Intel® Core™ i5-10400F Processor – TRAY

The Intel® Core™ i5-10400F Processor is a 10th-generation desktop processor designed to deliver impressive performance for gamers, professionals, and everyday users. Released as part of Intel’s Comet Lake family, it offers a balanced mix of power, efficiency, and affordability, making it a popular choice among PC builders and upgraders.

Key Specifications

The i5-10400F features six cores and twelve threads, thanks to Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology. Its base clock speed is 2.9 GHz, which can turbo boost up to 4.3 GHz, providing a solid performance boost when handling demanding tasks. The processor is built on a 14nm manufacturing process, ensuring reliability and efficiency. It has a 12 MB Intel® Smart Cache, which helps improve processing speeds by reducing latency.

One distinguishing feature of the “F” variant is the absence of integrated graphics. Unlike the standard i5-10400, the i5-10400F requires a discrete GPU for video output. This trade-off often results in a slightly lower price, making it an attractive option for gamers and professionals who already plan to use dedicated graphics cards.

The processor supports dual-channel DDR4 memory with speeds of up to 2666 MHz, though higher speeds can be achieved with compatible motherboards and overclocked memory. It’s compatible with Intel’s LGA 1200 socket and 400-series chipsets, including the popular B460 and Z490 motherboards.

Performance

The i5-10400F shines in a variety of applications, from gaming to multitasking. Its six-core, twelve-thread configuration allows it to handle modern games and productivity tasks with ease. Gamers can expect smooth frame rates in most AAA titles when paired with an adequate GPU, such as an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600. The processor also excels in multitasking scenarios, such as running multiple applications, streaming, and light content creation tasks like photo editing and video rendering.

In benchmark tests, the i5-10400F performs competitively against similarly priced processors. While it may not match the raw power of higher-tier CPUs like the Intel Core i7 or i9 series, it delivers excellent value for its price, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious builders.

Cooling and Power Efficiency

With a thermal design power (TDP) of 65 watts, the i5-10400F is relatively power-efficient. It ships with Intel’s stock cooler, which is adequate for most standard setups. However, users aiming for better thermal performance or quieter operation may opt for aftermarket coolers. Proper cooling is essential for maintaining optimal performance, especially during extended gaming or heavy workloads.