CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-10400 vs Intel Core i3-10300
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.
The 8MB cache provides a noticeable uplift in applications that are sensitive to L3 cache size compared to 6MB retail parts.
Gaming
Capable of smooth 1080p gaming when paired with a mid-range GPU.
Better than a retail i3-10100 due to the extra cache, but OEM PCs with this chip rarely include a capable dedicated GPU.
Virtualization
Suitable for basic virtualization needs with 12 threads.
The extra cache helps in VM context switching, but 8 threads is still a hard limit.
Efficiency
Power consumption is reasonable, though the 14nm process is less efficient than newer nodes.
The 90W PL2 is inefficient for a 4-core chip, but OEMs typically lock this down, resulting in standard 65W operation.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Relies on CPU-based AVX2 instructions for inference
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Extra cache does not significantly impact AI 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
- Rarely found in systems with adequate GPUs
- Cache uplift helps minimally in gaming compared to retail i3s
- UHD 630 is not suitable for 3D gaming
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
- 8MB L3 cache is larger than retail i3 alternatives
- High 90W PL2 allows strong burst performance if cooled properly
- Includes TSX instructions
- UHD 630 for basic display tasks
- Can often be found cheap on the used market from scrapped PCs
Cons
- OEM-only, never sold at retail
- No official warranty for consumers
- 90W PL2 may overwhelm stock OEM coolers
- Still limited to PCIe 3.0 and DDR4-2666
- 4 cores are limiting for modern workloads
- Very difficult to find standalone
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 i3-10300
- AMD Ryzen 3 3100Rival
Budget Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GRival
Budget Desktop with iGPU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-10100Rival
Retail Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10400Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500Rival
Mainstream Desktop
A massive leap in performance for any new build.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i3-10305Alt
The OEM successor with even higher clocks and the same 8MB cache.
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 capable OEM-only chip that is slightly better than its retail counterparts thanks to 8MB of L3 cache, though its 90W PL2 is an oddity for a 4-core part that most OEM coolers cannot handle.
Best for: Pulling one from a scrapped OEM PC to use in a cheap LGA 1200 build, taking advantage of the 8MB cache.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-10400 or Intel Core i3-10300?
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 i3-10300?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-10400 leads with a gaming performance score of 80/100 among Intel Core i5-10400 and Intel Core i3-10300.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i3-10300 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-10400 (65 W), Intel Core i3-10300 (62 W).
Do Intel Core i5-10400 and Intel Core i3-10300 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 i3-10300 (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.