Core i7-11700K vs Core i5-10400F
Core i7-11700K
Core i5-10400F
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-11700K
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-10400F
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-11700K | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) | ✅ More affordable ($102) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-11700K | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+84%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) | ✅ More affordable ($102) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-11700K and Core i5-10400F
Core i7-11700K
The Core i7-11700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 24,362 points. Launch price was $299.
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 i7-11700K packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i5-10400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i7-11700K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-11700K versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F — a 15.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-11700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i7-11700K uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-10400F uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-11700K scores 24,362 against the Core i5-10400F's 13,029 — a 60.6% lead for the Core i7-11700K. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 14,732 vs 8,191 (57.1% advantage for the Core i7-11700K). L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Core i7-11700K vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F.
| Feature | Core i7-11700K | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16+33% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+16% | 4.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+24% | 2.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 16 MB (total)+33% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core)+100% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Rocket Lake (2021) | Comet Lake (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 24,362+87% | 13,029 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 14,732+80% | 8,191 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,454 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 5,783 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1200 socket with PCIe 4.0. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-11700K) vs 16 (Core i5-10400F) — the Core i7-11700K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z590,B560 (Core i7-11700K) and H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F).
| Feature | Core i7-11700K | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-11700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i7-11700K supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-11700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 750), while the Core i5-10400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-10400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Core i7-11700K | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 750 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-11700K launched at $399 MSRP, while the Core i5-10400F debuted at $160. At current prices ($350 vs $102), the Core i5-10400F is $248 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-11700K delivers 69.6 pts/$ vs 127.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400F — making the Core i5-10400F the 58.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-11700K | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $399 | $160-60% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $350 | $102-71% |
| Performance per Dollar | 69.6 | 127.7+83% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2020 |
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