Intel Core i5-9400F vs Intel Core i7-8700K vs Intel Core i9-9900K
Intel Core i5-9400F
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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.
Intel Core i7-8700K
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The Intel Core i7-8700K is a high-end desktop processor with six cores based on the Coffee Lake architecture and was announced in September 2017. The processor clocks at between 3.7 and 4.7 GHz and can execute up to twelve threads simultaneously thanks to Hyper-Threading. According to Intel, the CPU is manufactured in an improved 14nm (14nm++) process. The i7-8700K is comparatively easy to overclock thanks to the unlocked multiplier.
Performance
Due to the two additional cores, performance has increased by almost 50% compared to the Core i7-7700K when all cores are in use. Single-core performance has not improved since its Kaby Lake predecessor. As a high-end model, the i7-8700K is suitable for the most demanding applications and games.
Graphics
The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 iGPU is supposed to offer higher performance as its clock rate has been increased by 50 MHz. The build is identical to that of the Intel HD Graphics 630. We do expect a performance improvement, but as a low-end solution it will probably only display current games smoothly at reduced details - if at all.
Power Consumption
Intel specifies the TDP with 95 watts. Therefore, well-dimensioned cooling systems should easily manage to deal with the created heat. We expect increased efficiency due to the higher performance.
Intel Core i9-9900K
► remove from comparisonThe Intel Core i9-9900K is a high end desktop processor based on the Coffee Lake architecture. At the time of announcement in late 2018, the 9900K is the fastest Coffee Lake CPU and offers an open multiplicator for easy overclocking. The CPU integrates 8 cores (16 threads) clocked at 3.6 - 5 GHz and it needs a new Z390 based mainboard.
Thanks to the two additional cores, the performance in multi-threaded applications is up to 25 % faster than the older Core i7-8700K. The single thread performance is only slightly faster due to the higher clock speeds. As a high end desktop CPU, the i9-9900K is suited even for very demanding applications and perfect for 3D gaming.
The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 graphics card is clocked at up to 1.2 GHz and offers no advantage compared to previous generations. As it is a very low end GPU, only some low demanding games like Hearthstone can be played with it (see GPU page for benchmarks).
Intel specifies the TDP at 95 Watt, so if the CPU is used in laptops a big and chunky cooling system is needed to avoid throttling and lower clock speeds under sustained loads. When overclocking the CPU, the power consumption can easily rise up to 200 Watt and higher.
| Model | Intel Core i5-9400F | Intel Core i7-8700K | Intel Core i9-9900K | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Codename | Coffee Lake-R | Coffee Lake-S | Coffee Lake-R | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series | Intel Coffee Lake | Intel Coffee Lake | Intel Coffee Lake | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series: Coffee Lake Coffee Lake-R |
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| Clock | 2900 - 4100 MHz | 3700 - 4700 MHz | 3600 - 5000 MHz | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| L1 Cache | 384 KB | 384 KB | 512 KB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| L2 Cache | 1.5 MB | 1.5 MB | 2 MB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| L3 Cache | 9 MB | 12 MB | 16 MB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 6 | 6 / 12 | 8 / 16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TDP | 65 Watt | 95 Watt | 95 Watt | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Technology | 14 nm | 14 nm | 14++ nm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Voltage | 100 V | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Die Size | 149 mm2 | 178 mm2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Socket | LGA 1151-2 | FCLGA1151 | FCLGA1151 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Features | Dual-Channel DDR4-2666 Memory Controller, AVX, AVX2, AES-NI, TSX, Quick Sync, Virtualization | Dual-Channel DDR3(L)-1600/DDR4-2666 Memory Controller, HyperThreading, AVX, AVX2, AES-NI, TSX-NI, Quick Sync, Virtualization, vPro | Dual-Channel DDR4-2666 Memory Controller, HyperThreading, AVX, AVX2, AES-NI, TSX-NI, Quick Sync, Virtualization, vPro | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Architecture | x86 | x86 | x86 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $182 U.S. | $359 U.S. | $488 U.S. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Announced | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 630 (350 - 1200 MHz) | Intel UHD Graphics 630 (350 - 1200 MHz) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Manufacturer | ark.intel.com | www.intel.de | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| max. Temp. | 100 °C |
Benchmarks
Average Benchmarks Intel Core i5-9400F → 100% n=35
Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-8700K → 124% n=35
Average Benchmarks Intel Core i9-9900K → 155% n=35
- Average benchmark values for this graphics card* Smaller numbers mean a higher performance
1 This benchmark is not used for the average calculation
