Core i3-10105F 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 i3-10105F 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 i3-10105F 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 i3-10105F

2021

Why buy it

✅Costs $63 less on MSRP ($97 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
✅Delivers 12.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 91.9 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($97 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-10400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (4,503 vs 5,783).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).

Core i5-10400F

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +22.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 81.4 vs 91.9 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $97 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-10400F better than Core i3-10105F?

Yes. Core i5-10400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 22.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 28.4% better Geekbench multi-core, and 46.2% higher PassMark, 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 22.5% 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 28.4% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 still the faster CPU overall, but Core i3-10105F is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i5-10400F comes in 64.9% more expensive on MSRP at $160 MSRP versus $97 MSRP, and it still gives you a 22.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-10105F is also 12.8% better value on MSRP (91.9 vs 81.4 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Core i3-10105F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2020). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-10105F vs Core i5-10400F Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-10105F

The Core i3-10105F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-R (2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 8,912 points. Launch price was $97.

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 i3-10105F packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-10400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-10400F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i3-10105F versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F — a 2.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-10105F (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i3-10105F uses the Comet Lake-R (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-10400F uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-10105F scores 8,912 against the Core i5-10400F's 13,029 — a 37.5% lead for the Core i5-10400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,461 vs 1,454, a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-10105F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 4,503 vs 5,783 (24.9% advantage for the Core i5-10400F). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-10105F vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F.

Feature	Core i3-10105F	Core i5-10400F
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+2%	4.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+28%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Comet Lake-R (2021)	Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark	8,912	13,029+46%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	8,191
Geekbench 6 Single	1,461	1,454
Geekbench 6 Multi	4,503	5,783+28%

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1200 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: LGA1200 (Core i3-10105F) and H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F).

Feature	Core i3-10105F	Core i5-10400F
Socket	LGA1200	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Core i5-10400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.

Feature	Core i3-10105F	Core i5-10400F
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Gaming

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-10105F was priced at $97, while the Core i5-10400F came in at $160. On launch pricing ($97 vs $160), Core i3-10105F was $63 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-10105F delivers 91.9 pts/$ vs 81.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400F — making the Core i3-10105F the 12.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-10105F	Core i5-10400F
MSRP	$97-39%	$160
Performance per Dollar	91.9+13%	81.4
Release Date	2021	2020

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