Core Ultra 7 265 vs Core i5-10400F
Core Ultra 7 265
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 7 265
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-10400F
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 7 265 | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($320) | ✅ More affordable ($102) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 7 265 | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+22%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($320) | ✅ 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 7 265 and Core i5-10400F
Core Ultra 7 265
The Core Ultra 7 265 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 20 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 49,666 points. Launch price was $394.
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 7 265 packs 20 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i5-10400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core Ultra 7 265 has 14 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 265 versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F — a 20.8% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 7 265 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core Ultra 7 265 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 7 265 scores 49,666 against the Core i5-10400F's 13,029 — a 116.9% lead for the Core Ultra 7 265. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 7 265 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F.
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 265 | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 20 / 20+233% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 5.3 GHz+23% | 4.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 2.9 GHz+21% |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total)+150% | 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 | 49,666+281% | 13,029 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 8,191 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,454 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 5,783 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 7 265 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 7 265 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F — the Core Ultra 7 265 supports 199.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 7 265 supports up to 256 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 24 (Core Ultra 7 265) vs 16 (Core i5-10400F) — the Core Ultra 7 265 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 7 265) and H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F).
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 265 | 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 | 256 | 128 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24+50% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Core Ultra 7 265 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core Ultra 7 265 includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Graphics), while the Core i5-10400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-10400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 7 265 rivals Ryzen 7 9700X; Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 265 | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel Arc Graphics | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core Ultra 7 265 launched at $384 MSRP, while the Core i5-10400F debuted at $160. At current prices ($320 vs $102), the Core i5-10400F is $218 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 7 265 delivers 155.2 pts/$ vs 127.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400F — making the Core Ultra 7 265 the 19.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 265 | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $384 | $160-58% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $320 | $102-68% |
| Performance per Dollar | 155.2+22% | 127.7 |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2020 |
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