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 i7-11700K 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 i7-11700K: 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

✅Costs $239 less on MSRP ($160 MSRP vs $399 MSRP).
✅Delivers 33.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 81.4 vs 61.1 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $399 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 125W, a 60W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-11700K.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-11700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (8,191 vs 14,732).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 16 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-11700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-11700K

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +46.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 12 MB).
✅25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 750, while Core i5-10400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 61.1 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($399 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
❌92.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-10400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-11700K better than Core i5-10400F?

Yes. Core i7-11700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 46.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 79.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 87.0% 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 i7-11700K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 46.3% 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 i7-11700K is the stronger fit. You are getting 79.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 12 MB).

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

Core i7-11700K is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-10400F is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-11700K comes in 149.4% more expensive on MSRP at $399 MSRP versus $160 MSRP, and it still gives you a 46.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-10400F is also 33.4% better value on MSRP (81.4 vs 61.1 PassMark/$), 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 i7-11700K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2020), 33.3% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 12 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-10400F vs Core i7-11700K 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 i7-11700K

The Core i7-11700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 24,362 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-10400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-11700K offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i7-11700K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-11700K — a 15.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-11700K (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-10400F uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-11700K uses Rocket Lake (2021) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-10400F scores 13,029 against the Core i7-11700K's 24,362 — a 60.6% lead for the Core i7-11700K. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 8,191 vs 14,732 (57.1% advantage for the Core i7-11700K). L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F vs 16 MB (total) on the Core i7-11700K.

Feature	Core i5-10400F	Core i7-11700K
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	8 / 16+33%
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz	5 GHz+16%
Base Clock	2.9 GHz	3.6 GHz+24%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	16 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512K (per core)+100%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Comet Lake (2020−2025)	Rocket Lake (2021)
PassMark	13,029	24,362+87%
Cinebench R23 Multi	8,191	14,732+80%
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. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F versus DDR4-3200 on the Core i7-11700K — the Core i7-11700K supports 20% 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: 16 (Core i5-10400F) vs 20 (Core i7-11700K) — the Core i7-11700K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F) and Z590,B560 (Core i7-11700K).

Feature	Core i5-10400F	Core i7-11700K
Socket	LGA1200	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR4-3200+20%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	20+25%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-11700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i7-11700K supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-11700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 750), 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 i5-10400F	Core i7-11700K
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	UHD Graphics 750
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	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 i7-11700K came in at $399. On launch pricing ($160 vs $399), Core i5-10400F was $239 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-10400F delivers 81.4 pts/$ vs 61.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-11700K — making the Core i5-10400F the 28.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-10400F	Core i7-11700K
MSRP	$160-60%	$399
Performance per Dollar	81.4+33%	61.1
Release Date	2020	2021

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