Performance comparison: which is faster?
Core i5-10400 (Intel, 2020) and Core i3-10100F (Intel, 2020) are compared here. Compare not only scores, but also whether the motherboard can be reused and which GPU class is balanced with each CPU.
Overall performance: i5-10400 is about 47.7% faster
Both use the same LGA1200 socket, so they can be installed on the same motherboard. For games, performance balance with the GPU (guideline CPU:GPU = 0.9:1) matters more than CPU speed alone.
Relative performance score (higher is faster). Actual speed varies by workload, cooling, and memory configuration.
| Item | i5-10400 | i3-10100F |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 13,000 | 8,800 |
| Generation | 10th Gen | 10th Gen |
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1200 |
| Release Year | 2020 | 2020 |
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Compatible GPU Example | Radeon RX 6700 XT | Radeon RX 6700 XT |
| If You Want To... | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Prioritize maximum speed for heavy work or a high-end GPU | i5-10400 |
| Upgrade while reusing the current motherboard | Either works (same LGA1200 socket) |
| Prioritize value and adequate performance | i3-10100F (the lower model is often sufficient) |
i5-10400 is about 47.7% higher by score (i5-10400: 13000 points / i3-10100F: 8800 points). For gaming, the GPU tier usually matters more than a few percent of CPU difference. For CPU-heavy work such as video editing and streaming, choose the faster CPU.
Both are 10th Gen-generation CPUs.Both use the same LGA1200 socket, so they can be installed on the same motherboard.
Using our CPU:GPU = 0.9:1 guideline, Radeon RX 6700 XT pairs well with i5-10400 and Radeon RX 6700 XT pairs well with i3-10100F. If either GPU is too strong or too weak, one part holds the other back.
