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 i5-2430M 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 i5-2430M 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 i5-2430M

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Core i5-10400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-10400F across 27 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,015 vs 13,029).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.0 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-10400F.

Core i5-10400F

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +308.2% higher average FPS across 27 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Costs $65 less on MSRP ($160 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 809.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 81.4 vs 9.0 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-2430M.

Trade-offs

❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2430M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-10400F better than Core i5-2430M?

Yes. Core i5-10400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 308.2% average FPS lead across 27 shared CPU game tests in our data, 546.6% 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 i5-10400F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 308.2% more average FPS across 27 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-10400F is the stronger fit. You are getting 546.6% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i5-10400F is the better buy right now. Core i5-10400F comes in $65 cheaper on MSRP at $160 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 308.2% average FPS lead across 27 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 809.3% better value on MSRP (81.4 vs 9.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-10400F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2011), 300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-2430M vs Core i5-10400F Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2430M

The Core i5-2430M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,015 points. Launch price was $225.

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 i5-2430M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-10400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-10400F has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i5-2430M versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F — a 35.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-10400F (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i5-2430M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-10400F uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2430M scores 2,015 against the Core i5-10400F's 13,029 — a 146.4% lead for the Core i5-10400F. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2430M vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F.

Feature	Core i5-2430M	Core i5-10400F
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	6 / 12+200%
Boost Clock	3 GHz	4.3 GHz+43%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	2.9 GHz+21%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+300%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark	2,015	13,029+547%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	8,191
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,454
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	5,783

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2430M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-10400F uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i5-2430M versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F — the Core i5-10400F supports 100% 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 16 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2430M) and H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F).

Feature	Core i5-2430M	Core i5-10400F
Socket	PGA988	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	1333	DDR4-2666+100%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	128 GB+700%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-2430M) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-10400F). The Core i5-2430M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i5-10400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-10400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-2430M rivals AMD A8-3500M; Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.

Feature	Core i5-2430M	Core i5-10400F
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Gaming

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2430M was priced at $225, while the Core i5-10400F came in at $160. On launch pricing ($225 vs $160), Core i5-10400F was $65 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2430M delivers 9.0 pts/$ vs 81.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400F — making the Core i5-10400F the 160.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2430M	Core i5-10400F
MSRP	$225	$160-29%
Performance per Dollar	9.0	81.4+804%
Release Date	2011	2020

Search Core i5-2430M on Amazon

Search Core i5-10400F on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.