Intel Core i5-10400F vs i3-12100F: Performance, Gaming

Intel Core i5-10400F vs i3-12100F: Performance, Gaming, and Value Compared, Wondering whether to pick the Intel Core i5-10400F (6-core) or i3-12100F (4-core)? We compare benchmarks, gaming performance, power efficiency, and value to help you decide.

Choosing the right budget CPU can be tricky, especially when comparing older but higher-core-count options like the Intel Core i5-10400F with newer but fewer-core alternatives like the Intel Core i3-12100F. Both processors offer excellent value, but they cater to slightly different needs.

Intel Core i5-10400F vs i3-12100F

In this comparison, we’ll break down their specs, gaming performance, productivity benchmarks, power efficiency, and overall value to help you decide which one is best for your build.

Intel Core i5-10400F vs i3-12100F Specifications Overview

Feature	Intel Core i5-10400F	Intel Core i3-12100F
Release Date	April 2020	January 2022
Architecture	Comet Lake (14nm)	Alder Lake (Intel 7nm)
Cores/Threads	6 / 12	4 / 8
Base Clock	2.9 GHz	3.3 GHz
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz	4.3 GHz
L3 Cache	12MB	12MB
TDP	65W	58W
PCIe Version	3.0	5.0
Memory Support	DDR4-2666	DDR4-3200 / DDR5-4800
Price (MSRP)	₹6999	₹8000

Intel Core i5-10400F vs i3-12100F Key Differences:

Core Count: The i5-10400F has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the i3-12100F has 4 cores and 8 threads.
Architecture: The i3-12100F is based on Intel’s newer Alder Lake architecture, offering better IPC (Instructions Per Cycle) and efficiency.
Memory & PCIe Support: The i3-12100F supports DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, while the i5-10400F is limited to DDR4 and PCIe 3.0.
Power Efficiency: The i3-12100F has a lower TDP (58W vs 65W) and better performance-per-watt

Intel Core i5-10400F vs i3-12100F Performance Benchmarks

1. Single-Core Performance

The i3-12100F dominates in single-core tasks due to its newer Golden Cove architecture. In Geekbench 6, it scores 2712 points compared to the i5-10400F’s 1459 points—an 86% lead .

This makes the i3-12100F better for:

Gaming (especially at 1080p)
Light productivity tasks (Office, web browsing)
Emulation & older games that rely on single-thread performance

2. Multi-Core Performance

The i5-10400F pulls ahead in heavily threaded workloads thanks to its extra two cores and four threads. In Cinebench R23, it scores ~15% higher in multi-core tests.

This makes the i5-10400F better for:

Video editing & rendering
Streaming while gaming
Multi-tasking with multiple applications open

3. Gaming Performance

1080p Gaming: The i3-12100F often matches or beats the i5-10400F due to its superior single-core performance. In Tom’s Hardware tests, it delivered 88% of the i5-12400’s performance at half the price .
1440p & 4K Gaming: Both CPUs perform similarly since the GPU becomes the bottleneck.

4. Power Efficiency

The i3-12100F is more efficient, consuming 11% less power while delivering better single-core performance

Value & Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the i3-12100F if:

✅ You prioritize gaming performance (especially at 1080p).
✅ You want a newer platform (PCIe 5.0, DDR5 support).
✅ You prefer lower power consumption.
✅ You’re on a tight budget (often cheaper than the i5-10400F).

Choose the i5-10400F if:

✅ You need more cores for multi-threaded workloads.
✅ You already have a Comet Lake-compatible motherboard.
✅ You find it at a significant discount (used market).

Final Verdict

The Intel Core i3-12100F is the better choice for most budget gamers thanks to its superior single-core performance, efficiency, and newer features like PCIe 5.0. However, if you frequently use multi-core applications, the i5-10400F still holds up well.

For future-proofing, the i3-12100F is the clear winner, but if you can find the i5-10400F at a steep discount, it remains a viable option.

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