i3-10100 vs i5-9400F
Full specification comparison between the Intel Core i3-10100 (2020) and the Intel Core i5-9400F (2019).
i3-10100
Intel Entry-level
- ✓ Higher boost clock (4.3 vs 4.1 GHz)
- ✓ Has integrated graphics
- ✓ Cheaper at launch ($122 vs $182)
- ✓ Newer (2020 vs 2019)
- ✓ Better performance per dollar
Verdict: The i3-10100 and i5-9400F deliver essentially the same level of performance — the difference is within a few percent and won't be noticeable in real use. The decision comes down to price, power draw and features.
For gaming the i3-10100 leads, but the i5-9400F pulls ahead in heavily multi-threaded work like rendering, compiling and video export thanks to its stronger multi-core throughput.
Note they use different platforms (LGA1200 vs LGA1151), so this is a motherboard decision too, not just a CPU swap.
At launch pricing, the i3-10100 offers more performance per dollar, and the i3-10100 is the more power-efficient chip.
Estimated performance
Estimated average 1080p gaming performance compiled from publicly available benchmark data. Individual games vary.
Specs side by side
| Specification | i3-10100 | i5-9400F |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Comet Lake | Coffee Lake Refresh |
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1151 |
| Release year | 2020 | 2019 |
| Est. gaming perf. | ||
| Est. multi-core perf. | ||
| Est. single-core perf. | ||
| Cores | ||
| Threads | ||
| Max boost clock | ||
| L3 cache | ||
| TDP (base) | ||
| Integrated graphics | UHD 630 | None |
| Launch MSRP |
Green bars mark the better value in each row (for power and price, lower wins).
Frequently asked questions
Is the i3-10100 better than the i5-9400F?
They perform almost identically (within ~1%). Choose based on price, power consumption and platform rather than raw speed.
How much faster is the i3-10100 than the i5-9400F?
Roughly 0% on average in gaming workloads. The gap varies by title, resolution and settings.
Which processor is better value?
Comparing launch prices, the i3-10100 delivers more performance per dollar. Check current street prices, as market pricing often shifts the value equation.