A9-9425 vs Core i5-10400F

AMD

A9-9425

2 Cores2 Thrd15 WWMax: 3.7 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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A9-9425 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.

A9-9425 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.

A9-9425 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.

A9-9425

2016

Why buy it

  • Costs $10 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
  • Draws 15W instead of 65W, a 50W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon R5 (Stoney Ridge), 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 Geekbench multi-core (724 vs 5,783).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.1 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-10400F.

Core i5-10400F

2020

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +367.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Delivers 704.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 81.4 vs 10.1 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
  • 100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike A9-9425.

Trade-offs

  • 6.7% HIGHER MSRP
    $160 MSRPvs$150 MSRP
  • 333.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 15W.
  • No integrated graphics, while A9-9425 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-10400F better than A9-9425?
Yes. Core i5-10400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 367.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 698.8% better Geekbench multi-core, 758.3% 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 367.5% 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 698.8% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 6.7% more expensive on MSRP at $160 MSRP versus $150 MSRP, and it still gives you a 367.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 704.7% better value on MSRP (81.4 vs 10.1 PassMark/$), 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 a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2016) 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.

A9-9425 vs Core i5-10400F Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A9-9425

The A9-9425 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 31 May 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FT4. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 1,518 points. Launch price was $69.

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 A9-9425 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 3.7 GHz on the A9-9425 versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F — a 15% clock advantage for the Core i5-10400F (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The A9-9425 uses the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i5-10400F uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the A9-9425 scores 1,518 against the Core i5-10400F's 13,029 — a 158.3% lead for the Core i5-10400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 422 vs 1,454, a 110% lead for the Core i5-10400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 724 vs 5,783 (155.5% advantage for the Core i5-10400F). L3 cache: 0 kB on the A9-9425 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F.

FeatureA9-9425Core i5-10400F
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
6 / 12+200%
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz
4.3 GHz+16%
Base Clock
3.1 GHz+7%
2.9 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
12 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
256K (per core)+25500%
Process
28 nm
14 nm-50%
Architecture
Stoney Ridge (2016−2019)
Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark
1,518
13,029+758%
Cinebench R23 Multi
8,191
Geekbench 6 Single
422
1,454+245%
Geekbench 6 Multi
724
5,783+699%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The A9-9425 uses the FT4 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 DDR4-2133 on the A9-9425 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 8 GB 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (A9-9425) vs 2 (Core i5-10400F). PCIe lanes: 8 (A9-9425) vs 16 (Core i5-10400F) — the Core i5-10400F offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SoC (A9-9425) and H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F).

FeatureA9-9425Core i5-10400F
Socket
FT4
LGA1200
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133
DDR4-2666+25%
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB
128 GB+1500%
RAM Channels
1
2+100%
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
8
16+100%
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A9-9425) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-10400F). The A9-9425 includes integrated graphics (Radeon R5 (Stoney Ridge)), while the Core i5-10400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A9-9425 targets Budget Laptop, Core i5-10400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: A9-9425 rivals Pentium N4200; Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.

FeatureA9-9425Core i5-10400F
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Radeon R5 (Stoney Ridge)
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Budget Laptop
Gaming
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A9-9425 was priced at $150, while the Core i5-10400F came in at $160. On launch pricing ($150 vs $160), A9-9425 was $10 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A9-9425 delivers 10.1 pts/$ vs 81.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400F — making the Core i5-10400F the 155.8% better value option.

FeatureA9-9425Core i5-10400F
MSRP
$150-6%
$160
Performance per Dollar
10.1
81.4+706%
Release Date
2016
2020

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