CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-10400F vs Intel Core i7-8670
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.
12 threads make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
Gaming
Excellent 1080p gaming performance when paired with a mid-range GPU.
Handles modern games easily when paired with a mid-to-high-end GPU.
Virtualization
Capable of running basic virtual machines.
Capable of running multiple VMs smoothly.
Efficiency
Standard 14nm efficiency, adequate for a 65W TDP.
Good efficiency within the 65W envelope.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Basic CPU inference only
- No AI hardware
- Standard CPU inference
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
- Won't bottleneck RTX 3060 or RX 6600 class GPUs
- High turbo boost ensures smooth frame times
- Great for 60Hz and 144Hz gaming
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
- Excellent price-to-performance
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- Easy to cool (65W)
- Good turbo boost speeds
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Older 14nm process
- Limited upgrade path on LGA 1151
- Marginal improvement over i7-8700
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 i7-8670
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8600Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Much faster single-core and newer platform.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Better performance and modern features.
Cheaper 10th gen alternative with similar performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XAlt
More cores and better efficiency.
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 well-balanced 65W hexa-core CPU that offers excellent value for 1080p gaming and everyday productivity without the premium of K-series chips.
Best for: Upgrading an older LGA 1151 system for 1080p gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-10400F or Intel Core i7-8670?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8670 comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Do Intel Core i5-10400F and Intel Core i7-8670 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-10400F: LGA 1200, Intel Core i7-8670: Intel Socket 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
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 i7-8670 (14,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.