CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-8400T vs Core i7-9700T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-8400T is a low-power desktop processor belonging to the 8th generation Coffee Lake family. Released in April 2018, it is built on the 14nm process and features 6 cores and 6 threads. Unlike the standard i5-8400, the 'T' suffix denotes a reduced 35W TDP, making it ideal for small form factor (SFF) PCs and home theater setups. The base clock is set at 1.7 GHz, with a maximum turbo boost of 3.3 GHz. It includes 9 MB of Intel Smart Cache and supports dual-channel DDR4 memory up to 2666 MT/s. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 handles basic display tasks. With 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes, it provides adequate expansion options. The i5-8400T is compatible with LGA 1151 sockets, though it requires 300-series chipsets for official support, offering a balance of efficiency and multi-core capability.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
6 cores handle office tasks easily, though single-core is slower.
Gaming
Can handle light gaming, but low clocks limit high-refresh gaming.
Virtualization
Good for 1-2 VMs, but lacks hyper-threading.
Efficiency
Outstanding efficiency with a 35W TDP.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware.
- Low clocks make inference slow.
No data
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
- Low base clock can cause stuttering in CPU-bound games.
- UHD 630 is only good for very light titles.
- Best paired with a low-end discrete GPU if gaming.
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Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- 6 cores for parallel tasks
- Runs very cool
- Good for small form factor builds
Cons
- Low base and boost clocks
- Locked multiplier
- No Hyper-Threading
- End-of-life platform
Pros
- Very low 35W TDP
- 8 physical cores
- Quiet operation capability
- Includes UHD 630 graphics
Cons
- Low base clock of 2.0 GHz
- Locked multiplier
- Harder to find on the retail market
- No Hyper-Threading
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-8400T
- AMD Ryzen 5 2400GERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8400Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600ERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-7400TRival
Previous Gen Low Power
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200GERival
Budget Low Power
Slightly faster clocks, same TDP.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GEAlt
Better integrated graphics.
Much faster modern architecture.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GEAlt
Better efficiency and performance.
Slightly higher clocks if buying used.
Compare head-to-head
Core i7-9700T
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700ERival
Low-Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 2700GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-9500TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- Intel Core i7-9700EAlt
Slightly higher 65W TDP for better sustained clocks.
Standard 65W version with higher base clock.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 3700EAlt
Newer low-power alternative with SMT.
More budget-friendly low-power option.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-10700TAlt
Next-gen 10-core low-power option.
Our Verdict on Each
A highly efficient 6-core processor perfect for compact builds, though its low clock speeds limit performance compared to the standard 8400.
Best for: Building a quiet home server or retro gaming rig on a budget.
Read the full reviewAn excellent choice for compact systems needing 8-core efficiency without the heat of standard desktop processors.
Best for: Building a quiet small form factor PC
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-8400T or Core i7-9700T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-9700T comes out ahead with a score of 8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-8400T or Core i7-9700T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-8400T leads with a gaming performance score of 50/100 among Intel Core i5-8400T and Core i7-9700T.
Do Intel Core i5-8400T and Core i7-9700T use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1151 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Core i7-9700T has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-8400T (6 cores), Core i7-9700T (8 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-8400T posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-8400T (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.