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 i3-10305 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 i3-10305 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 i3-10305

2021

Why buy it

✅Costs $11 less on MSRP ($149 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, 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 PassMark (9,210 vs 13,029).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 61.8 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($149 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).

Core i5-10400F

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +19.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Delivers 31.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 81.4 vs 61.8 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $149 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌
7.4% HIGHER MSRP
$160 MSRPvs$149 MSRP
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-10305 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-10400F better than Core i3-10305?

Yes. Core i5-10400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 19.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 41.5% better 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 19.7% 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 41.5% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 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 7.4% more expensive on MSRP at $160 MSRP versus $149 MSRP, and it still gives you a 19.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 31.7% better value on MSRP (81.4 vs 61.8 PassMark/$), 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 i3-10305 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 i3-10305 vs Core i5-10400F Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-10305

The Core i3-10305 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 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 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: 9,210 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.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-10305 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 4.5 GHz on the Core i3-10305 versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F — a 4.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-10305 (base: 3.8 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i3-10305 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 i3-10305 scores 9,210 against the Core i5-10400F's 13,029 — a 34.3% lead for the Core i5-10400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,536 vs 1,454, a 5.5% lead for the Core i3-10305 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i3-10305 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F.

Feature	Core i3-10305	Core i5-10400F
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz+5%	4.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.8 GHz+31%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Comet Lake-R (2021)	Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark	9,210	13,029+41%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	8,191
Geekbench 6 Single	1,536+6%	1,454
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	5,783

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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: Z490,B460 (Core i3-10305) and H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F).

Feature	Core i3-10305	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. The Core i3-10305 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 i3-10305	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

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-10305 was priced at $149, while the Core i5-10400F came in at $160. On launch pricing ($149 vs $160), Core i3-10305 was $11 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-10305 delivers 61.8 pts/$ vs 81.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400F — making the Core i5-10400F the 27.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-10305	Core i5-10400F
MSRP	$149-7%	$160
Performance per Dollar	61.8	81.4+32%
Release Date	2021	2020

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