This was the ultimate niche CPU. At the time of its release, it had an optimal combination of multi-core performance without sacrificing as much single- and quad- as the higher-core CPUs, at an excellent price-point. It utilizes quad-channel RAM. If you were a content creator without external funding, had one machine in the budget, then this chip might even now in mid-2019 be what you're looking for.
The higher-end Threadrippers will throw more cores at you... for up to five times the price. If you've a home studio, running a DAW on the same PC you use for everything; or you do your own video editing; or you're an independent streamer; then those extra 12 or 18 cores aren't really going to help you that much anyway, for all that extra cash - AND those CPUs have lower performance in more common applications (single- low-thread apps). Not worth it. Intel isn't even on the table, of course.
If you're reading this in the future: these benchmarks have multiple categories for a reason. Read and think. Find the best combination for what you intend to do with it - not some arbitrary "the best" overall. There is no such thing, because you won't be using your computer for Overall, now will you? [Aug '19spacefiddle]
Intel’s Core i5-9400F is a hex-core 9th generation Coffee Lake desktop processor. It features base / boost clocks of 2.9 / 4.1 GHz, 9 MB of cache, a 65W TDP and it ships with a cooler but it does not have integrated graphics like the “non-F” variants. Although the 9400F is compatible with the enthusiast grade Z390 chipset it is normally paired with a better value for money B360 motherboard. At its launch the i5-9400F retailed for $180 but prices have dropped to the point ($135) that it now represents an excellent value proposition to gamers. Comparing the i5-9400F to the Ryzen 3600 shows that the 3600 is 8% better for quad-core processing but it costs 40% ($50) more than the 9400F. Ordinarily higher quad-core performance would result in better gaming but the Ryzen 3000 memory controller, although significantly improved over previous Ryzen iterations, still has limited bandwidth and high latency. Gamers can invest the $50 savings in a better GPU, for example by upgrading from a 2060S to a 2070S. Since the GPU makes the most difference to gaming, the end result is a system which offers far superior real world gaming performance for similar money. For those gamers who demand the best of the best, it is necessary to jump to one of the higher frequency SKUs such as the 9600K but for everyone else the i5-9400F offers unparalleled value. [Aug '19CPUPro]
We calculate effective speed which measures real world performance for typical users. Effective speed is adjusted by current prices to yield a value for money rating. Our calculated values are checked against thousands of individual user ratings. The customizable table below combines these factors to bring you the definitive list of top CPUs. [CPUPro]
Welcome to our PC speed test tool. UserBenchmark will test your PC and compare the results to other users with the same components. You can quickly size up your PC, identify hardware problems and explore the best value for money upgrades.