CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-2390T vs Intel Core i5-2400S
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-2390T is a low-power dual-core processor from the Sandy Bridge generation, featuring Hyper-Threading to handle four threads simultaneously. With a thermal design power of just 35 watts, it was designed specifically for compact desktops and all-in-one PCs where cooling space and power delivery are strictly limited. Despite its small power footprint, it operates at a respectable 2.7 GHz base frequency and can turbo boost up to 3.5 GHz under load. It includes the Intel HD 2000 integrated graphics, providing basic display output without the need for a dedicated graphics card. This chip represents a unique era in computing when dual-core i5s were still prevalent in the market, serving users who needed hyper-threading capabilities and modern instruction sets like AVX without the heat output of a quad-core chip.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Extremely slow for modern office suites and web applications.
Handles basic office tasks but struggles with heavy spreadsheets or modern web apps.
Gaming
Cannot handle any modern 3D games.
Cannot handle modern AAA games, even at lowest settings.
Virtualization
Can run a single light VM, but severely bottlenecked.
Can run a basic NAS OS or light VM, but limited by 4 threads.
Efficiency
Excellent power efficiency for its era, drawing very little power.
Good power-to-core ratio for the 32nm era.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Lacks AVX-512 or modern matrix extensions
- No AI hardware capabilities
- Too slow for practical machine learning inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Lacks modern instruction sets required by current game engines
- HD 2000 graphics cannot run modern APIs like DirectX 12
- Only playable with very old 2D or pre-2010 3D games
- HD 2000 graphics lack driver support for modern titles
- Even with a discrete GPU, CPU bottlenecks severely
- Playable only in legacy esports like CS 1.6
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Very low 35W power consumption
- Hyper-Threading support
- Includes basic integrated graphics
Cons
- Only 2 physical cores
- Reduced 3 MB L3 cache
- No AVX2 support
- Cannot run Windows 11
- Obsolete for modern tasks
Pros
- True quad-core CPU
- Low 65W power draw
- Cool and quiet operation
- Full 6 MB L3 cache
Cons
- No Hyper-Threading
- Low clock speeds
- Outdated HD 2000 graphics
- Not Windows 11 compatible
- Locked multiplier
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-2390T
- AMD Phenom II X4 840Rival
Desktop
- AMD Athlon II X4 645Rival
Desktop
- AMD A8-3850Rival
Desktop APU
- Intel Core i3-2120Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-650Rival
Desktop
Much better performance, though higher power draw.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i3-2100TAlt
Lower cost, similar power envelope.
- AMD A6-3650Alt
Better integrated graphics performance.
- Intel Core i7-2600TAlt
More threads within the same 65W power envelope.
- Intel Pentium G860Alt
Budget alternative if hyperthreading is not needed.
Intel Core i5-2400S
- AMD Phenom II X4 960TRival
Desktop
- AMD FX-4100Rival
Desktop
- AMD A8-3800Rival
Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2390TRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i3-2125Rival
Desktop
Standard power, faster clocks for tower PCs.
Compare head-to-headSame power, better integrated graphics.
Compare head-to-head- AMD FX-4300Alt
Slightly newer platform with more upgrade paths.
- Intel Core i7-2600SAlt
Same 65W TDP but adds Hyper-Threading.
- Intel Xeon E3-1235Alt
Similar specs with better graphics, though 80W TDP.
Our Verdict on Each
An obsolete low-power processor suitable only for keeping legacy slim-profile desktops functional.
Best for: Repairing a broken 2011 all-in-one PC
Read the full reviewA power-efficient quad-core chip that is now strictly relegated to keeping legacy small form factor office PCs operational.
Best for: Direct replacement for a failed CPU in a Dell Optiplex SFF
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-2390T or Intel Core i5-2400S?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-2400S comes out ahead with a score of 4.5/10. 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 i5-2390T or Intel Core i5-2400S?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-2400S leads with a gaming performance score of 15/100 among Intel Core i5-2390T and Intel Core i5-2400S.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-2390T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-2390T (35 W), Intel Core i5-2400S (65 W).
Do Intel Core i5-2390T and Intel Core i5-2400S use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1155 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-2400S has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-2390T (2 cores), Intel Core i5-2400S (4 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-2400S posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-2390T (1,200), Intel Core i5-2400S (2,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.