Intel Core i3-10100F vs Intel Core i5-10400F

Intel Core i3-10100F

The Intel Core i3-10100F is an entry level quad-core processor for desktop PCs based on the Comet Lake-S architecture. It offers four cores clocked at 3.6 - 4.3 GHz with HyperThreading / SMT support (8 threads). The CPU is still manufactured on 14nm++ and does not feature an integrated graphics card. Compared to the older Coffee Lake Core i3-9100F, the i3-10100F offers a 100 MHz higher Boost speed, HyperThreading and support for faster DDR4 memory (2666 MHz).

Performance

While we have not tested a single system powered by the 10100F as of August 2023, it's reasonable to expect the chip to be just slightly faster than the Core i5-10200H.

Intel specifies the CPU with a TDP of 65 Watt. For desktops that means that the processor won't need big cooling solutions and can be used in small cases.

Intel Core i5-10400F

The Intel Core i5-10400F is a mid-range processor for desktops with six cores based on the Comet Lake architecture (CML-S, 4th generation of Skylake). The processor clocks at between 2.9 and 4.3 GHz and can execute up to 12 threads simultaneously thanks to Hyper-Threading.

The processor is still manufactured on the old 14nm (14nm++) process.

The Comet Lake architecture is similar to Coffee Lake and offers the same features and is made with the same 14 nm process. Other than the improved clock rates, the memory controller now also supports faster DDR4-2666 RAM. More information on Comet Lake and all the models and articles on it can be found here.

Performance

The average 10400F in our database matches the Ryzen 7 4800U and also the Core i7-9700K in multi-thread performance to be a more than decent mid-range option for your gaming rig, as of early 2022.

Graphics

The CPUs with an "F" suffix do not feature an integrated graphics adapter. The Intel UHD Graphics 630 iGPU is deactivated.

Power consumption

This Core i5 has a default TDP (also known as the long-term power limit) of 65 W which is in line with most desktop chips.

The i5-10400F is built with one of the old 14 nm Intel processes for poor, as of mid 2023, energy efficiency.