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Intel Core i5 10400 Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130PassMark benchmark result:11984N. of physical cores:6CPU boost clock speed:4.3 GHzCPU socket:LGA1200TDP (Thermal design power):65 W

Intel Core i5 10400 Review: Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

5.8

▲Better than 52% of processors

5.4

▼Worse than 52% of processors

9.6

★Better than 97% of processors

4.3
Gaming
Gaming
4.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Measures single-core benchmark performance, peak boost clock speeds, and fast L3 cache sizing critical for high frame rates.
When it matters
When you want to play demanding mobile games, 3D titles, or run graphics-intensive apps smoothly.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
30.0%
4.7
PassMark single-core benchmark score
25.0%
4.3
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
20.0%
5.8
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
2.1
L3 cache
8.0%
3.6
N. of physical cores
4.5
Video editing
Video editing
4.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Assesses multi-core benchmark throughput, total physical core and thread count, and cache bandwidth for rapid video rendering.
When it matters
When evaluating how effectively this processors meets your specific video editing needs.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
45.0%
4.8
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
20.0%
3.6
N. of physical cores
20.0%
6.6
CPU threads
15.0%
2.1
L3 cache

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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 10400

5.8

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Platform

7.7

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Brand name

Intel

Processor type

CPU socket

Chipset

CPU architecture

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Performance

5.3

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N. of physical cores

CPU threads

Threads per core

CPU boost clock speed

CPU base clock speed

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Cache & Architecture

4.3

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Semiconductor size

Foundry

L3 cache

L2 cache

L1 cache

?

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Memory & PCIe

5.9

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DDR memory version

Maximum memory speed

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

Maximum memory capacity

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Integrated Graphics

7.2

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Integrated graphics

Integrated GPU model

Integrated GPU execution units

Integrated GPU base frequency

Integrated media encoders/decoders

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode), J

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Power & Thermal

6.3

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TDP (Thermal design power)

Base power (PL1)

Boost power (PL2)

Tau (power duration limit)

Configurable TDP

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Intel Core i5 10400 vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i5 10400 better than the average processor?

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Includes stock cooler
Cooler included
yes
▲ Better than 74% of models
This processor includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not. 25.9% of processors include a stock cooler.
Supports memory overclocking
Memory overclocking
yes
▲ Better than 56% of models
This processor supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not. 43.6% of processors support memory overclocking.
4 more CPU threads
CPU threads
12
▲ Better than 55% of models
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
12 vs 8
2x more memory capacity
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
▲ Better than 62% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
128 GB vs 64 GB
10x more popular
Intel Core i5 10400 is more popular than the average processor (10 vs 1).
10 vs 1
19.7% higher user score
User score
9.6/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters
When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Intel Core i5 10400
the average processor
Intel Core i5 10400 has a higher user score than the average processor (9.58 vs 8.000).
9.58 vs 8
28.8% smaller die size
Die size
126 mm²
▲ Better than 70% of models
Market range: <99 mm² – >257 mm²
This processor has a lower die size than the average processor (126 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
126 mm² vs 177 mm²
Includes crypto acceleration
Cryptographic acceleration
AES, SHA, RSA/PKA
▲ Better than 84% of models
This processor includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not. 0.00% of processors include crypto acceleration.
AES, SHA, RSA/PKA vs AES, SHA

10x more popular
Intel Core i5 10400 is more popular than the average processor (10 vs 1).
10 vs 1
19.7% higher user score
User score
9.6/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters
When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Intel Core i5 10400
the average processor
Intel Core i5 10400 has a higher user score than the average processor (9.58 vs 8.000).
9.58 vs 8

Includes crypto acceleration
Cryptographic acceleration
AES, SHA, RSA/PKA
▲ Better than 84% of models
This processor includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not. 0.00% of processors include crypto acceleration.
AES, SHA, RSA/PKA vs AES, SHA
Modern CPU socket
CPU socket
LGA1200
▲ Better than 70% of models
This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1200 vs FP4).
LGA1200 vs FP4
Advanced security extensions
Security extensions
AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard
▼ Worse than 52% of models
This processor provides more advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Processor).
AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Processor

4 more CPU threads
CPU threads
12
▲ Better than 55% of models
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
12 vs 8
Higher base clock
CPU base clock speed
6 x 2.9 GHz
▲ Better than 60% of models
This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x2.9 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).
6x2.9 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz
15.1% higher multi-core score
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
5,558
▲ Better than 54% of models
Market range: <763 – >14k
This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (5,558 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
5,558 vs 4,829

28.8% smaller die size
Die size
126 mm²
▲ Better than 70% of models
Market range: <99 mm² – >257 mm²
This processor has a lower die size than the average processor (126 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
126 mm² vs 177 mm²
16.7% more L3 per core
L3 per core
2 MB/core
▲ Better than 52% of models
Market range: <1 MB/core – >3 MB/core
This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.7 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
50% larger L3 cache
L3 cache
12 MB
▲ Better than 54% of models
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (12 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
12 MB vs 8 MB

Supports memory overclocking
Memory overclocking
yes
▲ Better than 56% of models
This processor supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not. 43.6% of processors support memory overclocking.
2x more memory capacity
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
▲ Better than 62% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
128 GB vs 64 GB

Includes stock cooler
Cooler included
yes
▲ Better than 74% of models
This processor includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not. 25.9% of processors include a stock cooler.

Why is Intel Core i5 10400 worse than the average processor?

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Less advanced microarchitecture
Microarchitecture codename
Comet Lake
▼ Worse than 95% of models
This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).
Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake
No configurable TDP
Configurable TDP
no
▼ Worse than 53% of models
This processor does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
Narrower instruction support
Instruction sets
SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2
▼ Worse than 92% of models
This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
2.23x higher boost power
Boost power (PL2)
134 W
▼ Worse than 82% of models
Market range: <25 W – >150 W
This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (134 W vs 60 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 60 W.
134 W vs 60 W
16.7% larger process node
Semiconductor size
14 nm
▼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
14 nm vs 12 nm
Narrower media codec support
Integrated media encoders/decoders
H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode), J
Category Benchmark
This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode), J vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode), J vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
50% less L2 per core
L2 per core
0.25 MB/core
▼ Worse than 63% of models
Market range: <0.25 MB/core – >2 MB/core
This processor has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
44.4% higher base power
Base power (PL1)
65 W
▼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
65 W vs 45 W

Narrower instruction support
Instruction sets
SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2
▼ Worse than 92% of models
This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA

8% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
Cinebench R20 single-core benchmark score
450
▼ Worse than 60% of models
Market range: <282 – >775
This processor has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (450 vs 489). The average processor scores 489 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
450 vs 489

Less advanced microarchitecture
Microarchitecture codename
Comet Lake
▼ Worse than 95% of models
This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).
Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake
16.7% larger process node
Semiconductor size
14 nm
▼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
14 nm vs 12 nm
50% less L2 per core
L2 per core
0.25 MB/core
▼ Worse than 63% of models
Market range: <0.25 MB/core – >2 MB/core
This processor has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
40% smaller L2 cache
L2 cache
1.5 MB
▼ Worse than 62% of models
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB

Limited PCIe bifurcation
PCIe bifurcation modes
x16
▼ Worse than 65% of models
This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16 vs x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4).
x16 vs x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4
Lower JEDEC memory speed
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-2666 MHz
▼ Worse than 58% of models
This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR4-2666 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
DDR4-2,666 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
9.2% lower memory bandwidth
Maximum memory bandwidth
41.6 GB/s
▼ Worse than 55% of models
Market range: <25 GB/s – >100 GB/s
This processor has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (41.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
41.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s
9.1% lower memory speed
Maximum memory speed
2,666 MHz
▼ Worse than 55% of models
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2666 MHz vs 2933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2933 MHz.
2,666 MHz vs 2,933 MHz

Narrower media codec support
Integrated media encoders/decoders
H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode), J
Category Benchmark
This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode), J vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode), J vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)

No configurable TDP
Configurable TDP
no
▼ Worse than 53% of models
This processor does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
2.23x higher boost power
Boost power (PL2)
134 W
▼ Worse than 82% of models
Market range: <25 W – >150 W
This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (134 W vs 60 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 60 W.
134 W vs 60 W
44.4% higher base power
Base power (PL1)
65 W
▼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
65 W vs 45 W
44.4% higher TDP
TDP (Thermal design power)
65 W
▼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
65 W vs 45 W

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

back2gaming.com

30/01/2021

Summary of the review

Intel Core i5-10400 Gaming Performance Review

The Back2Gaming review highlights the Intel Core i5-10400 (6 cores/12 threads, 4.3GHz boost) as a solid, high-availability mainstream gaming CPU that offers a significant multi-threaded performance leap over the previous i5-9400, making it capable of supporting modern gaming even with high-end GPUs like the RTX 3070. While providing decent frame rates and maintaining a low, easily cooled 65W TDP with the included stock cooler, the processor’s performance is heavily dependent on motherboard selection, with B460/H470 boards restricting memory speeds to 2666MHz. Conversely, pairing the locked-multiplier chip with a Z490 board allows for higher-speed memory, yielding approximately 10% better gaming performance and offering better value than the initially lower performance on cheaper boards.

pcmag.com

24/02/2021

Summary of the review

Intel Core i5-10400 Review

The PCMag review highlights the Intel Core i5-10400 as a valuable, entry-to-midrange CPU, featuring 6 cores, 12 threads, and a 65W TDP that offers a "tenacious" alternative to AMD competitors. While offering solid 1080p gaming performance and hyper-threading improvements, the processor is limited by locked speeds, required LGA 1200 motherboards, and a 2666MHz RAM cap on non-Z boards. Ultimately rated 3.5 stars, it is considered a budget-friendly option with an included cooler, though it often trails AMD's Ryzen 5 3600/5600X in multi-threaded tasks.

me.pcmag.com

24/02/2021

Summary of the review

Intel Core i5-10400 - Review 2021 - PCMag Middle East

The Intel Core i5-10400 is a 6-core, 12-thread 10th Generation desktop processor designed for mainstream users and budget-conscious gamers, featuring hyper-threading and a 65W TDP. The review highlights its solid 1080p gaming performance when paired with a discrete card, low operating temperatures, and the inclusion of a functional stock cooler. However, it is restricted by a locked multiplier, necessitates a new LGA 1200 motherboard, and falls behind similarly priced AMD alternatives in multi-core productivity tasks. PCMag Copy

uk.pcmag.com

24/02/2021

Summary of the review

Intel Core i5-10400 - Review 2021 - PCMag UK

The PCMag review characterizes the Intel Core i5-10400 as a tenacious, value-focused 6-core/12-thread processor that excels in 1080p gaming when paired with a discrete GPU. It offers decent performance for its price point and is easy to cool, making it a viable option for those already on the LGA 1200 platform. However, the CPU is frequently outclassed in productivity tasks by similarly priced AMD Ryzen alternatives and features a locked multiplier, preventing overclocking. Its integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 are functional for basic needs but significantly underperform compared to AMD's G-series solutions. Ultimately, PCMag rates the i5-10400 as a solid alternative for budget-conscious gamers, specifically when AMD Ryzen 3000/5000 chips are unavailable or overpriced. It fails to definitively beat competitors, making it a "just okay" choice in a highly competitive market, say PCMag. Copy

techspot.com

28/05/2020

Summary of the review

Intel Core i5-10400 vs. AMD Ryzen 5 3600

The TechSpot review of the Intel Core i5-10400 highlights a significant upgrade to a 6-core/12-thread architecture, offering up to 45% better multi-threaded performance than the i5-9400. While providing competitive performance with a 65W TDP, the CPU relies on motherboards ignoring power limits for peak performance, and it faces stiff competition from the AMD Ryzen 5 3600. A major drawback is the restrictive platform, where utilizing faster RAM requires expensive Z490 motherboards, and the locked multiplier prevents overclocking. Ultimately, while the i5-10400 is a solid, improved mid-range option, it is often outmatched in value by AMD, according to TechSpot.

hardwareluxx.de

19/06/2020

Summary of the review

A Great All-Rounder Without the K: Intel Core i5-10400F Review

The Hardwareluxx review identifies the Intel Core i5-10400F as a capable 6-core/12-thread, 65W TDP mid-range processor that lacks integrated graphics and an unlocked multiplier. It delivers competitive performance against the Ryzen 5 3600 and approaches the previous-gen i7-9700K in multi-threaded tasks. Key advantages include strong gaming performance and high efficiency, while limitations include a lack of overclocking capability, the absence of an iGPU, and a mature 14nm process.

lesnumeriques.com

03/07/2020

Summary of the review

Intel Core i5-10400 Review: A Balanced 6-Core Mid-Range Processor

The Intel Core i5-10400, a 6-core/12-thread processor, offers respectable mid-range performance, featuring a 35–45% multi-threaded gain over its predecessor. Key pros include excellent power efficiency and thermal management, allowing for quiet operation under load, making it a "correct" choice for users committed to the LGA 1200 platform. However, its performance often falls behind similarly priced, more versatile AMD Ryzen competitors, providing a weaker value proposition. Significant cons include a locked multiplier preventing overclocking and a memory speed limitation on B460/H470 motherboards, which stifles potential compared to AMD's unlocked systems. While efficient, the CPU fails to stand out, offering an unexciting experience against stronger competition.

conseil-config.com

27/07/2020

Summary of the review

Intel Core i5-10400F Review: A Great Gaming Mid-Range?

The Intel Core i5-10400F is a 6-core, 12-thread processor that brings hyper-threading to the i5 line, functioning as a 65W TDP alternative to the 10600K. Lacking integrated graphics and Turbo Boost 3.0, it offers strong gaming value that frequently matches or exceeds the Ryzen 7 3700X, though it lags behind AMD in heavy production workloads. Key pros include high gaming performance per dollar and low power consumption, while cons include a locked multiplier and limited memory support (DDR4-2666) without a Z-series board.

hardwarecooking.fr

14/07/2020

Summary of the review

Intel Core i5-10400F Review: A great CPU for under $200?

The Intel Core i5-10400F is a 6-core/12-thread Comet Lake processor offering a strong mid-range value proposition, featuring Hyper-Threading and a 65W TDP while lacking integrated graphics. Performance testing shows it offers excellent gaming capabilities, rivaling higher-tier CPUs, with 35-45% better multi-threaded performance than previous generations. However, the chip is limited by a locked multiplier, lack of PCIe 4.0 support, and requires a Z490 motherboard to utilize RAM speeds above 2666 MHz.

robadainformatici.it

07/03/2026

Summary of the review

Intel Core i5-10400F - Full review

The Intel Core i5-10400F is highlighted as a high-value, mid-range "best buy" featuring 6 cores, 12 threads, and a 4.3 GHz boost clock, delivering strong 1080p gaming and multitasking performance. It excels with a 65 W TDP for efficiency and low operating temperatures, often making the stock cooler sufficient, though the i5-10400F lacks integrated graphics and requires a dedicated GPU, while its locked multiplier prevents overclocking. The review also notes that this 10th-gen processor requires a new LGA 1200 socket motherboard, marking it a strong competitor to AMD's Ryzen 5, albeit with higher platform migration costs for older users. For more details, visit Roba da Informatici.

tweakers.net

09/04/2021

Summary of the review

Processor Best Buy Guide - The best CPUs in April 2021

The April 2021 Tweakers Processor Best Buy Guide highlights the impact of Intel’s 11th Gen "Rocket Lake" and AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series, dividing recommendations into budget, gaming, and productivity tiers. The Intel Core i5-11400 is recommended for budget, offering exceptional value and high IPC, though it suffers from high power consumption and heat. For gaming and heavy multitasking, AMD dominates with the Ryzen 5 5600X and 9 5900X, which provide superior efficiency and high frame rates despite premium pricing.

tweakers.net

27/09/2020

Summary of the review

Processors under 200 euros Roundup - Comparing affordable current CPUs

a little longer The Tweakers.net review compares mid-range processors under €200, highlighting the intense competition between the Intel Core i5-10400 and AMD Ryzen 5 3600. While both are six-core, twelve-thread CPUs suited for gaming and productivity, the optimal choice depends heavily on memory speed support and motherboard selection. The Intel Core i5-10400 is identified as a strong gaming contender with lower power consumption, but it suffers from memory speed limitations on cheaper B460/H410 motherboards, requiring more expensive Z490 boards to unlock its full potential. Conversely, the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is deemed the better all-rounder, offering superior multi-threaded performance, better stock cooler, and memory overclocking support on affordable B450 motherboards. Ultimately, the review recommends the Intel chip for users prioritizing pure gaming performance, provided they invest in faster RAM and compatible motherboards. The Ryzen 5 3600 is recommended as the better, more flexible option for balanced performance and workstation tasks.

tweakers.net

30/06/2020

Summary of the review

Intel Core i5-10400 Boxed Review

The Intel Core i5-10400 is a 6-core, 12-thread processor that offers strong, value-oriented performance for gaming and general computing, featuring Hyper-Threading and a 4.3 GHz boost clock. Key pros include exceptional thermal efficiency (65W TDP) and the inclusion of an integrated UHD 630 GPU, making it a robust, cool-running option for budget-conscious users. However, the CPU faces stiff competition from the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 in multi-threaded tasks and is restricted by its "locked" multiplier, preventing traditional overclocking. A significant con involves platform limitations on B460/H410 motherboards, where memory speeds are capped, potentially creating a bottleneck in gaming performance. As a reliable, "set-it-and-forget-it" choice for the LGA 1200 socket, the i5-10400 provides competitive 1080p gaming performance and low operating temperatures. Despite the drawbacks of platform lock-in and required motherboard upgrades, it is considered a solid, energy-efficient choice for mid-range systems.

tweakers.net

07/09/2021

Summary of the review

Processor Best Buy Guide: The best CPUs in September 2021

In September 2021, the Tweakers Processor Best Buy Guide highlighted a market dominated by AMD's Ryzen 5000 series, with the Ryzen 5 5600X recommended as the top all-round gaming CPU for its high IPC and excellent efficiency, despite a relatively high price point. Budget-conscious builders were directed toward the Intel Core i5-11400F, which offered high-value performance, although it necessitated a decent B560 motherboard and exhibited higher power consumption. For high-end, heavy-duty tasks, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X and 5950X were selected for their superior multi-threaded performance, notwithstanding their need for premium cooling due to high heat output and challenging availability.

tweakers.net

20/03/2023

Summary of the review

Which GPU relies less on your Intel CPU?

This Tweakers review evaluates the impact of pairing modern GPUs with older 10th to 12th generation Intel Core i5 processors, highlighting that while upgrades provide significant performance gains, older CPUs like the i5-10400 limit high-end card potential. Benchmarks indicate that AMD Radeon cards generally offer lower driver overhead, making them a better choice for reducing bottlenecks on older systems compared to Nvidia. A critical downside is that Intel Arc GPUs require mandatory Resizable BAR support to avoid severe performance penalties, while older platforms may still face "stuttery" 1% low framerates in modern, CPU-intensive titles.

hardware.info

09/07/2020

Summary of the review

Intel Core i5 10400 & Core i7 10700K review: Mainstream firepower

The Hardware Info review analyzes the 10th-gen Intel Core i5-10400 and i7-10700K, focusing on value versus performance. The i5-10400 (6C/12T) is a power-efficient (65W) and cost-effective option for standard gaming, though it lacks overclocking support and is limited to lower memory speeds on non-Z boards. Conversely, the i7-10700K (8C/16T) delivers high-end, 5.1 GHz performance suitable for professional tasks and gaming enthusiasts, but it requires a high-end cooler and motherboard to manage its 229W power draw. The review concludes that the i5-10400 offers better value for most users, while the i7 is intended for those requiring maximum, overclocked performance. Copy

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What we like about Intel Core i5 10400

Excellent value-for-money, often cited as a top choice for budget gaming builds
Solid gaming performance at 1080p, comparable to the Ryzen 5 3600
Includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD 630), providing a fallback or budget workstation solution
Low power consumption and relatively low operating temperatures
Comes with a workable bundled stock cooler that is sufficient for most non-overclocked use

What we don't like about Intel Core i5 10400

Locked multiplier prevents traditional overclocking
Memory speed is limited to 2666MHz on lower-end (H410/B460) motherboards
Underlying microarchitecture (Skylake-based) is considered aged compared to newer Zen or subsequent Intel generations
Stock cooler can be noisy under heavy loads according to some users
Requires LGA 1200 socket, mandating a motherboard upgrade for those on older platforms

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-10400 is a 10th-generation 'Comet Lake' desktop processor featuring 6 cores, 12 threads, and a 12 MB Smart Cache. Built on a 14nm process for the LGA 1200 socket, it operates at a 2.9 GHz base frequency with a maximum turbo boost of 4.3 GHz and a 65W TDP. Main pros include its solid mid-range gaming performance, inclusion of integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630, and the addition of Hyper-Threading compared to its predecessor. Primary cons are its locked multiplier which prevents overclocking, a 14nm architecture that is less energy-efficient than newer competitors, and a memory speed limitation of 2666 MHz when used on non-Z series motherboards.

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