Intel Core i5-9400 vs Intel Core i5-7500

The Intel Core i5-7500 (Kaby Lake S, 14 nm) was introduced in early 2017, offering 4 cores and 4 threads.

It uses PCIe 3.0 and features 6 MB of Level 3 Cache as well as Intel HD Graphics 630. The maximum memory bandwidth is 38 GB/s. This processor was aimed at the mainstream desktop market for everyday tasks. The Intel Core i5-9400 (Coffee Lake S Refresh, 14 nm) entered the market in early 2019 and is also designed for mainstream desktops.

It offers an improved configuration with 6 cores and 6 threads. With 9 MB of Level 3 Cache, a maximum memory bandwidth of 43 GB/s, and Intel UHD Graphics 630, it surpasses its predecessor. It also supports PCIe 3.0. In a performance comparison, the Intel Core i5-9400 shows significantly higher multi-core performance and noticeably better single-core performance.

This leads to superior performance in gaming scenarios, as more cores and higher base performance ensure smoother gaming experiences. Both processors are manufactured using the 14 nm process. The Intel Core i5-9400 may exhibit slightly increased power consumption under load due to its higher core count but remains efficient.

The price-performance ratio often favors the Intel Core i5-9400 in the used market for better overall performance, while the Intel Core i5-7500 represents a more cost-effective option for basic applications.