Core i3-10300T vs Core i5-10400F
Core i3-10300T
Core i5-10400F
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-10300T
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-10400F
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-10300T | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($100) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($102) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-10300T | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+62%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($100) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($102) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-10300T and Core i5-10400F
Core i3-10300T
The Core i3-10300T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2020 (5 years ago). It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 7,879 points. Launch price was $149.
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 Core i3-10300T 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 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-10300T versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F — a 9.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-10400F (base: 3 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i5-10400F is built on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-10300T scores 7,879 against the Core i5-10400F's 13,029 — a 49.3% lead for the Core i5-10400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,313 vs 1,454, a 10.2% lead for the Core i5-10400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 4,090 vs 5,783 (34.3% advantage for the Core i5-10400F). L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i3-10300T vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F.
| Feature | Core i3-10300T | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz | 4.3 GHz+10% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz+3% | 2.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache | 12 MB (total)+50% |
| L2 Cache | — | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | — | Comet Lake (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 7,879 | 13,029+65% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 8,191 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,313 | 1,454+11% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 4,090 | 5,783+41% |
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 i3-10300T) and H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F).
| Feature | Core i3-10300T | 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 | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i3-10300T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-10400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-10400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Core i3-10300T | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-10300T launched at $157 MSRP, while the Core i5-10400F debuted at $160. At current prices ($100 vs $102), the Core i3-10300T is $2 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-10300T delivers 78.8 pts/$ vs 127.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400F — making the Core i5-10400F the 47.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-10300T | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $157-2% | $160 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $100-2% | $102 |
| Performance per Dollar | 78.8 | 127.7+62% |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2020 |
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