Intel Core i3-9350KF vs Intel Core i5-9400T Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents a clear split between these two Coffee Lake desktop processors. In the Cinebench suite, the Intel Core i5-9400T is consistently ahead, while the Intel Core i3-9350KF dominates in Geekbench. The overall win count favors the i5-9400T with 6 wins out of 8 recorded tests.

Starting with multi-core workloads, the i5-9400T posts a Cinebench R15 multi-core score of 695 against the i3-9350KF’s 640, a lead of 8.6%. The same pattern repeats in Cinebench R20, where the i5-9400T scores 2896 versus 2667, again an 8.6% advantage. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the i5-9400T reaches 6896, while the i3-9350KF manages 6352, holding that consistent 8.6% edge. The single-core Cinebench results tell a similar story, with the i5-9400T winning R15 single-core by 7.8% (97 vs 90), R20 single-core by 8.5% (408 vs 376), and R23 single-core by 8.6% (973 vs 896).

The i3-9350KF takes its wins in Geekbench. Its multi-core score of 4098 beats the i5-9400T’s 3969, a 3.1% margin. The single-core gap is much larger: the i3-9350KF scores 1534 against 1152, which is a 24.9% advantage. That single-core Geekbench result is the largest delta between the two chips in any test.

The average benchmark score for the i5-9400T sits at 2136, placing it in the 47th percentile of all CPUs in the database. The i3-9350KF has an average score of 2082, putting it in the 46th percentile. Both chips sit near the middle of the overall performance distribution, though the i5-9400T holds a slight edge in aggregate.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i3-9350KF boosts to 4.60 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-9400T reaches 3.40 GHz.

Q: Does the i5-9400T have integrated graphics?

A: Yes, the i5-9400T includes Intel UHD 630 graphics. The i3-9350KF has no integrated graphics, which is indicated by a null value for that field.

Q: Which CPU supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core i3-9350KF supports ECC memory. The Intel Core i5-9400T does not support ECC memory.

Q: What is the maximum multi-core score in Cinebench R23 for each chip?

A: The i5-9400T scores 6896 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, while the i3-9350KF scores 6352.

Q: How do their memory bandwidth figures compare?

A: The i5-9400T has a memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s, while the i3-9350KF has 38.4 GB/s.

Q: Are both processors end-of-life products?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core i5-9400T and the Intel Core i3-9350KF are listed as end-of-life production status in the database.

Where Each One Wins

The i5-9400T is the stronger choice for sustained threaded workloads as measured by Cinebench. It wins all six Cinebench tests, including both multi-core and single-core variants. The margin is remarkably uniform, sitting at roughly 8.5% across the board. That consistency suggests a fundamental advantage in how the i5-9400T executes the Cinebench workload, likely related to its higher core count (6 cores versus 4 cores) and larger shared L3 cache (9 MB versus 8 MB).

The i3-9350KF wins in Geekbench, with a particularly strong single-core result. Its 1534 single-core score is nearly one-third higher than the i5-9400T’s 1152. The multi-core Geekbench win is narrower at 3.1%, indicating that the i3-9350KF’s high clock speeds (4.00 GHz base, 4.60 GHz boost) help it overcome its core deficit in this particular benchmark.

For users prioritizing Cinebench-style rendering or encoding workloads, the i5-9400T is the clear winner. For users who rely on Geekbench as their primary metric, especially single-core performance, the i3-9350KF has the edge. The overall average benchmark score slightly favors the i5-9400T, but the difference is small enough that the choice depends on which benchmark suite best represents the intended workload.

Specification Differences

The core and thread counts differ significantly. The i5-9400T offers 6 cores and 6 threads, while the i3-9350KF has 4 cores and 4 threads. Clock speeds also diverge sharply. The i5-9400T runs at an 1800.00 MHz base clock and boosts to 3.40 GHz. The i3-9350KF starts at 4.00 GHz and boosts to 4.60 GHz.

Thermal design power is another major differentiator. The i5-9400T has a TDP of 35 watts, while the i3-9350KF is rated at 91 watts. Both use the Intel Socket 1151 and the same 14 nm process node.

Cache configuration differs in the L3 portion. The i5-9400T has 9 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i3-9350KF has 8 MB. L1 and L2 caches are identical at 64 KB per core and 256 KB per core, respectively.

Memory bandwidth favors the i5-9400T at 42.7 GB/s versus 38.4 GB/s for the i3-9350KF. ECC memory support is exclusive to the i3-9350KF. The i5-9400T includes integrated UHD 630 graphics, while the i3-9350KF has none. The die size of the i3-9350KF is recorded at 126 mm², while the i5-9400T has no die size listed.

Release dates differ by several months. The i5-9400T launched on 2018-08-31, and the i3-9350KF followed on 2019-01-07. The i3-9350KF has a launch MSRP of $173, while no launch MSRP is recorded for the i5-9400T.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the Coffee Lake architecture and the Coffee Lake Refresh generation designation. Both are built on Intel’s 14 nm process node at Intel’s foundry. The PCIe configuration is identical: Gen 3 with 16 lanes for the CPU only.

The key architectural difference lies in core count and clock behavior. The i5-9400T pairs 6 cores with low clocks and a 35-watt TDP, making it a power-efficient design. The i3-9350KF pairs 4 cores with high clocks and a 91-watt TDP, prioritizing raw speed per core over efficiency. The i5-9400T’s additional two cores and larger shared L3 cache likely contribute to its Cinebench lead despite lower clocks.

The i3-9350KF’s ECC memory support sets it apart architecturally, as does its lack of integrated graphics. The i5-9400T integrates UHD 630 graphics, which adds functionality but also means the chip includes a GPU block that the i3-9350KF does not have. The die size of 126 mm² for the i3-9350KF reflects a configuration without integrated graphics, though no die size is recorded for the i5-9400T for direct comparison.

Both chips use DDR4 memory with dual-channel support. Neither has an unlocked multiplier. The i5-9400T carries the part number SR3X8, while the i3-9350KF uses SRF7V.

The Verdict

The data points to two different usage profiles. The Intel Core i5-9400T is the better all-around processor for threaded workloads, winning every Cinebench test by roughly 8.5%, while also offering integrated graphics and a much lower 35-watt TDP. Its 6 cores and 9 MB of shared L3 cache give it a structural advantage in render-style benchmarks.

The Intel Core i3-9350KF is the choice when single-core Geekbench performance is the priority. Its 24.9% lead in Geekbench single-core is substantial, and its 4.60 GHz boost clock is the highest between the two. It also supports ECC memory, which the i5-9400T does not, and its 91-watt TDP indicates it is built to run at higher sustained clocks.

The overall percentile rankings are close, with the i5-9400T at 47 and the i3-9350KF at 46. The average benchmark scores differ by only 54 points in favor of the i5-9400T. In practical terms, the i5-9400T suits systems where power efficiency, integrated graphics, and multi-threaded Cinebench performance matter. The i3-9350KF suits systems where single-core speed and ECC support are required, and where a discrete GPU is already present. The i5-9400T is the safer default for general desktop use, while the i3-9350KF is a specialized pick for high-clock single-threaded tasks.