Core i5-10400F vs Phenom II X6 1035T

Intel

Core i5-10400F

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2020
Core family
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X6 1035T

6 Cores6 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Core i5-10400F vs Phenom II X6 1035T 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 Phenom II X6 1035T 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 Phenom II X6 1035T: 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: +173.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $160 MSRP, while Phenom II X6 1035T mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Phenom II X6 1035T

2010

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-10400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (2,670 vs 8,191).
    • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).
    • 46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Core i5-10400F better than Phenom II X6 1035T?
    Yes. Core i5-10400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 173.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 206.8% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 332.6% 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 173.7% 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 206.8% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 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 at an unclear MSRP at $160 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 173.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (81.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2010), 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 6/6. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Core i5-10400F vs Phenom II X6 1035T 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

    Phenom II X6 1035T

    The Phenom II X6 1035T is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 April 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Thuban (2010) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,012 points. Launch price was $189.

    Processing Power

    The Core i5-10400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, matching the Phenom II X6 1035T's 6 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F versus 3.1 GHz on the Phenom II X6 1035T — a 32.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-10400F (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-10400F uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Phenom II X6 1035T uses Thuban (2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-10400F scores 13,029 against the Phenom II X6 1035T's 3,012 — a 124.9% lead for the Core i5-10400F. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 8,191 vs 2,670 (101.7% advantage for the Core i5-10400F). L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X6 1035T.

    FeatureCore i5-10400FPhenom II X6 1035T
    Cores / Threads
    6 / 12
    6 / 6
    Boost Clock
    4.3 GHz+39%
    3.1 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.9 GHz+12%
    2.6 GHz
    L3 Cache
    12 MB (total)+100%
    6 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    256K (per core)
    512 kB (per core)+100%
    Process
    14 nm-69%
    45 nm
    Architecture
    Comet Lake (2020−2025)
    Thuban (2010)
    PassMark
    13,029+333%
    3,012
    Cinebench R23 Multi
    8,191+207%
    2,670
    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 Phenom II X6 1035T uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F versus DDR3-1333 on the Phenom II X6 1035T — the Core i5-10400F supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F) and AM3 (Phenom II X6 1035T).

    FeatureCore i5-10400FPhenom II X6 1035T
    Socket
    LGA1200
    AM3
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0+50%
    PCIe 2.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR4-2666+100%
    DDR3-1333
    Max RAM Capacity
    128 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    Yes
    PCIe Lanes
    16
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Only the Phenom II X6 1035T 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 (Phenom II X6 1035T). Primary use case: Core i5-10400F targets Gaming, Phenom II X6 1035T targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600; Phenom II X6 1035T rivals Core i5-750.

    FeatureCore i5-10400FPhenom II X6 1035T
    Integrated GPU
    No
    No
    Unlocked
    No
    Yes
    AVX-512
    No
    No
    Virtualization
    VT-x, VT-d
    AMD-V
    Target Use
    Gaming
    Budget