3020e vs Core i5-10400F

CPU

GPU

3020e

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2020

Similar parts

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Core i5-10400F

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2020

Core family

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3020e vs Core i5-10400F Performance Spectrum

3020e

2 / 2

2,406

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i5-10400F

6 / 12

13,029

+441.5%

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

3020e vs Core i5-10400F FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

3020e vs Core i5-10400F: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

3020e

2020

Why buy it

✅Costs $60 less on MSRP ($100 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
✅Draws 1W instead of 65W, a 64W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon Graphics (Vega 3), while Core i5-10400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-10400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (480 vs 8,191).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 24.1 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-10400F.

Core i5-10400F

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +224.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Delivers 238.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 81.4 vs 24.1 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).
✅100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike 3020e.

Trade-offs

❌
60% HIGHER MSRP
$160 MSRPvs$100 MSRP
❌6400% higher power demand at 65W vs 1W.
❌No integrated graphics, while 3020e can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-10400F better than 3020e?

Yes. Core i5-10400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 224.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1606.5% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 441.5% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-10400F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 224.8% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-10400F is the stronger fit. You are getting 1606.5% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-10400F is the better buy right now. Core i5-10400F comes in 60.0% more expensive on MSRP at $160 MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you a 224.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 238.5% better value on MSRP (81.4 vs 24.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-10400F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

3020e vs Core i5-10400F Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

3020e

The 3020e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Dali (Zen) (2020) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FT5. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB + 4 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,406 points. Launch price was $50.

Core i5-10400F

The Core i5-10400F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 13,029 points. Launch price was $155.

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Processing Power

The 3020e packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i5-10400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-10400F has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the 3020e versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F — a 49.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-10400F (base: 1.2 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The 3020e uses the Dali (Zen) (2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-10400F uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the 3020e scores 2,406 against the Core i5-10400F's 13,029 — a 137.6% lead for the Core i5-10400F. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 480 vs 8,191 (177.9% advantage for the Core i5-10400F). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 660 vs 1,454, a 75.1% lead for the Core i5-10400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,100 vs 5,783 (136.1% advantage for the Core i5-10400F). L3 cache: 4 MB on the 3020e vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F.

Feature	3020e	Core i5-10400F
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	6 / 12+200%
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz	4.3 GHz+65%
Base Clock	1.2 GHz	2.9 GHz+142%
L3 Cache	4 MB	12 MB (total)+200%
L2 Cache	1 MB	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Dali (Zen) (2020)	Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark	2,406	13,029+442%
Cinebench R23 Multi	480	8,191+1606%
Geekbench 6 Single	660	1,454+120%
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,100	5,783+426%

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Memory & Platform

The 3020e uses the FT5 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-10400F uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the 3020e versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F — the Core i5-10400F supports 11.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-10400F supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (3020e) vs 16 (Core i5-10400F) — the Core i5-10400F offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	3020e	Core i5-10400F
Socket	FT5	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	DDR4-2666+11%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	128 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	8	16+100%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (3020e) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-10400F). The 3020e includes integrated graphics (Radeon Graphics (Vega 3)), while the Core i5-10400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: 3020e targets Entry Level Laptop, Core i5-10400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: 3020e rivals Celeron N4020; Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.

Feature	3020e	Core i5-10400F
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Radeon Graphics (Vega 3)	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Entry Level Laptop	Gaming

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the 3020e was priced at $100, while the Core i5-10400F came in at $160. On launch pricing ($100 vs $160), 3020e was $60 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the 3020e delivers 24.1 pts/$ vs 81.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400F — making the Core i5-10400F the 108.8% better value option.

Feature	3020e	Core i5-10400F
MSRP	$100-38%	$160
Performance per Dollar	24.1	81.4+238%
Release Date	2020	2020

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