Core i5-10400F vs FX-4350

Core i5-10400F vs FX-4350 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-10400F

6 / 12

13,029

+309.2%

3,184

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 FX-4350 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 FX-4350: 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: +136.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Delivers 212.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 81.4 vs 26.1 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $122 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 125W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌
31.1% HIGHER MSRP
$160 MSRPvs$122 MSRP

FX-4350

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $38 less on MSRP ($122 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-10400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,289 vs 5,783).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 26.1 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($122 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
❌92.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-10400F better than FX-4350?

Yes. Core i5-10400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 136.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 348.6% better Geekbench multi-core, 309.2% 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 i5-10400F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 136.0% 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 348.6% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 31.1% more expensive on MSRP at $160 MSRP versus $122 MSRP, and it still gives you a 136.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 212.0% better value on MSRP (81.4 vs 26.1 PassMark/$), 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 2013) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-10400F vs FX-4350 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.

FX-4350

The FX-4350 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 April 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,184 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-10400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the FX-4350 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-10400F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F versus 4.3 GHz on the FX-4350 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.9 GHz vs 4.2 GHz). The Core i5-10400F uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-4350 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-10400F scores 13,029 against the FX-4350's 3,184 — a 121.4% lead for the Core i5-10400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,454 vs 504, a 97% lead for the Core i5-10400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 5,783 vs 1,289 (127.1% advantage for the Core i5-10400F).

Feature	Core i5-10400F	FX-4350
Cores / Threads	6 / 12+50%	4 / 4
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz	4.3 GHz
Base Clock	2.9 GHz	4.2 GHz+45%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	4096 kB+1500%
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Comet Lake (2020−2025)	Vishera (2012−2015)
PassMark	13,029+309%	3,184
Cinebench R23 Multi	8,191	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,454+188%	504
Geekbench 6 Multi	5,783+349%	1,289

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-10400F uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-4350 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F versus DDR3-1866 on the FX-4350 — the Core i5-10400F supports 42.9% 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 32 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F) and AMD 970,990X,990FX (FX-4350).

Feature	Core i5-10400F	FX-4350
Socket	LGA1200	AM3+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+43%	DDR3-1866
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+300%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the FX-4350 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-10400F) vs AMD-V (FX-4350). Primary use case: Core i5-10400F targets Gaming, FX-4350 targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.

Feature	Core i5-10400F	FX-4350
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	AMD-V
Target Use	Gaming	Gaming

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-10400F was priced at $160, while the FX-4350 came in at $122. On launch pricing ($160 vs $122), FX-4350 was $38 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-10400F delivers 81.4 pts/$ vs 26.1 pts/$ for the FX-4350 — making the Core i5-10400F the 102.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-10400F	FX-4350
MSRP	$160	$122-24%
Performance per Dollar	81.4+212%	26.1
Release Date	2020	2013

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