CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-9400T vs Intel Core i7-8670T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-9400T is a low-power, six-core desktop processor introduced as part of the Coffee Lake Refresh lineup, designed specifically for small form factor (SFF) systems and mini PCs where thermal constraints are strict.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office applications, large spreadsheets, and multitasking without issues.
Handles office tasks and multitasking effortlessly due to 6 cores.
Gaming
Capable of light eSports gaming using integrated graphics, but not suited for AAA titles.
Good for gaming when paired with a discrete GPU, though clock speeds limit high-refresh play.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs, but lacks Hyper-Threading for heavy parallel workloads.
Good for light VMs in a compact form factor.
Efficiency
Outstanding power-to-performance ratio for low-power segments.
Exceptional efficiency, runs very cool and quiet.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Low core clocks limit CPU-based inference
- No AI accelerators
- Relies on CPU cores
Content Creation
Gaming
- UHD 630 handles older or lightweight games well
- Pairs best with discrete GPUs for 1080p gaming
- Not ideal for high-refresh-rate AAA gaming
- Needs a discrete GPU for serious gaming
- Lower base clock may bottleneck fast GPUs
- Great for SFF gaming builds
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- 6 physical cores for multitasking
- Integrated UHD Graphics 630
- Runs exceptionally cool
- Quiet operation potential
Cons
- Low base clock of 1.8 GHz
- No Hyper-Threading
- Locked multiplier
- End-of-life platform
- Limited upgrade path
Pros
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- Six cores for multitasking
- Quiet operation capability
- Good integrated graphics for media
Cons
- Lower clock speeds
- Locked multiplier
- Harder to find on the used market
- Not ideal for heavy workloads
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-9400T
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600ERival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8500TRival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GERival
Low Power Desktop
Better raw performance if power constraints are not a strict issue.
Compare head-to-headSlightly higher clocks within the same 35W envelope.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i3-9100Alt
Cheaper alternative for basic office needs.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GAlt
Significantly better integrated graphics performance.
- Intel Core i5-10400TAlt
Newer generation with Hyper-Threading support.
Intel Core i7-8670T
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600ERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8500TRival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-9400TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GEAlt
Newer, faster, and more efficient.
- Intel Core i5-10400TAlt
Cheaper 10th gen alternative with similar performance.
- Intel Core i7-9700TAlt
Successor with slightly better clocks.
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600GAlt
Better integrated graphics and multi-threading.
Our Verdict on Each
An efficient 6-core chip that trades raw clock speed for a strict 35W thermal envelope, making it perfect for compact systems but less ideal for heavy workloads.
Best for: Building or upgrading a low-power, small form factor system where a 35W TDP is strictly required.
Read the full reviewAn excellent choice for compact builds, offering six cores within a strict 35W TDP for silent operation and solid productivity performance.
Best for: Building a near-silent Mini-ITX PC for the living room or office.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-9400T or Intel Core i7-8670T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8670T 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 i5-9400T or Intel Core i7-8670T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8670T leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Intel Core i5-9400T and Intel Core i7-8670T.
Do Intel Core i5-9400T and Intel Core i7-8670T use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket 1151 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8670T posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-8670T (12,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.