Core 2 Duo E7400 vs Core i5-10400F

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.

Core 2 Duo E7400 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.

Core 2 Duo E7400 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.

Core 2 Duo E7400

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-10400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,043 vs 13,029).

Core i5-10400F

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +573.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $160 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo E7400 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-10400F better than Core 2 Duo E7400?

Yes. Core i5-10400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 573.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1149.2% 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 573.7% 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 1149.2% 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 at an unclear MSRP at $160 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 573.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (81.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2008) 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.

Core 2 Duo E7400 vs Core i5-10400F Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo E7400

The Core 2 Duo E7400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 3 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,043 points. Launch price was $249.

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 Core 2 Duo E7400 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 2.8 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E7400 versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F — a 42.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-10400F (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E7400 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-10400F uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E7400 scores 1,043 against the Core i5-10400F's 13,029 — a 170.4% lead for the Core i5-10400F. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E7400 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E7400	Core i5-10400F
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	6 / 12+200%
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz	4.3 GHz+54%
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	2.9 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	0 kB	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	3 MB (total)	256K (per core)+8433%
Process	45 nm	14 nm-69%
Architecture	Wolfdale (2008−2010)	Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark	1,043	13,029+1149%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	8,191
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,454
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	5,783

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E7400 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-10400F uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core 2 Duo E7400 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F — the Core i5-10400F supports 150.1% 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 16 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E7400) and H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F).

Feature	Core 2 Duo E7400	Core i5-10400F
Socket	LGA775	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	1066	DDR4-2666+150%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	128 GB+700%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core 2 Duo E7400) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-10400F). Primary use case: Core i5-10400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E7400 rivals Athlon II X2 245; Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.