Core i5-10400F vs E-300

Intel

Core i5-10400F

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2020
Core family
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VS
AMD

E-300

2 Cores2 Thrd18 WWMax: 1.3 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Core i5-10400F vs E-300 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 E-300 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 E-300: 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

  • Better for gaming: +507.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Delivers 315.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 81.4 vs 19.6 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $60 MSRP).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike E-300.

Trade-offs

  • 166.7% HIGHER MSRP
    $160 MSRPvs$60 MSRP
  • 261.1% higher power demand at 65W vs 18W.
  • No integrated graphics, while E-300 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

E-300

2011

Why buy it

  • Costs $100 less on MSRP ($60 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
  • Draws 18W instead of 65W, a 47W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 6310, 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 PassMark (1,176 vs 13,029).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.6 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($60 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-10400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-10400F better than E-300?
Yes. Core i5-10400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 507.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1007.9% 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 i5-10400F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 507.4% 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 i5-10400F is the stronger fit. You are getting 1007.9% 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 166.7% more expensive on MSRP at $160 MSRP versus $60 MSRP, and it still gives you a 507.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 315.5% better value on MSRP (81.4 vs 19.6 PassMark/$), 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 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-10400F vs E-300 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

E-300

The E-300 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 22 August 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Zacate (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 40 nm process technology. Socket: FT1. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,176 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Core i5-10400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the E-300 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core i5-10400F has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F versus 1.3 GHz on the E-300 — a 107.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-10400F. The Core i5-10400F uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the E-300 uses Zacate (2011−2013) (40 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-10400F scores 13,029 against the E-300's 1,176 — a 166.9% lead for the Core i5-10400F. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F vs 0 kB on the E-300.

FeatureCore i5-10400FE-300
Cores / Threads
6 / 12+200%
2 / 2
Boost Clock
4.3 GHz+231%
1.3 GHz
Base Clock
2.9 GHz
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
0 kB
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
512K (per core)+100%
Process
14 nm-65%
40 nm
Architecture
Comet Lake (2020−2025)
Zacate (2011−2013)
PassMark
13,029+1008%
1,176
Cinebench R23 Multi
8,191
Geekbench 6 Single
1,454
Geekbench 6 Multi
5,783
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-10400F uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the E-300 uses FT1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F versus DDR3-1066 on the E-300 — the Core i5-10400F supports 150.1% 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 8 GB 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-10400F) vs 1 (E-300). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-10400F) vs 0 (E-300) — the Core i5-10400F offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureCore i5-10400FE-300
Socket
LGA1200
FT1
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666+150%
DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB+1500%
8 GB
RAM Channels
2+100%
1
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
0
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-10400F) vs AMD-V (E-300). The E-300 includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6310), while the Core i5-10400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-10400F targets Gaming, E-300 targets Budget Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.

FeatureCore i5-10400FE-300
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 6310
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
AMD-V
Target Use
Gaming
Budget Mobile
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-10400F was priced at $160, while the E-300 came in at $60. On launch pricing ($160 vs $60), E-300 was $100 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-10400F delivers 81.4 pts/$ vs 19.6 pts/$ for the E-300 — making the Core i5-10400F the 122.4% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-10400FE-300
MSRP
$160
$60-63%
Performance per Dollar
81.4+315%
19.6
Release Date
2020
2011

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