Intel® Core™ i5-9400 Processor (9M Cache, up to 4.10 GHz ) + Gigabyte H310 + Phantom HF-400 RGB CPU Air Cooler

The Intel® Core™ i5-9400 paired with a Gigabyte H310 motherboard is a decent mid-range combo, particularly for general computing, office work, and light to moderate gaming. Here's a breakdown of the setup:

 Intel Core i5-9400 Overview

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

• Base Clock: 2.9 GHz

• Max Turbo Boost: 4.1 GHz

• Cache: 9MB SmartCache

• TDP: 65W

• Integrated Graphics: Intel UHD 630

Pros:

• Good single-core performance

• Power-efficient

• Integrated GPU is sufficient for basic display needs

Cons:

• No Hyper-Threading (can limit performance in modern multi-threaded workloads)

• Non-overclockable (no “K” designation)

 Gigabyte H310 Motherboard

The H310 chipset is a budget motherboard option for 8th/9th Gen Intel CPUs.

Key Features (varies by model):

• Socket: LGA 1151 (supports 8th/9th Gen Intel)

• Memory: DDR4 (usually up to 2666 MHz, max 32GB or 64GB depending on model)

• Expansion: 1 x PCIe x16 slot (for GPU), 1-2 x PCIe x1

• Storage: 4 x SATA III, some models may include M.2 (check your exact model)

• Rear I/O: Basic ports (USB 3.1 Gen 1, HDMI/DVI/VGA)

Limitations:

• No CPU or RAM overclocking support

• Fewer USB ports and SATA connectors compared to higher-end chipsets

• Limited VRM cooling (not ideal for heavy workloads or future upgrades)

 Performance Use Cases

 Upgrade Potential

• GPU: Can support mid-range cards (e.g., GTX 1660, RTX 2060), but CPU may bottleneck higher-end GPUs.

• RAM: Limited to 2666 MHz (no XMP support on H310)

• Storage: Check for M.2 slot if SSD speed is important

 Final Verdict

The i5-9400 + H310 is a solid entry-level to mid-tier combo in 2024–2025, especially if you already own them. However, for modern games, streaming, or multitasking, you might notice limitations. If you're building new, a newer i5 or Ryzen 5 with a B-series motherboard would offer better longevity and performance.