reasonable, though the 14nm process is less efficient than newer nodes.
Balanced performance within a standard 65W power envelope.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Relies on CPU-based AVX2 instructions for inference
- No AI-specific hardware
- CPU inference is slow due to lack of threads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Excellent 1080p performance
- Slightly limited by 2666 MT/s memory speed
- Best paired with GTX 1660 or RTX 3060 class GPUs
- Excellent for budget gaming builds
- Handles eSports titles flawlessly
- May bottleneck high-end modern GPUs at 1080p
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- Includes integrated graphics
- Low 65W base TDP
- Wide motherboard compatibility
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- 14nm process runs warmer under load
- Limited to PCIe 3.0
- Memory speed capped at 2666 MT/s natively
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio historically
- Strong single-core speeds for gaming
- Includes integrated UHD Graphics 630
- Standard 65W TDP is easy to cool
- Wide compatibility with 300-series motherboards
Cons
- No Hyper-Threading (only 6 threads)
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
- End-of-life platform (LGA 1151)
- Officially limited to DDR4-2666
- Not supported by Windows 11 officially
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-10400
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Rival
Budget Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10400FRival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-9400Rival
Budget Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 3300XRival
Budget Desktop
- Intel Core i5-11400Alt
Offers better IPC and faster memory support.
A cheaper alternative for purely budget gaming.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Significantly faster single-core and gaming performance.
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
Newer platform with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support.
Intel Core i5-9400
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8400Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-9400FRival
Mainstream Desktop
- Intel Core i7-7700Rival
Mainstream Desktop
Offers Hyper-Threading and slightly better performance for a similar price.
Compare head-to-headNewer platform with 8 threads and similar gaming performance.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A highly cost-effective 6-core CPU that delivers excellent value for 1080p gaming and general computing, despite its locked multiplier and older 14nm process.
Best for: The Intel Core i5-10400 is highly recommended for users building a budget to mid-range 1080p gaming PC or a general-purpose home/office computer. Its 6-core, 12-thread configuration provides excellent longevity for everyday tasks, light content creation, and modern gaming when paired with a mid-range GPU like an RTX 3060 or RX 6600. The inclusion of UHD 630 graphics means the system is functional even if a discrete GPU fails or is delayed in purchase. Because it is a locked processor, there is no need to invest in expensive Z-series motherboards or high-end cooling; a simple B460 board and the stock cooler are sufficient. This makes it an ideal choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize stability, reliability, and maximum value over enthusiast-level tweaking or extreme frame rates.
Read the full reviewA highly popular, cost-effective 6-core processor that delivers excellent value for mainstream users, though lacking Hyper-Threading limits its heavy multitasking ceiling.
Best for: Upgrading an older LGA 1151 system on a budget, or building an office/HTPC machine.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-10400 or Intel Core i5-9400?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-10400 leads with a gaming performance score of 80/100 among Intel Core i5-10400 and Intel Core i5-9400.
Do Intel Core i5-10400 and Intel Core i5-9400 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-10400: LGA 1200, Intel Core i5-9400: Intel Socket 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-10400 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-10400 (14,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.