Core i7-10700 vs Core i7-10700F

Intel

Core i7-10700

8 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2020
Core family
·······
VS
Intel

Core i7-10700F

8 Cores16 Thrd125 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2020
Core family
·······

Core i7-10700 vs Core i7-10700F 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 i7-10700 vs Core i7-10700F 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 i7-10700 vs Core i7-10700F: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-10700

2020

Why buy it

  • +27.8% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Draws 65W instead of 125W, a 60W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD 630, while Core i7-10700F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 44.0 vs 52.1 PassMark/$ ($365 MSRP vs $310 MSRP).

Core i7-10700F

2020

Why buy it

  • Costs $55 less on MSRP ($310 MSRP vs $365 MSRP).
  • Delivers 18.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 52.1 vs 44.0 PassMark/$ ($310 MSRP vs $365 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,250 vs 1,597).
  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (12,000 vs 12,250).
  • 92.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 65W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-10700 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-10700 better than Core i7-10700F?
Yes. Core i7-10700 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2.1% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 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 i7-10700 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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 i7-10700 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.1% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-10700 is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i7-10700F is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-10700 comes in 17.7% more expensive on MSRP at $365 MSRP versus $310 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-10700F is also 18.3% better value on MSRP (52.1 vs 44.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-10700 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 8/16. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-10700 vs Core i7-10700F Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-10700

The Core i7-10700 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 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 16 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: 16,067 points. Launch price was $340.

Intel

Core i7-10700F

The Core i7-10700F 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 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 16,139 points. Launch price was $299.

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-10700 and Core i7-10700F share an identical 8-core/16-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core i7-10700 versus 4.8 GHz on the Core i7-10700F — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). Both are built on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-10700 scores 16,067 against the Core i7-10700F's 16,139 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-10700F. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 12,250 vs 12,000 (2.1% advantage for the Core i7-10700). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,597 vs 1,250, a 24.4% lead for the Core i7-10700 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,926 vs 7,800 (1.6% advantage for the Core i7-10700). Both processors carry 16 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i7-10700Core i7-10700F
Cores / Threads
8 / 16
8 / 16
Boost Clock
4.8 GHz
4.8 GHz
Base Clock
2.9 GHz
2.9 GHz
L3 Cache
16 MB (total)
16 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256K (per core)
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Comet Lake (2020−2025)
Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark
16,067
16,139
Cinebench R23 Multi
12,250+2%
12,000
Geekbench 6 Single
1,597+28%
1,250
Geekbench 6 Multi
7,926+2%
7,800
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1200 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR4-2933 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: B460,H470,Z490,B560,Z590 (Core i7-10700) and H410,B460,H470,Z490,Z590 (Core i7-10700F).

FeatureCore i7-10700Core i7-10700F
Socket
LGA1200
LGA1200
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2933
DDR4-2933
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-10700) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-10700F). The Core i7-10700 includes integrated graphics (UHD 630), while the Core i7-10700F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-10700 targets Gaming, Core i7-10700F targets Gaming/Content Creation. Direct competitor: Core i7-10700 rivals Ryzen 7 3700X; Core i7-10700F rivals Ryzen 5 5600X.

FeatureCore i7-10700Core i7-10700F
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
UHD 630
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Gaming
Gaming/Content Creation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-10700 was priced at $365, while the Core i7-10700F came in at $310. On launch pricing ($365 vs $310), Core i7-10700F was $55 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-10700 delivers 44.0 pts/$ vs 52.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-10700F — making the Core i7-10700F the 16.7% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-10700Core i7-10700F
MSRP
$365
$310-15%
Performance per Dollar
44.0
52.1+18%
Release Date
2020
2020

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.