Ryzen 3 3100 vs Core i5-10400
Ryzen 3 3100
Core i5-10400
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 Ryzen 3 3100
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-10400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 3 3100 | Core i5-10400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($75) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($175) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) / 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 3 3100 | Core i5-10400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+132%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($75) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($175) |
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 Ryzen 3 3100 and Core i5-10400
Ryzen 3 3100
The Ryzen 3 3100 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 24 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 11,928 points. Launch price was $99.
Core i5-10400
The Core i5-10400 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: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 11,988 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 3 3100 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-10400 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-10400 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Ryzen 3 3100 versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400 — a 9.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-10400 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Ryzen 3 3100 uses the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm), while the Core i5-10400 uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 3 3100 scores 11,928 against the Core i5-10400's 11,988 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-10400. L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen 3 3100 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400.
| Feature | Ryzen 3 3100 | Core i5-10400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz | 4.3 GHz+10% |
| 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 | 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) | Comet Lake (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 11,928 | 11,988 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 8,313 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,600 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 3 3100 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i5-10400 uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. 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: 24 (Ryzen 3 3100) vs 16 (Core i5-10400) — the Ryzen 3 3100 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 3 3100) and 400-series (Core i5-10400).
| Feature | Ryzen 3 3100 | Core i5-10400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | 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 | 24+50% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 3 3100 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 3 3100) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-10400). The Core i5-10400 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Ryzen 3 3100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 3 3100 targets Desktop, Core i5-10400 targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400 rivals Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Ryzen 3 3100 | Core i5-10400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Desktop | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 3 3100 launched at $99 MSRP, while the Core i5-10400 debuted at $182. At current prices ($75 vs $175), the Ryzen 3 3100 is $100 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 3 3100 delivers 159.0 pts/$ vs 68.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400 — making the Ryzen 3 3100 the 79.6% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 3 3100 | Core i5-10400 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $99-46% | $182 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $75-57% | $175 |
| Performance per Dollar | 159.0+132% | 68.5 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2020 |
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