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 i9-14900F 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 i9-14900F: 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 $364 less on MSRP ($160 MSRP vs $524 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i9-14900F.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-14900F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (8,191 vs 33,820).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 36 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 81.4 vs 89.4 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $524 MSRP).
❌Older platform position on LGA1200 with DDR4, while Core i9-14900F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Core i9-14900F

2024

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +42.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Delivers 9.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 89.4 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($524 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1200 and DDR4.
✅25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌
227.5% HIGHER MSRP
$524 MSRPvs$160 MSRP
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-10400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-14900F better than Core i5-10400F?

Yes. Core i9-14900F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 42.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 312.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 259.4% 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 i9-14900F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 42.4% 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 i9-14900F is the stronger fit. You are getting 312.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 24 cores and 32 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 12 MB).

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

Core i9-14900F is the better buy right now. Core i9-14900F comes in 227.5% more expensive on MSRP at $524 MSRP versus $160 MSRP, and it still gives you a 42.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 9.7% better value on MSRP (89.4 vs 81.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible LGA1200 + DDR4 setup, Core i5-10400F can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.

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

Core i9-14900F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2020), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA1200, 200% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 12 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 24 cores / 32 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-10400F vs Core i9-14900F 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 i9-14900F

The Core i9-14900F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. It features 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 5.6 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 46,825 points. Launch price was $524.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-10400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i9-14900F offers 24 cores / 32 threads — the Core i9-14900F has 18 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F versus 5.6 GHz on the Core i9-14900F — a 26.3% clock advantage for the Core i9-14900F (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-10400F uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-14900F uses Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-10400F scores 13,029 against the Core i9-14900F's 46,825 — a 112.9% lead for the Core i9-14900F. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 8,191 vs 33,820 (122% advantage for the Core i9-14900F). L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F vs 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-14900F.

Feature	Core i5-10400F	Core i9-14900F
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	24 / 32+300%
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz	5.6 GHz+30%
Base Clock	2.9 GHz+45%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	36 MB (total)+200%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+12700%	2 MB (per core)
Process	14 nm	Intel 7 nm-50%
Architecture	Comet Lake (2020−2025)	Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025)
PassMark	13,029	46,825+259%
Cinebench R23 Multi	8,191	33,820+313%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,454	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	5,783	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-10400F uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i9-14900F uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F versus DDR5-5600 on the Core i9-14900F — the Core i9-14900F supports 110.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-14900F supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-10400F) vs 20 (Core i9-14900F) — the Core i9-14900F offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F) and LGA1700 (Core i9-14900F).

Feature	Core i5-10400F	Core i9-14900F
Socket	LGA1200	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR5-5600+110%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	192 GB+50%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	20+25%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Core i9-14900F supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Core i5-10400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.

Feature	Core i5-10400F	Core i9-14900F
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	No	No
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 i9-14900F came in at $524. On launch pricing ($160 vs $524), Core i5-10400F was $364 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-10400F delivers 81.4 pts/$ vs 89.4 pts/$ for the Core i9-14900F — making the Core i9-14900F the 9.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-10400F	Core i9-14900F
MSRP	$160-69%	$524
Performance per Dollar	81.4	89.4+10%
Release Date	2020	2024

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