How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-8100 scores 24/100 overall; Intel Core i5-10400 scores 32.6/100. Intel Core i3-8100 wins 1 individual spec rows, Intel Core i5-10400 wins 12.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-8100 and the Intel Core i5-10400?

Intel Core i3-8100 advantages: 24% higher Base clock: 3.6 GHz vs 2.9 GHz; Lower launch price: $117 vs $182. Intel Core i5-10400 advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 30 vs 26; Stronger Multi-core score: 32 vs 24; Stronger gaming score: 36 vs 22; 200% higher threads: 12 vs 4; 111% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 8,000 vs 3,800.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-8100 or Intel Core i5-10400?

Intel Core i3-8100 launched cheaper at $117, versus $182 for the Intel Core i5-10400.

Intel Core i3-8100 vs Intel Core i5-10400

Intel

Intel Core i3-8100

$117

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i5-10400

$182

26.3Single-core30.4

23.7Multi-core32.2

21.9Gaming36

1 spec wins — Intel Core i3-810012 spec wins — Intel Core i5-10400

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i5-10400 wins this desktop processor face-off, 32.6 to 24, pulling ahead mainly in gaming (+14) and Multi-core (+9). Intel Core i3-8100 still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.

Which would you pick?

Key differences

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i3-8100

24% higher Base clock: 3.6 GHz vs 2.9 GHz
Lower launch price: $117 vs $182

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-10400

Stronger Single-core score: 30 vs 26
Stronger Multi-core score: 32 vs 24
Stronger gaming score: 36 vs 22
200% higher threads: 12 vs 4
111% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 8,000 vs 3,800

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-10400
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-10400
Announced	2017	2020
Socket	LGA1151-v2	LGA1200
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Base TDP	65 W	65 W
Max turbo power	—	134 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	No
Cooler included	Yes	Yes

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-10400
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-10400
Cores	4	6+50%
Performance cores	4	6+50%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	12+200%
Base clock	3.6 GHz+24%	2.9 GHz
Boost clock	3.6 GHz	4.3 GHz+19%
L2 cache	1 MB	2 MB+50%
L3 cache	6 MB	12 MB+100%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-10400
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-10400
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 630	Intel UHD Graphics 630
iGPU clock	1,100 MHz	1,100 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-10400
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-10400
Memory support	DDR4-2400	DDR4-2666
Max memory	64 GB	128 GB+100%
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-10400
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-10400
PCIe version	3	3
CPU PCIe lanes	16	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-10400
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-10400
Geekbench 6 (single)	1,200Top 83%	1,390+16%Top 73%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	3,350Top 90%	5,800+73%Top 70%
Cinebench R23 (single)	—	1,100Top 80%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	3,800Top 92%	8,000+111%Top 71%
PassMark	6,100Top 90%	12,600+107%Top 73%

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