Core i3-12100 vs Core i5-10400F
Core i3-12100
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 i3-12100
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-10400F
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-12100 | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) | ✅ More affordable ($102) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-12100 | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+87%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) | ✅ More affordable ($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 i3-12100 and Core i5-10400F
Core i3-12100
The Core i3-12100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 12,315 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 i3-12100 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 4.3 GHz on the Core i3-12100 versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i3-12100 uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i5-10400F uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-12100 scores 12,315 against the Core i5-10400F's 13,029 — a 5.6% lead for the Core i5-10400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,157 vs 1,454, a 38.9% lead for the Core i3-12100 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i3-12100 | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 4.3 GHz | 4.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz+14% | 2.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Comet Lake (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 12,315 | 13,029+6% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 8,191 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,157+48% | 1,454 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 5,783 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-12100 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-10400F uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i3-12100 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F — the Core i3-12100 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i3-12100) vs 16 (Core i5-10400F) — the Core i3-12100 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,Z790 (Core i3-12100) and H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F).
| Feature | Core i3-12100 | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800+25% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-12100) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-10400F). The Core i3-12100 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 730), while the Core i5-10400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-12100 targets Budget Gaming Desktop, Core i5-10400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i3-12100 rivals Ryzen 5 5500; Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Core i3-12100 | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 730 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Budget Gaming Desktop | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-12100 launched at $122 MSRP, while the Core i5-10400F debuted at $160. At current prices ($180 vs $102), the Core i5-10400F is $78 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-12100 delivers 68.4 pts/$ vs 127.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400F — making the Core i5-10400F the 60.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-12100 | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $122-24% | $160 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $180 | $102-43% |
| Performance per Dollar | 68.4 | 127.7+87% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2020 |
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