Core i5-10400F 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 i5-10400F 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 i5-10400F 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 i5-10400F

2020

Why buy it

✅+8.5% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $32 less on MSRP ($160 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
✅Delivers 30.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 81.4 vs 62.5 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-10505.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i5-10505

2021

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (12,009 vs 13,029).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 62.5 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-10400F.

Quick Answers

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

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-10505 is ahead with a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-10400F pulls ahead with 8.5% better PassMark.

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 8.5% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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 $32 cheaper on MSRP at $160 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you 8.5% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-10505 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 30.2% better value on MSRP (81.4 vs 62.5 PassMark/$), 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 i5-10505 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 i5-10400F vs Core i5-10505 Technical Specifications

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

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.

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 i5-10400F and Core i5-10505 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F 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 i5-10400F is built on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-10400F scores 13,029 against the Core i5-10505's 12,009 — a 8.1% lead for the Core i5-10400F. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F vs 12 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i5-10505.

Feature	Core i5-10400F	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	13,029+8%	12,009
Cinebench R23 Multi	8,191	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,454	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	5,783	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1200 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i5-10400F	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 (Core i5-10400F) / not specified (Core i5-10505). Primary use case: Core i5-10400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.

Feature	Core i5-10400F	Core i5-10505
Integrated GPU	No	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Gaming	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-10400F was priced at $160, while the Core i5-10505 came in at $192. On launch pricing ($160 vs $192), Core i5-10400F was $32 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-10400F delivers 81.4 pts/$ vs 62.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-10505 — making the Core i5-10400F the 26.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-10400F	Core i5-10505
MSRP	$160-17%	$192
Performance per Dollar	81.4+30%	62.5
Release Date	2020	2021

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