CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-10400F vs Intel Core i5-4570S
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-10400F is a 6-core, 12-thread desktop processor that disables integrated graphics, offering excellent value for budget gaming rigs equipped with a dedicated GPU.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles everyday applications and multitasking efficiently.
Snappy for basic tasks, 6MB cache helps responsiveness.
Gaming
Excellent 1080p gaming performance when paired with a mid-range GPU.
Handles older games well but bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Virtualization
Capable of running basic virtual machines.
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 threads.
Efficiency
Standard 14nm efficiency, adequate for a 65W TDP.
Excellent power-to-performance ratio for its generation.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Basic CPU inference only
- Lacks modern AI instruction sets
- Not suitable for AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Ideal for 1080p high-refresh gaming
- Pairs well with GTX 1660 Super or RTX 3060
- No integrated graphics means a GPU is mandatory
- Needs a dedicated GPU for 3D gaming
- Suitable for e-sports titles from the 2010s
- Will bottleneck any GPU newer than a GTX 1060
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- Low 65W base TDP
- Wide motherboard compatibility
- Ideal for budget gaming
Cons
- No integrated graphics
- Locked multiplier
- Limited to PCIe 3.0
- Memory speed capped at 2666 MT/s natively
Pros
- Low 65W TDP ideal for SFF builds
- Strong single-core performance for its era
- Includes HD 4600 graphics
- Supports VT-d for virtualization
- 6MB L3 cache improves multitasking
Cons
- Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
- Locked multiplier
- No official Windows 11 support
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Lacks modern I/O like USB 3.1 Gen 2
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-10400F
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Rival
Budget Gaming
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10400Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Rival
Budget Gaming
- Intel Core i3-10100FRival
Budget Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 3 3300XRival
Budget Gaming
Better IPC and PCIe 4.0 support on 500-series boards.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Significantly better gaming performance and efficiency.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Modern Alder Lake architecture with much better performance.
Cheaper, faster single-core, great for ultra-budget gaming.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i5-4570S
- AMD FX-8320ERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4570Rival
Standard Desktop
- AMD FX-6350Rival
Budget Desktop
- Intel Core i5-4440Rival
Budget Desktop
- AMD A10-6800KRival
High-End APU
Unlocked variant for overclocking.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-4770SAlt
Efficient hyper-threaded alternative for more threads.
Slightly newer Haswell Refresh with better clocks.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 1500XAlt
Modern budget alternative with SMT.
Much newer budget alternative with 6 cores.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
By removing the integrated graphics, Intel created a highly affordable 6-core CPU that maximizes value for gamers who already own a discrete GPU.
Best for: The Intel Core i5-10400F is highly recommended for budget-conscious gamers building a 1080p system with a dedicated graphics card. By cutting out the integrated graphics, it saves money that can be better spent on a stronger GPU, making it an ideal pairing for cards like the GTX 1660 Super or RTX 3060. Its 6-core, 12-thread design ensures it won't bottleneck mid-range GPUs in most modern games. Because it is locked, you don't need to spend extra on Z-series motherboards or fancy coolers; a B460 board and stock cooling are perfectly adequate. It is perfect for students or first-time builders who want a reliable, plug-and-play experience. Avoid it only if you absolutely need integrated graphics as a fallback or if you plan on overclocking.
Read the full reviewA great efficiency-focused CPU for its time, still viable for basic legacy systems but not for modern workloads.
Best for: Drop-in upgrade for older LGA 1150 office PCs.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-10400F or Intel Core i5-4570S?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-10400F comes out ahead with a score of 8.2/10. 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 i5-10400F or Intel Core i5-4570S?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-10400F leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Intel Core i5-10400F and Intel Core i5-4570S.
Do Intel Core i5-10400F and Intel Core i5-4570S use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-10400F: LGA 1200, Intel Core i5-4570S: LGA 1150), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-10400F has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-10400F (6 cores), Intel Core i5-4570S (4 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-10400F posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-10400F (14,600), Intel Core i5-4570S (3,600). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.