Core i5-10400 vs Core i5-10505

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 i5-10400 vs Core i5-10505 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 i5-10400 vs Core i5-10505: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-10400

2020

Why buy it

✅Costs $10 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Core i5-10505 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i5-10505.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (11,988 vs 12,009).

Core i5-10505

2021

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌
5.5% HIGHER MSRP
$192 MSRPvs$182 MSRP
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-10400 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-10400.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-10505 better than Core i5-10400?

Yes. Core i5-10505 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% better 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 i5-10505 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.1% 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 i5-10505 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-10505 is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-10400 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i5-10505 comes in 5.5% more expensive on MSRP at $192 MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-10400 is also 5.3% better value on MSRP (65.9 vs 62.5 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-10505 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2020) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-10400 vs Core i5-10505 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-10400

The Core i5-10400 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: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 11,988 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i5-10505

The Core i5-10505 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2021 (4 years ago). It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 12,009 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-10400 and Core i5-10505 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400 versus 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-10505 — a 6.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-10505 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-10400 is built on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-10400 scores 11,988 against the Core i5-10505's 12,009 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-10505. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400 vs 12 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i5-10505.

Feature	Core i5-10400	Core i5-10505
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz	4.6 GHz+7%
Base Clock	2.9 GHz	3.2 GHz+10%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	12 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Comet Lake (2020−2025)	—
PassMark	11,988	12,009
Cinebench R23 Multi	8,313	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,600	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1200 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i5-10400	Core i5-10505
Socket	LGA1200	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	—
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-10400) / not specified (Core i5-10505). The Core i5-10400 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-10505 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-10400 targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400 rivals Ryzen 5 3600.

Feature	Core i5-10400	Core i5-10505
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Gaming	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-10400 was priced at $182, while the Core i5-10505 came in at $192. On launch pricing ($182 vs $192), Core i5-10400 was $10 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-10400 delivers 65.9 pts/$ vs 62.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-10505 — making the Core i5-10400 the 5.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-10400	Core i5-10505
MSRP	$182-5%	$192
Performance per Dollar	65.9+5%	62.5
Release Date	2020	2021

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