Intel Core i5-9400F vs AMD Ryzen 9 7900

The Intel Core i5-9400F is a six-core desktop processor based on the Coffee Lake architecture introduced in October 2018 along with the flagship Intel Core i9-9900K. The processor clocks at 2.9-4.1 GHz and can process up to 6 threads simultaneously. The Intel Core i5-9400F is manufactured in the improved 14-nm process (14nm++).

Performance

Compared to the Intel Core i5-8400, the performance could only be increased slightly. Performance increases of up to 10 percent can be expected. Both processors (old and new) still do not offer hyperthreading. The performance increase therefore only adds up to small architecture improvements and a slightly higher basic and turbo clock rate. This CPU is suitable for everyday office use, which does not require large coolers due to the low waste heat. But games are also among the application areas, because in games the Intel Core i5-9400F clearly beats the Intel Core i3-9100F. Here the six cores are paying off in the meantime. 

Graphics unit

The Intel Core i5-9400F is a processor without integrated graphics unit. If you value an iGPU, you should take a closer look at the Intel Core i5-9400, as it offers the entry level Intel UHD Graphics 630.

Power consumption

Intel puts the Thermal Design Power (TDP) at 65 watts. This means there is no need for large cooling systems, which also allows installation in very compact housings.

The AMD Ryzen 9 79 00 is a high-end desktop processorfrom the Raphael series with 12 cores and hyperthreading (SMT), which means it can process up to 24 threads simultaneously. Launched in early 2023, the Ryzen 9 7900 is the fastest 12-core processor with 65 watts TDP.

The Ryzen 9 7900 clocks at 3.7 GHz base clock and reaches up to 5.4 GHz on one core in Turbo mode. This is also the difference to the higher clocked Ryzen 9 7900X.

At first glance, the internal structure of the processor has not changed fundamentally. The AMD Ryzen 9 7900 is still based on the chiplet design consisting of two CCD clusters, each containing a CCX with 8 cores. However, the manufacturing process has been scaled down to 5 nm, which ensures higher clock rates. There is also the IO die, which contains the memory controller and the iGPU, among other things. This is now manufactured in a 6 nm structure width.

The AMD Ryzen 9 7900 can impress in games thanks to the significantly improved IPC.