Skip to main content
Intel Core i5-9400 Desktop Processor (I5-9400)
Intel

Intel Core i5-9400 Desktop Processor (I5-9400)

Bottom line: The Intel Core i5-9400 Desktop Processor ($171.21 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 04:31 UTC): Six physical cores at 65 W TDP - low heat and power for compact builds; main trade-off: 6 threads only - no Hyper-Threading, so heavy renders lag 6C/12T chips.

$171.21

As an Amazon Associate, SpecPicks earns from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure →

Buy on Amazon — $171.21 Compare to similar processors

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014, focused on GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. Synthesises community benchmarks, manufacturer specs, and public forum data into actionable buying guides.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Six physical cores at 65 W TDP - low heat and power for compact builds
  • ✓ 4.1 GHz Max Turbo from a 2.9 GHz base keeps gaming frame pacing steady
  • ✓ 9 MB Intel Smart Cache helps multitasking and background-app workloads
  • ✓ Intel Optane Memory support accelerates hard-drive-based storage setups

Cons

  • ✗ 6 threads only - no Hyper-Threading, so heavy renders lag 6C/12T chips
  • ✗ Discrete GPU required per this listing - no display output on its own
  • ✗ LGA 1151 and Intel 300 Series chipsets only - no upgrade path forward
  • ✗ Memory capped at DDR4-2666, limiting bandwidth to 41.6 GB/s

Manufacturer description

The Intel Core i5-9400 is a 6-core, 6-thread Coffee Lake desktop processor built on Intel's 14 nm process, and it remains one of the most practical drop-in upgrades for an LGA 1151 board. It runs a 2.9 GHz base clock and boosts to 4.1 GHz Max Turbo, backed by 9 MB of Intel Smart Cache and a 65 W TDP that keeps thermals and power draw modest enough for the bundled cooler and small-form-factor cases. Six true cores give you enough headroom for 1080p gaming paired with a discrete card, plus everyday multitasking, streaming playback, and light content work. Memory support tops out at DDR4-2666…

Related Products

Other products in this category you may like:

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Intel Core i5-9400 Desktop Processor using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the processors category. Intel's processors lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for processors of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What motherboard do I need for the Intel Core i5-9400?

You need an LGA 1151 socket motherboard based on an Intel 300 Series chipset. The manufacturer part number is BX80684I59400. Older 100 or 200 Series boards are not compatible with this processor.

Does the i5-9400 have integrated graphics?

This listing states a discrete GPU is required and that there are no integrated graphics, so plan to pair it with a dedicated graphics card. The underlying Coffee Lake specification lists Intel UHD Graphics 630 at 350 MHz base and 1.05 GHz max dynamic frequency, so confirm the exact SKU on the product listing before you buy.

How many cores and threads does the i5-9400 have?

Six cores and six threads. There is no Hyper-Threading on this chip, so thread count matches core count, which is the main difference versus the i7 parts of the same generation.

Is the i5-9400 good enough for 1080p gaming?

Six cores clocking up to 4.1 GHz Max Turbo covers mainstream 1080p gaming when paired with a discrete GPU. Frame rates in any specific title depend on your graphics card, so check benchmarks for your intended GPU pairing.

What RAM does the Intel Core i5-9400 support?

DDR4-2666 memory, with a maximum memory bandwidth of 41.6 GB/s. Faster kits will run at the 2666 MHz rated speed, and the chip is not unlocked for overclocking, so there is no gain from higher-rated modules.

Key Features

  • 6 Cores/ 6 Threads
  • 2. 90 GHz up to 4. 10 GHz Max Turbo Frequency/ 9 MB Cache
  • Compatible only with Motherboards based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets
  • Discrete GPU required - No integrated graphics
  • Intel Optane Memory Supported

Full Specifications

BrandIntel
TurboYes
Wattage65
PlatformWindows 10
CPU ModelCore i5
CPU Speed2.9 GHz
CPU SocketLGA 1151
Model NumberBX80684I59400
Built-In MediaIntel Stock CPU Cooler, Processor
Item Type NameIntel Core i5-9400 Desktop Processor 6 Cores 2. 90 GHz up to 4. 10 GHz Turbo LGA1151 300 Series 65W
Mfr Part Number984507
Processor BrandIntel
Processor Count6
Processor Speed2.9 GHz
Secondary Cache9 MB
CPU ManufacturerIntel
Processor SeriesCore i5
Processor SocketLGA 1151
Processor Core Count6
Warranty Description3-year Limited Warranty

Ready to buy?

Intel Core i5-9400 Desktop Processor (I5-9400) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $171.21

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.

Related Processors

Keep exploring SpecPicks

Other buying guides

Browse the catalog

Editorial

More guides & deep dives from the SpecPicks archive

Browse all articles & guides →

More reviews from the SpecPicks archive

Browse all reviews →

Earliest SpecPicks reviews

Browse full archive →
Intel Core i5-9400 Desktop Processor (I5-9400)
$171.21
View on Amazon →