Question Intel i5 9400F vs i5 9600k vs others for audio workstation PC

[Tanocondor]

Guys, i use my pc for audio production and mixing, not gaming (i have a gt 710). I don't want to overclock. Should i buy intel i5 9400F or 9600k or other (only intel please)?. I want a powerful cpu that will last for years (my actual entry-level pc lasted 10 years). My config will be 32GB ram (around 3000 MHz), gigabyte z390 MoBo, 550W PSU, msi gt710, SSD and HD.
I see that with i5 9400F I'll save 100 bucks, plus, probably i won't need an extra heatsink (in the 9400F is included i think, but i need a silent pc for my work). Thanks and sorry for my bad english

 

[vMax]

For your use case, the 9400F will more than do the job with it's 6 cores...overclocking not required like the 9600K. If on the other hand you can pick up a cost effective 9700, non K then the additional threads will come in handy.

Edit, just checked the price of the 9700 and 8700 and still a bit pricey at $329....go for the 9400F at just $139.89...

 

[Tanocondor]

For your use case, the 9400F will more than do the job with it's 6 cores...overclocking not required like the 9600K. If on the other hand you can pick up a cost effective 8700, non K then the additional threads will come in handy.

unfortunately i find
9400f 157€
9600k 235€
8700 non K 350€

 

[vMax]

Yep agreed, edited my first post as I saw the prices..yikes! go 9400F..great value and a great 6 core CPU.

 

[Karadjgne]

For a non-OC, there's really not much difference in the 9600k and 9400f. Except the UHD630 igpu on the 9600k is better than the GT710, unless you got a lucky break with the msi and it's the 2Gb version not the more standard 1Gb version, in which case they are somewhat equitable.

If you want quiet, personally I'd say just get the 9400f (the GT710 is passive cooling) and invest the difference in a decent cpu cooler. The stock Intel cooler is by no means remotely close to quiet, so running a decent budget 120mm will be an improvement.

 

[Tanocondor]

For a non-OC, there's really not much difference in the 9600k and 9400f. Except the UHD630 igpu on the 9600k is better than the GT710, unless you got a lucky break with the msi and it's the 2Gb version not the more standard 1Gb version, in which case they are somewhat equitable.

If you want quiet, personally I'd say just get the 9400f (the GT710 is passive cooling) and invest the difference in a decent cpu cooler. The stock Intel cooler is by no means remotely close to quiet, so running a decent budget 120mm will be an improvement.

Yep, I have the gt710 2GB version
I think i'll try with stock cooler and if i'll have troubles, I'll buy another cooler (looking at ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports) and, why not, a couple of good extra case fans.

With 9400F can i use 3000MHz ram or has a lower limit?
Last question: with the 9400F which MoBo is good? I saw Asrock B365 Pro4 or gigabyte Z390 gaming x...don't know

 

[Karadjgne]

The memory controller is on the cpu and for 9th gen is default 2666MHz. Ram speeds are upto the mobo, not the cpu as such, so on a Z390 you have full access to any (OC) capable ram. The B365 is not an (OC) capable mobo, so as such only supports 2133, 2400 or 2666MHz ram officially. Whether 3000MHz will work at rated speeds is doubtful, most likely it will work, but only stable at a max of 2666MHz.

 

[Tanocondor]

Ok

The memory controller is on the cpu and for 9th gen is default 2666MHz. Ram speeds are upto the mobo, not the cpu as such, so on a Z390 you have full access to any (OC) capable ram. The B365 is not an (OC) capable mobo, so as such only supports 2133, 2400 or 2666MHz ram officially. Whether 3000MHz will work at rated speeds is doubtful, most likely it will work, but only stable at a max of 2666MHz.

Ok, I think I'd go with the Asrock b365 pro4, i5 9400f, 32GB ram at 2666MHz and maybe with the difference I'll buy a good cooling system 😀 I think that this config is powerful enough to run a lot of vst and virtual instruments... Thanks to everyone

 

[Karadjgne]

For a VM, you'll want 8Gb for the host and a minimum of 4Gb per machine. Absolute minimum. Be better off with 8Gb per planned machine.

Basically, for 32Gb, you are looking at @ 4 VM comfortably, more if they do minimal tasking.