Core i5-10400F vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

CPU

GPU

Core i5-10400F

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2020

Core family

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Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

32 Cores64 Thrd250 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2018

Threadripper family

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Core i5-10400F vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX Performance Spectrum

Core i5-10400F

6 / 12

13,029

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

32 / 64

31,945

+145.2%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7975WX

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 Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX 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 Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX: 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

✅Costs $1,639 less on MSRP ($160 MSRP vs $1,799 MSRP).
✅Delivers 358.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 81.4 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $1,799 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 250W, a 185W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (8,191 vs 33,213).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 64 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX, which brings 32 cores / 64 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +38.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+433.3% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 32 cores / 64 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 16.
✅300% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.8 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($1,799 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
❌284.6% higher power demand at 250W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-10400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX better than Core i5-10400F?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX 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, Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 38.9% 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, Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is the stronger fit. You are getting 305.5% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 32 cores and 64 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 433.3% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 12 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-10400F is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX comes in 1024.4% more expensive on MSRP at $1,799 MSRP versus $160 MSRP, and it still gives you a 38.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-10400F is also 358.6% better value on MSRP (81.4 vs 17.8 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds 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 2018). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-10400F vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX 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.

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 13 August 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 250 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 31,945 points. Launch price was $1,799.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-10400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has 26 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — a 2.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-10400F (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i5-10400F uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses Zen+ (2018−2019) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-10400F scores 13,029 against the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX's 31,945 — a 84.1% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 8,191 vs 33,213 (120.9% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,454 vs 1,206, a 18.6% lead for the Core i5-10400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 5,783 vs 7,612 (27.3% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F vs 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX.

Feature	Core i5-10400F	Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	32 / 64+433%
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz+2%	4.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.9 GHz	3 GHz+3%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	64 MB+433%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512K (per core)+100%
Process	14 nm	12 nm-14%
Architecture	Comet Lake (2020−2025)	Zen+ (2018−2019)
PassMark	13,029	31,945+145%
Cinebench R23 Multi	8,191	33,213+305%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,454+21%	1,206
Geekbench 6 Multi	5,783	7,612+32%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-10400F uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F versus DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX supports 10% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-10400F) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-10400F) vs 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F) and X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX).

Feature	Core i5-10400F	Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Socket	LGA1200	TR4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR4-2933+10%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	2048 GB+1500%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	64+300%

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX 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 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). Primary use case: Core i5-10400F targets Gaming, Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX targets Extreme Content Creation. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600; Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX rivals Core i9-9980XE.

Feature	Core i5-10400F	Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	AMD-V
Target Use	Gaming	Extreme Content Creation

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-10400F was priced at $160, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX came in at $1799. On launch pricing ($160 vs $1799), Core i5-10400F was $1639 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-10400F delivers 81.4 pts/$ vs 17.8 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — making the Core i5-10400F the 128.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-10400F	Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
MSRP	$160-91%	$1799
Performance per Dollar	81.4+357%	17.8
Release Date	2020	2018

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