CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-10400F vs Intel Core i3-10105F
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.
Handles standard office work and web browsing fine, but the lack of an iGPU means no hardware video encoding acceleration for quick sync.
Gaming
Excellent 1080p gaming performance when paired with a mid-range GPU.
When paired with a mid-range GPU, it delivers smooth eSports performance and playable 1080p experience in older AAA titles, though modern heavy games will be CPU-limited.
Virtualization
Capable of running basic virtual machines.
Same 8-thread virtualization capability as the 10105, adequate for a single light VM.
Efficiency
Standard 14nm efficiency, adequate for a 65W TDP.
Efficiency is comparable to the 10105; the disabled iGPU saves a negligible amount of power under load.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Basic CPU inference only
- No iGPU means no Intel Quick Sync for video AI workloads
- CPU-bound inference is slow on 4 cores
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
- Requires a discrete GPU to function
- Excellent frame rates in CPU-light eSports titles
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs in CPU-intensive games
- 4 cores/8 threads are the bare minimum for modern 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
- Extremely low launch price of $97
- No compromise on CPU performance versus the 10105
- Full x16 PCIe 3.0 bandwidth for the GPU
- Low 65W power draw
- Enables viable sub-$400 gaming PC builds
Cons
- System will not boot without a discrete GPU
- No Intel Quick Sync video encoding
- Limited to PCIe 3.0
- Memory capped at DDR4-2666
- 14nm process is power-hungry compared to competitors
- Limited to 4 cores for modern gaming
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 i3-10105F
- AMD Ryzen 3 3100Rival
Budget Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 3 3300XRival
Budget Gaming
- Intel Core i3-11100FRival
Next-Gen Budget Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500Rival
Mainstream Gaming
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10400FRival
Mainstream Gaming
A generational leap in IPC and gaming performance if moving to the LGA 1700 platform.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
The best value 6-core option for modern gaming, offering much better longevity.
Only if you absolutely need integrated graphics as a backup.
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 reviewAn exceptional value proposition in its time, stripping the iGPU to offer the cheapest entry point into dedicated gaming on the LGA 1200 platform, though now overshadowed by newer architectures.
Best for: Finding one used for under $30 to revive an old LGA 1200 gaming rig or complete a ultra-low-budget build with spare parts.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-10400F or Intel Core i3-10105F?
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 i3-10105F?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-10400F leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Intel Core i5-10400F and Intel Core i3-10105F.
Do Intel Core i5-10400F and Intel Core i3-10105F 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 i5-10400F has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-10400F (6 cores), Intel Core i3-10105F (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). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.