Core i5-1240P vs Core i5-10400F

Intel

Core i5-1240P

12 Cores16 Thrd28 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2022
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-10400F

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2020
Core family
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Core i5-1240P vs Core i5-10400F 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 i5-1240P vs Core i5-10400F 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 i5-1240P vs Core i5-10400F: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-1240P

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +9.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 28W instead of 65W, a 37W reduction.
  • Newer platform on FCBGA1744 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1200 and DDR4.
  • 25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe Graphics, while Core i5-10400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 52.5 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($309 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-10400F.

Core i5-10400F

2020

Why buy it

  • Costs $149 less on MSRP ($160 MSRP vs $309 MSRP).
  • Delivers 55.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 81.4 vs 52.5 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $309 MSRP).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-1240P.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-1240P across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (8,191 vs 11,268).
  • 132.1% higher power demand at 65W vs 28W.
  • Older platform position on LGA1200 with DDR4, while Core i5-1240P moves to FCBGA1744 and DDR5.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-1240P can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-1240P better than Core i5-10400F?
Yes. Core i5-1240P is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 37.6% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 24.5% 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 i5-1240P is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.1% 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 i5-1240P is the stronger fit. You are getting 37.6% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 12 cores and 16 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-1240P is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-10400F is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i5-1240P comes in 93.1% more expensive on MSRP at $309 MSRP versus $160 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-10400F is also 55.1% better value on MSRP (81.4 vs 52.5 PassMark/$), 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 i5-1240P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2020), a healthier platform with FCBGA1744 and DDR5 instead of LGA1200, and more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 16 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-1240P vs Core i5-10400F Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-1240P

The Core i5-1240P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 February 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-P (2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 16,224 points. Launch price was $299.

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.

Processing Power

The Core i5-1240P packs 12 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i5-10400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-1240P has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-1240P versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F — a 2.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-1240P (base: 1.7 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i5-1240P uses the Alder Lake-P (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i5-10400F uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-1240P scores 16,224 against the Core i5-10400F's 13,029 — a 21.8% lead for the Core i5-1240P. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 11,268 vs 8,191 (31.6% advantage for the Core i5-1240P). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,102 vs 1,454, a 36.4% lead for the Core i5-1240P that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,577 vs 5,783 (26.9% advantage for the Core i5-1240P). Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i5-1240PCore i5-10400F
Cores / Threads
12 / 16+100%
6 / 12
Boost Clock
4.4 GHz+2%
4.3 GHz
Base Clock
1.7 GHz
2.9 GHz+71%
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
12 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
256K (per core)+20380%
Process
Intel 7 nm-50%
14 nm
Architecture
Alder Lake-P (2022)
Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark
16,224+25%
13,029
Cinebench R23 Multi
11,268+38%
8,191
Geekbench 6 Single
2,102+45%
1,454
Geekbench 6 Multi
7,577+31%
5,783
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-1240P uses the FCBGA1744 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-10400F uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-1240P versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F — the Core i5-1240P supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-10400F supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-1240P) vs 16 (Core i5-10400F) — the Core i5-1240P offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Alder Lake-P (Core i5-1240P) and H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F).

FeatureCore i5-1240PCore i5-10400F
Socket
FCBGA1744
LGA1200
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+67%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+80%
DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
128 GB+100%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
20+25%
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i5-1240P includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics), while the Core i5-10400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-1240P targets Budget, Core i5-10400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-1240P rivals Ryzen 5 6600U; Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.

FeatureCore i5-1240PCore i5-10400F
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Iris Xe Graphics
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Budget
Gaming
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-1240P was priced at $309, while the Core i5-10400F came in at $160. On launch pricing ($309 vs $160), Core i5-10400F was $149 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-1240P delivers 52.5 pts/$ vs 81.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400F — making the Core i5-10400F the 43.2% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-1240PCore i5-10400F
MSRP
$309
$160-48%
Performance per Dollar
52.5
81.4+55%
Release Date
2022
2020

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