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 i5-10400T vs Core i7-5820K 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 i5-10400T vs Core i7-5820K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-10400T

2020

Why buy it

✅Costs $207 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $389 MSRP).
✅Delivers 112.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 53.8 vs 25.3 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $389 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 140W, a 105W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Core i7-5820K needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-5820K.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-5820K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (9,789 vs 9,826).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 15 MB).

Core i7-5820K

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+25% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 12 MB).
✅75% more PCIe lanes (28 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 25.3 vs 53.8 PassMark/$ ($389 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
❌300% higher power demand at 140W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-10400T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-10400T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-5820K better than Core i5-10400T?

Yes. Core i7-5820K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-5820K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.0% 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 i7-5820K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 12 MB).

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

Core i7-5820K is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-10400T is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-5820K comes in 113.7% more expensive on MSRP at $389 MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-10400T is also 112.9% better value on MSRP (53.8 vs 25.3 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible LGA1200 + DDR4 setup, Core i5-10400T can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.

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

Core i5-10400T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-10400T vs Core i7-5820K Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-10400T

The Core i5-10400T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2020 (5 years ago). It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 9,789 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i7-5820K

The Core i7-5820K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-E (2014) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,826 points. Launch price was $410.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-10400T and Core i7-5820K share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-10400T versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-5820K — identical boost frequencies (base: 2 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i7-5820K is built on the Haswell-E (2014) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-10400T scores 9,789 against the Core i7-5820K's 9,826 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-5820K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,272 vs 1,134, a 11.5% lead for the Core i5-10400T that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 12 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i5-10400T vs 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-5820K.

Feature	Core i5-10400T	Core i7-5820K
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	6 / 12
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz	3.3 GHz+65%
L3 Cache	12 MB Intel® Smart Cache	15 MB (total)+25%
L2 Cache	—	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	—	Haswell-E (2014)
PassMark	9,789	9,826
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	5,700
Geekbench 6 Single	1,272+12%	1,134
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	5,383

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-10400T uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-5820K uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400T versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i7-5820K — the Core i5-10400T supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-10400T supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-10400T) vs 4 (Core i7-5820K). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-10400T) vs 28 (Core i7-5820K) — the Core i7-5820K offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400T) and Intel X99 (Core i7-5820K).

Feature	Core i5-10400T	Core i7-5820K
Socket	LGA1200	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+25%	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+100%	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	28+75%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-5820K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-10400T) vs Yes (Core i7-5820K). The Core i5-10400T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-5820K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-10400T targets Low Power Desktop, Core i7-5820K targets Enthusiast Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400T rivals Ryzen 5 3400GE; Core i7-5820K rivals Ryzen 5 1600.

Feature	Core i5-10400T	Core i7-5820K
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	Yes
Target Use	Low Power Desktop	Enthusiast Workstation

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-10400T was priced at $182, while the Core i7-5820K came in at $389. On launch pricing ($182 vs $389), Core i5-10400T was $207 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-10400T delivers 53.8 pts/$ vs 25.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-5820K — making the Core i5-10400T the 72.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-10400T	Core i7-5820K
MSRP	$182-53%	$389
Performance per Dollar	53.8+113%	25.3
Release Date	2020	2014

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