Core i5-10400H vs Core i7-3930K

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 i5-10400H vs Core i7-3930K 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 i5-10400H vs Core i7-3930K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-10400H

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 45W instead of 130W, a 85W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Core i7-3930K needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).

Core i7-3930K

2011

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).
✅150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-10400H across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (8,204 vs 8,246).
❌Launch MSRP is still $583 MSRP, while Core i5-10400H mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌188.9% higher power demand at 130W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-10400H can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-10400H better than Core i7-3930K?

Yes. Core i5-10400H is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% better 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 i5-10400H is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.6% 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 i5-10400H is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i5-10400H is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-10400H comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $583 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-3930K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (14.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA2011.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-10400H makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-10400H vs Core i7-3930K Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-10400H

The Core i5-10400H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-H (2020) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,246 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i7-3930K

The Core i7-3930K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 November 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,204 points. Launch price was $611.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-10400H packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-3930K offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i7-3930K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-10400H versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3930K — a 19% clock advantage for the Core i5-10400H (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-10400H uses the Comet Lake-H (2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3930K uses Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-10400H scores 8,246 against the Core i7-3930K's 8,204 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-10400H. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,391 vs 731, a 62.2% lead for the Core i5-10400H that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400H vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-3930K.

Feature	Core i5-10400H	Core i7-3930K
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	4.6 GHz+21%	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	3.2 GHz+23%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Comet Lake-H (2020)	Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013)
PassMark	8,246	8,204
Geekbench 6 Single	1,391+90%	731

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-10400H uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3930K uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2933 on the Core i5-10400H versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3930K — the Core i5-10400H supports 83.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-10400H supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-10400H) vs 4 (Core i7-3930K). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-10400H) vs 40 (Core i7-3930K) — the Core i7-3930K offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM470,QM480,WM490 (Core i5-10400H) and X79 (Core i7-3930K).

Feature	Core i5-10400H	Core i7-3930K
Socket	BGA1440	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2933+83%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+100%	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	40+150%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-3930K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. The Core i5-10400H includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-3930K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-10400H targets Performance Laptop, Core i7-3930K targets HEDT Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400H rivals Ryzen 5 4600H; Core i7-3930K rivals FX-8350.

Feature	Core i5-10400H	Core i7-3930K
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	None
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Performance Laptop	HEDT Desktop