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 Pentium G2030 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 Pentium G2030: 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: +318.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Delivers 291.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 81.4 vs 20.8 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $85 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌
88.2% HIGHER MSRP
$160 MSRPvs$85 MSRP
❌18.2% higher power demand at 65W vs 55W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Pentium G2030 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Pentium G2030

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $75 less on MSRP ($85 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
✅Draws 55W instead of 65W, a 10W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge GT1), 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 Cinebench R23 multi-core (608 vs 8,191).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.8 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($85 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-10400F better than Pentium G2030?

Yes. Core i5-10400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 318.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1247.2% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 636.5% 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 318.0% 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 1247.2% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB).

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 88.2% more expensive on MSRP at $160 MSRP versus $85 MSRP, and it still gives you a 318.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 291.3% better value on MSRP (81.4 vs 20.8 PassMark/$), 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), 300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB), 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 Pentium G2030 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.

Pentium G2030

The Pentium G2030 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,769 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-10400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Pentium G2030 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core i5-10400F has 4 more cores. The Core i5-10400F is built on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-10400F scores 13,029 against the Pentium G2030's 1,769 — a 152.2% lead for the Core i5-10400F. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 8,191 vs 608 (172.4% advantage for the Core i5-10400F). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,454 vs 492, a 98.9% lead for the Core i5-10400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 5,783 vs 826 (150% advantage for the Core i5-10400F). L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G2030.

Feature	Core i5-10400F	Pentium G2030
Cores / Threads	6 / 12+200%	2 / 2
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.9 GHz	3 GHz+3%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)+300%	3 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Comet Lake (2020−2025)	—
PassMark	13,029+637%	1,769
Cinebench R23 Multi	8,191+1247%	608
Geekbench 6 Single	1,454+196%	492
Geekbench 6 Multi	5,783+600%	826

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-10400F uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G2030 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F versus DDR3-1600 on the Pentium G2030 — the Core i5-10400F supports 66.6% 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 H61,B75,H77,Z77,Q77 (Pentium G2030).

Feature	Core i5-10400F	Pentium G2030
Socket	LGA1200	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+67%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+300%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-10400F) vs VT-x (Pentium G2030). The Pentium G2030 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge GT1)), while the Core i5-10400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-10400F targets Gaming, Pentium G2030 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600; Pentium G2030 rivals Core i3-2100.

Feature	Core i5-10400F	Pentium G2030
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge GT1)
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x
Target Use	Gaming	Budget

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-10400F was priced at $160, while the Pentium G2030 came in at $85. On launch pricing ($160 vs $85), Pentium G2030 was $75 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-10400F delivers 81.4 pts/$ vs 20.8 pts/$ for the Pentium G2030 — making the Core i5-10400F the 118.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-10400F	Pentium G2030
MSRP	$160	$85-47%
Performance per Dollar	81.4+291%	20.8
Release Date	2020	2013

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