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 SL9400 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 SL9400 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 SL9400

2008

Why buy it

✅Draws 6W instead of 65W, a 59W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-10400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,144 vs 13,029).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.5 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($284 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-10400F.

Core i5-10400F

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +254.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $124 less on MSRP ($160 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).
✅Delivers 978.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 81.4 vs 7.5 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core 2 Duo SL9400.

Trade-offs

❌983.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-10400F better than Core 2 Duo SL9400?

Yes. Core i5-10400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 254.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 507.7% 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 254.6% 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 507.7% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 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 $124 cheaper on MSRP at $160 MSRP versus $284 MSRP, and it still gives you a 254.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 978.7% better value on MSRP (81.4 vs 7.5 PassMark/$), 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), 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 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.

Core 2 Duo SL9400 vs Core i5-10400F Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo SL9400

The Core 2 Duo SL9400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 August 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 1.86 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,144 points. Launch price was $284.

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 SL9400 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 1.86 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SL9400 versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F — a 79.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-10400F (base: 1.86 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core 2 Duo SL9400 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-10400F uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SL9400 scores 2,144 against the Core i5-10400F's 13,029 — a 143.5% lead for the Core i5-10400F. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SL9400 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F.

Feature	Core 2 Duo SL9400	Core i5-10400F
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	6 / 12+200%
Boost Clock	1.86 GHz	4.3 GHz+131%
Base Clock	1.86 GHz	2.9 GHz+56%
L3 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache	12 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	6 MB	256K (per core)+4167%
Process	45 nm	14 nm-69%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark	2,144	13,029+508%
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 SL9400 uses the BGA956 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 DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo SL9400 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 8 GB — 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: GS45,GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo SL9400) and H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F).

Feature	Core 2 Duo SL9400	Core i5-10400F
Socket	BGA956	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR4-2666+150%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	128 GB+1500%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo SL9400) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-10400F). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo SL9400 targets Mobile, Core i5-10400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.

Feature	Core 2 Duo SL9400	Core i5-10400F
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Mobile	Gaming

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Duo SL9400 was priced at $284, while the Core i5-10400F came in at $160. On launch pricing ($284 vs $160), Core i5-10400F was $124 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo SL9400 delivers 7.5 pts/$ vs 81.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400F — making the Core i5-10400F the 166.1% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Duo SL9400	Core i5-10400F
MSRP	$284	$160-44%
Performance per Dollar	7.5	81.4+985%
Release Date	2008	2020

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