Comparison between Intel Core i5-9400 and Intel Core i5-9600K
Both CPUs are manufactured by Intel.
Intel Core i5-9600K has a higher base speed of 3.7 GHz compared to Intel Core i5-9400's 2.9 GHz.
Intel Core i5-9600K has a higher turbo speed of 4.6 GHz compared to Intel Core i5-9400's 4.1 GHz.
Both CPUs have the same number of cores (6).
Both CPUs support the same number of threads (6).
Both CPUs belong to the same class: Desktop.
Both CPUs use the same socket type: FCLGA1151-2.
Intel Core i5-9400 was launched in Q1 2019, while Intel Core i5-9600K was launched in Q4 2018.
Both CPUs have the same L3 cache size of 9 MB.
Specification Summary
The Intel Core i5-9400 and Intel Core i5-9600K are two processors with distinct specifications. Below is a detailed comparison of their key features:
Manufacturer: Both processors are manufactured by Intel.
Speed: The Intel Core i5-9400 has a base speed of 2.9 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-9600K runs at 3.7 GHz.
Turbo Boost: The Intel Core i5-9400 supports a turbo speed of 4.1 GHz, compared to 4.6 GHz for the Intel Core i5-9600K.
Cores: The Intel Core i5-9400 has 6 cores, while the Intel Core i5-9600K has 6 cores.
Threads: The Intel Core i5-9400 supports 6 threads, compared to 6 threads for the Intel Core i5-9600K.
Class: Both processors are designed for Desktop use.
Socket: The Intel Core i5-9400 uses the FCLGA1151-2, while the Intel Core i5-9600K uses the FCLGA1151-2.
Launch Date: The Intel Core i5-9400 was launched on Q1 2019, while the Intel Core i5-9600K was released on Q4 2018.
L3 Cache: The Intel Core i5-9400 has 9 MB of L3 cache, compared to 9 MB for the Intel Core i5-9600K.
Detailed Specifications:
Specs
Intel Core i5-9400
Intel Core i5-9600K
Manufacturer
Intel
Intel
Speed
2.9 GHz
3.7 GHz
Turbo
4.1 GHz
4.6 GHz
Cores
6
6
Threads
6
6
Class
Desktop
Desktop
Socket
FCLGA1151-2
FCLGA1151-2
Launched
Q1 2019
Q4 2018
L3 Cache
9 MB
9 MB
Review:
Single Core Performance:
CPU Performance in single-threaded applications
Intel Core i5-9400:
40%
Intel Core i5-9600K:
45%
* More is Better
Multi Core Performance:
CPU Performance in multi-threaded applications
Intel Core i5-9400
13%
Intel Core i5-9600K:
15%
* More is Better
Power Efficiency:
Power Consumption of CPU under full load
Intel Core i5-9400: 65 watts
16.25%
Intel Core i5-9600K: 95 watts
23.75%
* Lower is Better
Launched Date:
Time when the CPU was launched
Intel Core i5-9400 : Q1 2019 ✅
Intel Core i5-9600K : Q4 2018 ✅
* Newer is Better
CPU Launch FINAL SCORE:
CPU Final Rating Ratings
Intel Core i5-9400
Intel Core i5-9600K
Pro's and Con's
Intel Core i5-9400 – Pros and Cons
Pros:
Higher CPU Mark Score: The Intel Core i5-9400 has a higher CPU Mark score of 89.77 compared to the Intel Core i5-9600K's 75.06. This indicates better overall performance across a wide range of tasks.
Cons:
Lower Multi-Core Performance: In multi-threaded tasks, the Intel Core i5-9400 scores 9373, which is lower than the Intel Core i5-9600K's score of 10659. This makes the Intel Core i5-9600K a better choice for heavy multitasking or parallel processing.
Intel Core i5-9600K – Pros and Cons
Pros:
Newer Release: The Intel Core i5-9600K was launched more recently (Q4 2018) compared to the Intel Core i5-9400 (Q1 2019). This means it benefits from the latest advancements in technology, improved efficiency, and potentially better software optimization.
Higher Base Clock Speed: The Intel Core i5-9600K has a higher base clock speed of 3.7 GHz compared to the Intel Core i5-9400's 2.9 GHz. This results in better performance for single-threaded tasks and general responsiveness.
Higher Turbo Boost Speed: The Intel Core i5-9600K supports a higher turbo boost speed of 4.6 GHz compared to the Intel Core i5-9400's 4.1 GHz. This allows for better performance during peak workloads.
Faster Single-Core Performance: With a single-threaded performance score of 2736, the Intel Core i5-9600K outperforms the Intel Core i5-9400 (score: 2435). This makes it better suited for tasks that rely on single-core performance, such as gaming or everyday productivity.
Cons:
Higher Power Consumption: The Intel Core i5-9600K has a higher TDP of 95W compared to the Intel Core i5-9400's 65W. This means it may consume more power, leading to higher energy costs and potentially more heat generation, which could require better cooling solutions.
Productivity
Intel Core i5-9400
This cpu Handles Entry Level level office applications, web browsing, and media playback with ease.
It can also be used for Entry Level level multitasking or CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.
Intel Core i5-9600K
This cpu Handles Entry Level level office applications, web browsing, and media playback with ease.
It can also be used for Entry Level level multitasking or CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.
Gaming
Intel Core i5-9400
Ideal for Entry Level level gaming (when paired with a dedicated GPU) and Entry Level level computing.
Intel Core i5-9600K
Ideal for Entry Level level gaming (when paired with a dedicated GPU) and Entry Level level computing.
Verdict
Intel Core i5-9400
The Intel Core i5-9400 is a reliable and Entry Level processor for your PC builds. It delivers excellent value for users with Entry Level computing needs or those building a New PC.
Intel Core i5-9600K
The Intel Core i5-9600K is a reliable and Entry Level processor for your PC builds. It delivers excellent value for users with Entry Level computing needs or those building a New PC.
