A10-7860K vs Core i5-10400F

AMD

A10-7860K

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 4 GHz2016
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-10400F

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2020
Core family
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A10-7860K vs Core i5-10400F Performance Spectrum

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.

A10-7860K 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.

A10-7860K 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.

A10-7860K

2016

Why buy it

  • Costs $43 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon R7, 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 PassMark (3,237 vs 13,029).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 27.7 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).

Core i5-10400F

2020

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +138.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Delivers 194.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 81.4 vs 27.7 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • 36.8% HIGHER MSRP
    $160 MSRPvs$117 MSRP
  • No integrated graphics, while A10-7860K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-10400F better than A10-7860K?
Yes. Core i5-10400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 138.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 302.5% better 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 138.9% 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 302.5% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.
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 36.8% more expensive on MSRP at $160 MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 138.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 194.3% better value on MSRP (81.4 vs 27.7 PassMark/$), 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 a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2016) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A10-7860K vs Core i5-10400F Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A10-7860K

The A10-7860K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 3,237 points. Launch price was $130.

Intel

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.

Processing Power

The A10-7860K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-10400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-10400F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the A10-7860K versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F — a 7.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-10400F (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The A10-7860K uses the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i5-10400F uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the A10-7860K scores 3,237 against the Core i5-10400F's 13,029 — a 120.4% lead for the Core i5-10400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 450 vs 1,454, a 105.5% lead for the Core i5-10400F that directly translates to higher frame rates.

FeatureA10-7860KCore i5-10400F
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock
4 GHz
4.3 GHz+7%
Base Clock
3.6 GHz+24%
2.9 GHz
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
L2 Cache
4096 kB+1500%
256K (per core)
Process
28 nm
14 nm-50%
Architecture
Godaveri (2014−2016)
Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark
3,237
13,029+303%
Cinebench R23 Multi
8,191
Geekbench 6 Single
450
1,454+223%
Geekbench 6 Multi
5,783
🧠

Memory & Platform

The A10-7860K uses the FM2+ 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 DDR3-2133 on the A10-7860K versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F — the Core i5-10400F supports 25% 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 64 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: A55,A68H,A75,A78,A85X,A88X (A10-7860K) and H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F).

FeatureA10-7860KCore i5-10400F
Socket
FM2+
LGA1200
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-2133
DDR4-2666+25%
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
128 GB+100%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the A10-7860K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A10-7860K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-10400F). The A10-7860K includes integrated graphics (Radeon R7), while the Core i5-10400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A10-7860K targets Budget, Core i5-10400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: A10-7860K rivals Core i3-6100; Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.

FeatureA10-7860KCore i5-10400F
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Radeon R7
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Budget
Gaming
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A10-7860K was priced at $117, while the Core i5-10400F came in at $160. On launch pricing ($117 vs $160), A10-7860K was $43 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A10-7860K delivers 27.7 pts/$ vs 81.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400F — making the Core i5-10400F the 98.6% better value option.

FeatureA10-7860KCore i5-10400F
MSRP
$117-27%
$160
Performance per Dollar
27.7
81.4+194%
Release Date
2016
2020

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