Core i5-10600KF vs Core i7-10870H

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 i5-10600KF vs Core i7-10870H 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 i5-10600KF vs Core i7-10870H: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-10600KF

2020

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $167 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $417 MSRP).
✅Delivers 67.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 56.6 vs 33.8 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $417 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-10870H can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-10870H

2020

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Core i5-10600KF needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (14,087 vs 14,140).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 33.8 vs 56.6 PassMark/$ ($417 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-10600KF better than Core i7-10870H?

Yes. Core i5-10600KF is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.0% 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?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-10600KF is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Core i5-10600KF is the better buy right now. Core i5-10600KF comes in $167 cheaper on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $417 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 67.4% better value on MSRP (56.6 vs 33.8 PassMark/$), 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 i7-10870H is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i5-10600KF vs Core i7-10870H Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-10600KF

The Core i5-10600KF 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 4.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 14,140 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i7-10870H

The Core i7-10870H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 17 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-H (2020) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 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: 14,087 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-10600KF packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-10870H offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i7-10870H has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core i5-10600KF versus 4.8 GHz on the Core i7-10870H — identical boost frequencies (base: 4.1 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i5-10600KF uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-10870H uses Comet Lake-H (2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-10600KF scores 14,140 against the Core i7-10870H's 14,087 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-10600KF. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-10600KF	Core i7-10870H
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	8 / 16+33%
Boost Clock	4.8 GHz	4.8 GHz
Base Clock	4.1 GHz+86%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Comet Lake (2020−2025)	Comet Lake-H (2020)
PassMark	14,140	14,087
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	9,594
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,228
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	6,822

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-10600KF uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-10870H uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10600KF versus DDR4-2933 on the Core i7-10870H — the Core i7-10870H supports 10% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i5-10600KF	Core i7-10870H
Socket	LGA1200	BGA1440
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR4-2933+10%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i5-10600KF has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-10600KF) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-10870H). The Core i7-10870H includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-10600KF requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-10600KF targets Gaming, Core i7-10870H targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i7-10870H rivals Ryzen 7 4800H.

Feature	Core i5-10600KF	Core i7-10870H
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Gaming	Gaming

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-10600KF was priced at $250, while the Core i7-10870H came in at $417. On launch pricing ($250 vs $417), Core i5-10600KF was $167 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-10600KF delivers 56.6 pts/$ vs 33.8 pts/$ for the Core i7-10870H — making the Core i5-10600KF the 50.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-10600KF	Core i7-10870H
MSRP	$250-40%	$417
Performance per Dollar	56.6+67%	33.8
Release Date	2020	2020

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