Intel Core i5-9400 9400T 9500 9500T 9600 9600K 2.9 GHz Six-Core Six-Thread CPU 65W 9M Processor LGA 1151

1. Intel Core i5-9400

• Cores/Threads: 6 cores, 6 threads (no Hyper-Threading)

• Clock Speeds: 2.9 GHz base / 4.1 GHz boost

• TDP: 65W

• Cache: 9MB L3

• Graphics: Intel UHD 630 (350 MHz base / 1050 MHz boost)

• Memory Support: DDR4-2666 (dual-channel)

• Key Features:

  • Entry-level 9th Gen i5 with solid 6-core performance

  • Ideal for budget gaming PCs and general productivity

  • Includes stock cooler (Intel Laminar RM1)

  • 14nm++ manufacturing process

• Best For: Budget gaming builds, office PCs, and mainstream users

• Limitations: Locked multiplier, no Turbo Boost Max 3.0

2. Intel Core i5-9400T

• Cores/Threads: 6 cores, 6 threads

• Clock Speeds: 1.8 GHz base / 3.4 GHz boost

• TDP: 35W (low-power variant)

• Cache: 9MB L3

• Graphics: Intel UHD 630 (350 MHz base / 1100 MHz boost)

• Key Features:

  • Ultra-low power consumption (35W TDP)

  • Designed for small form factor and all-in-one PCs

  • Maintains 6-core architecture despite lower clocks

• Best For: Energy-efficient builds, HTPCs, business PCs

• Performance Note: ~30% slower than standard 9400 at base clocks

3. Intel Core i5-9500

• Cores/Threads: 6 cores, 6 threads

• Clock Speeds: 3.0 GHz base / 4.4 GHz boost

• TDP: 65W

• Cache: 9MB L3

• Graphics: Intel UHD 630 (350 MHz base / 1150 MHz boost)

• Key Features:

  • Mid-range 9th Gen i5 with higher boost clocks

  • Supports Intel Optane Memory

  • 100MHz higher base clock than 9400

• Best For: Users needing extra performance without overclocking

• Value Proposition: Better binning than 9400 for slightly higher price

4. Intel Core i5-9500T

• Cores/Threads: 6 cores, 6 threads

• Clock Speeds: 2.2 GHz base / 3.7 GHz boost

• TDP: 35W

• Cache: 9MB L3

• Graphics: Intel UHD 630 (350 MHz base / 1150 MHz boost)

• Key Features:

  • Balanced performance/power efficiency

  • Higher GPU clocks than 9400T

  • OEM-focused product

• Best For: Business desktops requiring reliable, cool operation

• Availability: Primarily found in pre-built systems

5. Intel Core i5-9600

• Cores/Threads: 6 cores, 6 threads

• Clock Speeds: 3.1 GHz base / 4.6 GHz boost

• TDP: 65W

• Cache: 9MB L3

• Graphics: Intel UHD 630 (350 MHz base / 1150 MHz boost)

• Key Features:

  • Highest non-K processor in 9th Gen i5 lineup

  • 4.6GHz single-core turbo

  • Supports Intel Thermal Velocity Boost

• Best For: Enthusiasts who don’t overclock

• Positioning: Near-K performance without premium price

6. Intel Core i5-9600K

• Cores/Threads: 6 cores, 6 threads

• Clock Speeds: 3.7 GHz base / 4.6 GHz boost

• TDP: 95W (unlocked)

• Cache: 9MB L3

• Graphics: Intel UHD 630 (350 MHz base / 1150 MHz boost)

• Key Features:

  • Only unlocked i5 in 9th Gen lineup

  • No included cooler (requires aftermarket solution)

  • Overclocking potential to 5.0GHz+ with good cooling

  • Supports Intel Optane Memory

• Best For: Gaming enthusiasts and overclockers

• Performance Note: Up to 15% faster than 9600 when overclocked

Series Comparison Highlights

• Performance Ranking: 9600K > 9600 > 9500 > 9400 > 9500T > 9400T

• Overclocking: Only 9600K has unlocked multiplier

• Power Efficiency: T-series models (35W) sacrifice clocks for lower TDP

• GPU Performance: All share UHD 630 with minor clock variations

• Market Position: 9th Gen offered modest improvements over 8th Gen (100-300MHz higher clocks)

Purchase Recommendations

• Budget Gamers: i5-9400

• Mainstream Users: i5-9500

• Small Form Factor: i5-9400T/9500T

• Enthusiasts: i5-9600K (with Z390 motherboard)

• Best Value: i5-9400 (when on sale)