Core i3-12100F vs Core i5-10400F
Core i3-12100F
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 i3-12100F
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-10400F
Why is Core i3-12100F better than Core i5-10400F?
The Core i3-12100F and Core i5-10400F represent a clash between modern architecture and core count. Despite having only 4 cores, the i3-12100F often beats the 6-core i5-10400F in gaming by 10-15% thanks to its massive IPC (instructions per clock) gains. It is a legendary budget CPU that punches way above its weight in gaming titles.
However, the i5-10400F still holds an advantage in heavily multi-threaded workloads or background multitasking where its 6 cores and 12 threads can breathe more easily. For a modern, gaming-focused budget build, the i3-12100F is the clear winner for its speed and support for newer PCIe 5.0 platforms. Only choose the 10400F if you already have a compatible motherboard or specifically need the extra cores for non-gaming applications.
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-12100F | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($90) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($102) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-12100F | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+22%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($90) | ⚠️ 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 i3-12100F and Core i5-10400F
Core i3-12100F
The Core i3-12100F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 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): 58 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 13,979 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.
Processing Power
The Core i3-12100F 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 i3-12100F versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i3-12100F 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 i3-12100F scores 13,979 against the Core i5-10400F's 13,029 — a 7% lead for the Core i3-12100F. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i3-12100F | 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 | 13,979+7% | 13,029 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 8,191 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,454 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 5,783 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-12100F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-10400F uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i3-12100F) vs 16 (Core i5-10400F) — the Core i3-12100F offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i3-12100F) and H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F).
| Feature | Core i3-12100F | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-12100F) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-10400F). Primary use case: Core i5-10400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Core i3-12100F | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-12100F launched at $97 MSRP, while the Core i5-10400F debuted at $160. At current prices ($90 vs $102), the Core i3-12100F is $12 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-12100F delivers 155.3 pts/$ vs 127.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400F — making the Core i3-12100F the 19.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-12100F | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $97-39% | $160 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $90-12% | $102 |
| Performance per Dollar | 155.3+22% | 127.7 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2020 |
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