Core i5-10400F vs Opteron 144

Intel

Core i5-10400F

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2020
Core family
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VS
AMD

Opteron 144

1 Cores1 Thrd85 WWMax: 1.8 GHz2003
Similar parts
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Core i5-10400F vs Opteron 144 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 Opteron 144 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 Opteron 144: 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: +1345.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Delivers 1038.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 81.4 vs 7.2 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $65 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 85W, a 20W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Opteron 144.

Trade-offs

  • 146.2% HIGHER MSRP
    $160 MSRPvs$65 MSRP

Opteron 144

2003

Why buy it

  • Costs $95 less on MSRP ($65 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-10400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (465 vs 13,029).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.2 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($65 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
  • 30.8% higher power demand at 85W vs 65W.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-10400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-10400F better than Opteron 144?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 144 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-10400F is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i5-10400F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1345.5% 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 2701.9% 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 146.2% more expensive on MSRP at $160 MSRP versus $65 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1345.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 1038.3% better value on MSRP (81.4 vs 7.2 PassMark/$), 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 2003) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 1/1. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-10400F vs Opteron 144 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

Opteron 144

The Opteron 144 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Junho 2003 (22 years ago). It is based on the SledgeHammer (2003−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 940. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 465 points. Launch price was $65.

Processing Power

The Core i5-10400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Opteron 144 offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Core i5-10400F has 5 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F versus 1.8 GHz on the Opteron 144 — a 82% clock advantage for the Core i5-10400F. The Core i5-10400F uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Opteron 144 uses SledgeHammer (2003−2005) (130 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-10400F scores 13,029 against the Opteron 144's 465 — a 186.2% lead for the Core i5-10400F. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F vs 0 kB on the Opteron 144.

FeatureCore i5-10400FOpteron 144
Cores / Threads
6 / 12+500%
1 / 1
Boost Clock
4.3 GHz+139%
1.8 GHz
Base Clock
2.9 GHz
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
0 kB
L2 Cache
256K (per core)+25500%
1 MB
Process
14 nm-89%
130 nm
Architecture
Comet Lake (2020−2025)
SledgeHammer (2003−2005)
PassMark
13,029+2702%
465
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 Opteron 144 uses 940 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F versus DDR-400 on the Opteron 144 — the Core i5-10400F supports -766.5% 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 4 GB 3100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-10400F) vs 0 (Opteron 144) — the Core i5-10400F offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureCore i5-10400FOpteron 144
Socket
LGA1200
940
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
DDR-400
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB+3100%
4 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
0
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-10400F) vs AMD-V (Opteron 144). Primary use case: Core i5-10400F targets Gaming, Opteron 144 targets Server Legacy. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.

FeatureCore i5-10400FOpteron 144
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
AMD-V
Target Use
Gaming
Server Legacy
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-10400F was priced at $160, while the Opteron 144 came in at $65. On launch pricing ($160 vs $65), Opteron 144 was $95 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-10400F delivers 81.4 pts/$ vs 7.2 pts/$ for the Opteron 144 — making the Core i5-10400F the 167.7% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-10400FOpteron 144
MSRP
$160
$65-59%
Performance per Dollar
81.4+1031%
7.2
Release Date
2020
2003

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