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 i3-550 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 i3-550 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 i3-550

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $22 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, 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 Cinebench R23 multi-core (1,320 vs 8,191).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.8 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).

Core i5-10400F

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +344.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Delivers 588.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 81.4 vs 11.8 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 73W, a 8W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌
15.9% HIGHER MSRP
$160 MSRPvs$138 MSRP
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-550 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-10400F better than Core i3-550?

Yes. Core i5-10400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 344.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 520.5% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 698.3% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, 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 344.7% 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 520.5% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 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 15.9% more expensive on MSRP at $160 MSRP versus $138 MSRP, and it still gives you a 344.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 588.6% better value on MSRP (81.4 vs 11.8 PassMark/$), 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 i5-10400F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2010), 200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-550 vs Core i5-10400F Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-550

The Core i3-550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,632 points. Launch price was $101.

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 i3-550 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-10400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-10400F has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-550 versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F — a 29.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-10400F (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i3-550 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-10400F uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-550 scores 1,632 against the Core i5-10400F's 13,029 — a 155.5% lead for the Core i5-10400F. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 1,320 vs 8,191 (144.5% advantage for the Core i5-10400F). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 437 vs 1,454, a 107.6% lead for the Core i5-10400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 899 vs 5,783 (146.2% advantage for the Core i5-10400F). L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-550 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F.

Feature	Core i3-550	Core i5-10400F
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	6 / 12+200%
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	4.3 GHz+34%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+10%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+200%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Clarkdale (2010−2011)	Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark	1,632	13,029+698%
Cinebench R23 Multi	1,320	8,191+521%
Geekbench 6 Single	437	1,454+233%
Geekbench 6 Multi	899	5,783+543%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-550 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-10400F uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-550 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F — the Core i5-10400F supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-10400F supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H55,H57,P55,Q57 (Core i3-550) and H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F).

Feature	Core i3-550	Core i5-10400F
Socket	LGA1156	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR4-2666+100%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	128 GB+700%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-550) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-10400F). The Core i3-550 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), 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 i3-550	Core i5-10400F
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics	—
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Gaming

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-550 was priced at $138, while the Core i5-10400F came in at $160. On launch pricing ($138 vs $160), Core i3-550 was $22 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-550 delivers 11.8 pts/$ vs 81.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400F — making the Core i5-10400F the 149.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-550	Core i5-10400F
MSRP	$138-14%	$160
Performance per Dollar	11.8	81.4+590%
Release Date	2010	2020

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