CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-10400F vs Core i7-10700
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.
16 threads handle heavy multitasking and office applications flawlessly.
Gaming
Excellent 1080p gaming performance when paired with a mid-range GPU.
Excellent gaming performance when paired with a dedicated GPU.
Virtualization
Capable of running basic virtual machines.
8 cores provide ample resources for running multiple VMs.
Efficiency
Standard 14nm efficiency, adequate for a 65W TDP.
14nm process is less efficient than modern competitors under heavy load.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Basic CPU inference only
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Relies on discrete GPU for AI
- Standard CPU vector processing only
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
- Strong single-core speeds
- iGPU available for troubleshooting
- PCIe 3.0 only
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
- 8 cores and 16 threads
- Includes UHD 630 integrated graphics
- 65W base TDP
- Excellent value in the used market
- Wide motherboard compatibility
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- 14nm process runs hot under boost
- PCIe 3.0 only
- UHD 630 is very weak for 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
Core i7-10700
- AMD Ryzen 7 3700XRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10400Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-9700Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-10700FAlt
Cheaper if you already own a dedicated GPU.
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
Newer architecture with better IPC and efficiency.
11th Gen with PCIe 4.0 and AVX-512.
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 highly reliable 8-core desktop CPU with integrated graphics, offering great value for general computing and mid-range gaming.
Best for: Building a budget office PC or upgrading an older LGA 1200 system.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-10400F or Core i7-10700?
For gaming, the Core i7-10700 leads with a gaming performance score of 90/100 among Intel Core i5-10400F and Core i7-10700.
Do Intel Core i5-10400F and Core i7-10700 use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1200 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Core i7-10700 has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-10400F (6 cores), Core i7-10700 (8 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), Core i7-10700 (14,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.