Core Ultra 5 245KF vs Core i5-10400F
Core Ultra 5 245KF
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 Ultra 5 245KF
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-10400F
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 245KF | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($189) | ✅ More affordable ($102) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 245KF | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+80%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($189) | ✅ 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 Ultra 5 245KF and Core i5-10400F
Core Ultra 5 245KF
The Core Ultra 5 245KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 43,424 points. Launch price was $294.
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 Ultra 5 245KF packs 14 cores / 14 threads, while the Core i5-10400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core Ultra 5 245KF has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245KF versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F — a 18.9% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 245KF (base: 4.2 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 245KF uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Core i5-10400F uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 245KF scores 43,424 against the Core i5-10400F's 13,029 — a 107.7% lead for the Core Ultra 5 245KF. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 245KF vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245KF | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 14+133% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz+21% | 4.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4.2 GHz+45% | 2.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB (total)+100% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (per core)+1100% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-79% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) | Comet Lake (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 43,424+233% | 13,029 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 8,191 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,454 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 5,783 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 5 245KF uses the LGA1851 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 6400 on the Core Ultra 5 245KF versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F — the Core Ultra 5 245KF supports 199.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 5 245KF supports up to 192 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core Ultra 5 245KF) vs 16 (Core i5-10400F) — the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 245KF) and H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F).
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245KF | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 6400+159900% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 | 128 GB+69904967% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core Ultra 5 245KF has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core Ultra 5 245KF includes integrated graphics (Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores)), while the Core i5-10400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-10400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 245KF rivals Ryzen 5 9600X; Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245KF | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores) | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core Ultra 5 245KF launched at $294 MSRP, while the Core i5-10400F debuted at $160. At current prices ($189 vs $102), the Core i5-10400F is $87 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 245KF delivers 229.8 pts/$ vs 127.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400F — making the Core Ultra 5 245KF the 57.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245KF | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $294 | $160-46% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $189 | $102-46% |
| Performance per Dollar | 229.8+80% | 127.7 |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2020 |
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