CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-10400 vs Intel Core i3-10105
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-10400 is a 6-core, 12-thread desktop processor built on the 14nm Comet Lake architecture, offering solid mainstream performance with integrated UHD 630 graphics.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles everyday productivity and multitasking without issues.
Easily handles word processing, spreadsheets, and web applications. Multi-threaded tasks like video encoding reveal its 4-core limitations.
Gaming
Capable of smooth 1080p gaming when paired with a mid-range GPU.
When paired with a dedicated GPU, it can handle 1080p eSports titles well, but it will bottleneck more demanding modern AAA games.
Virtualization
Suitable for basic virtualization needs with 12 threads.
Can run a lightweight VM or two, but 8 threads and 6MB of cache restrict complex virtualization setups.
Efficiency
Power consumption is reasonable, though the 14nm process is less efficient than newer nodes.
The 14nm process is less power-efficient than newer 10nm or 7nm competing chips, drawing more power per clock.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Relies on CPU-based AVX2 instructions for inference
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- Lacks AVX-512 support found on higher-tier Comet Lake parts
- Suitable only for basic CPU-based inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Excellent 1080p performance
- Slightly limited by 2666 MT/s memory speed
- Best paired with GTX 1660 or RTX 3060 class GPUs
- Requires a dedicated GPU for any meaningful 3D gaming
- eSports titles like CS:GO and Valorant run smoothly
- CPU bottleneck becomes apparent in GPU-heavy 1080p scenarios
- 4 cores are becoming the strict minimum for modern titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- Includes integrated graphics
- Low 65W base TDP
- Wide motherboard compatibility
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- 14nm process runs warmer under load
- Limited to PCIe 3.0
- Memory speed capped at 2666 MT/s natively
Pros
- Included UHD Graphics 630 for display flexibility
- Low 65W TDP keeps cooling simple
- Compatible with both 400 and 500 series motherboards
- Affordable on the used market
- Solid single-threaded performance for basic tasks
Cons
- Limited to PCIe 3.0
- Memory controller capped at DDR4-2666
- Only 6MB of L3 cache
- Older 14nm manufacturing process
- Outperformed by cheaper newer AMD alternatives
- No PCIe 4.0 support for modern NVMe drives
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-10400
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Rival
Budget Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10400FRival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-9400Rival
Budget Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 3300XRival
Budget Desktop
- Intel Core i5-11400Alt
Offers better IPC and faster memory support.
A cheaper alternative for purely budget gaming.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Significantly faster single-core and gaming performance.
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
Newer platform with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support.
Intel Core i3-10105
- AMD Ryzen 3 3100Rival
Budget Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 3300XRival
Budget Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Intel Core i3-11100Rival
Next-Gen Budget
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10400Rival
Mainstream Desktop
Saves money if a dedicated GPU is already planned for the build.
Compare head-to-headAdds 2 more cores for significantly better multi-threaded performance at a slightly higher price.
Compare head-to-headA massive architectural leap if upgrading to the LGA 1700 platform.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Far superior 6-core/12-thread performance for modern gaming and productivity.
Our Verdict on Each
A highly cost-effective 6-core CPU that delivers excellent value for 1080p gaming and general computing, despite its locked multiplier and older 14nm process.
Best for: The Intel Core i5-10400 is highly recommended for users building a budget to mid-range 1080p gaming PC or a general-purpose home/office computer. Its 6-core, 12-thread configuration provides excellent longevity for everyday tasks, light content creation, and modern gaming when paired with a mid-range GPU like an RTX 3060 or RX 6600. The inclusion of UHD 630 graphics means the system is functional even if a discrete GPU fails or is delayed in purchase. Because it is a locked processor, there is no need to invest in expensive Z-series motherboards or high-end cooling; a simple B460 board and the stock cooler are sufficient. This makes it an ideal choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize stability, reliability, and maximum value over enthusiast-level tweaking or extreme frame rates.
Read the full reviewA solid entry-level processor that served as a reliable budget option in 2021, though it is now outpaced by newer architectures and limited by PCIe 3.0 and DDR4-2666 memory speeds.
Best for: Upgrading an existing LGA 1200 system on a very tight budget where the CPU can be found used at a steep discount.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-10400 or Intel Core i3-10105?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-10400 comes out ahead with a score of 8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-10400 or Intel Core i3-10105?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-10400 leads with a gaming performance score of 80/100 among Intel Core i5-10400 and Intel Core i3-10105.
Do Intel Core i5-10400 and Intel Core i3-10105 use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1200 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-10400 has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-10400 (6 cores), Intel Core i3-10105 (4 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-10400 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-10400 (14,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.