Intel Core i5-10400 Review

Cons

• Slower than comparatively priced AMD options in nearly every CPU-centric test
• LGA 1200 adoption is mandatory
• Integrated graphics are there, but still Intel UHD Graphics

Intel Core i5-10400 Specs

The Intel Core i5-10400, priced, is not the premier six-core desktop CPU within the company’s 10th Generation lineup. That distinction belongs to the unlocked Core i5-10600K, which was reviewed at its launch last year. However, while the Core i5-10400 does not offer overclocking capabilities, it compensates for this limitation with its robust performance. This processor competes effectively against AMD’s formidable six-core CPUs, such as the Editors’ Choice-winning Ryzen 5 5600X and the previous generation 3600X. It represents a commendable value for users who already possess an LGA 1200 motherboard and wish to enhance their gaming experience with a discrete GPU. Nevertheless, when considering a midrange upgrade, AMD’s Ryzen 5 series generally provides better value in terms of cost-per-core and overall performance, provided one can acquire them at or near their list price. As a rare value option from Intel, the Core i5-10400 is a reasonable choice for PC gamers and general users, especially if the availability and pricing of AMD’s Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series remain challenging.

Specifications of the Intel Core i5-10400: Positioned Centrally Among Its Peers.

Expanding on our initial discussion, Intel’s transition to the LGA 1200 socket for its “Comet Lake” 10th Generation desktop processors diminishes the value of the Core i5-10400, as it necessitates the purchase of a new motherboard. This stands in stark contrast to AMD’s widespread compatibility with Socket AM4 across its mainstream Ryzen processors.

Motherboards featuring that socket, supported by various chipsets, have been available for several years, and it is possible that you already possess one. However, this is unlikely to be true for Intel’s latest motherboards, which diminishes the appeal of lower-tier processors. The performance of the Core i5 does not sufficiently warrant a separate upgrade on an existing motherboard, unless, for some improbable reason, you own an LGA 1200 motherboard that is paired with a Pentium Gold or Core i3 processor released in 2020.

In light of the challenges that Intel has been facing in its competition with AMD in the desktop market, we will begin our examination of the Intel Core i5-10400 and its position relative to AMD’s range of entry-level and midrange processors, by reviewing some fundamental specifications of both.

The Intel Core i5-10400, featuring six cores and twelve threads, is positioned at the lower end of Intel’s midrange offerings. It competes with AMD processors such as the Ryzen 3 3400G, priced the Ryzen 3 3600, and the Ryzen 5 5600X. Notably, the Ryzen 3 3400G is among the few AMD processors in this price bracket that includes integrated graphics, while the other models require a separate graphics card.

Prior to proceeding with this review, it is essential to highlight some recent developments. Typically, CPUs are evaluated based on their Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) or Recommended Customer Price (RCP), as referred to by Intel. However, in the weeks leading up to February 2021, there have been notable discounts on 10th Generation Intel processors across various online retailers. For instance, although the Intel Core i5-10400 is priced, it can often be found in the range, depending on the retailer selected.

Nevertheless, I believe that the reductions in price for this chip and other entry-level 10th Generation models may not compensate for the overall expenses associated with adoption, which necessitates an LGA 1200 motherboard. AMD’s persistent commitment to Socket AM4 has significantly benefited the company, providing a broader range of upgraders the chance to enhance their existing AMD systems with processors such as the Ryzen 5 3600, all at a considerably lower cost compared to establishing an Intel Core i5-10400 system. Intel’s frequent updates to its desktop sockets have once again hindered the company’s budget-oriented offerings.

Intel executed a strategic enhancement with the introduction of this chip, along with several others in the Comet Lake series: The Core i5-10400 marks the return of Hyper-Threading to its specifications. This advancement increases the thread count from the Intel Core i5-9400, which offered six cores and six threads, to 12 processing threads utilizing the same six cores in the Core i5-10400. This development is significant and, indeed, essential for maintaining the competitiveness of these Intel processors in the face of the formidable Ryzen lineup.

Similar to several other processors within the Intel 10th Generation lineup, the Core i5-10400 is equipped with an Intel UHD Graphics 630 integrated graphics processor (IGP). Currently, AMD does not provide any processors featuring an IGP and more than four cores in its 3000 or 5000 Series Ryzen families. Therefore, the most comparable option from AMD is the four-core/eight-thread Ryzen 5 3400G, which includes Vega 11 integrated graphics. Both this model and its Ryzen 3 counterpart, the 3200G, have not transitioned to the Zen 3 architecture or the Ryzen 5000 series as of now.

The Intel Core i5-10400 is positioned at the threshold where Intel typically ceases to provide stock coolers with its processors, making the inclusion of one at this price point a logical choice. As this CPU is not designed for overclocking, the bundled fan should adequately meet the cooling needs of the majority of users, particularly those who do not have to view this somewhat dated design through a transparent case window.

Evaluating the Core i5-10400: AMD’s Competitive Edge is Clear.

The Core i5-10400 was evaluated using an Asus ROG Maximus XII Hero (Wi-Fi) motherboard, which features a Z490 chipset. The system was equipped with 16GB of G.Skill memory operating at a frequency of 3,000MHz to ensure consistency with our previous CPU assessments. Additionally, it included an Intel SATA boot SSD alongside an ADATA SATA M.2 secondary storage drive.

The entire setup was housed within the ADATA XPG Invader chassis, which was equipped with a Deepcool GamerStorm Captain 240 EX 240mm liquid cooling system and a 750-watt power supply from Corsair. For our gaming evaluations, we utilized an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti operating at Founders Edition clock speeds, consistent with our approach in recent reviews of mainstream and high-end CPUs.

We evaluate CPUs through a range of synthetic benchmarks that provide proprietary scores, in addition to conducting real-world assessments utilizing consumer applications such as 7-Zip and 3D games like Far Cry 5. For processors comparable to the Intel Core i5-10400, we also perform several gaming tests using only the integrated graphics processor (IGP), without the aid of a discrete graphics card. The charts presented below feature a selection of similarly priced competing CPUs from both AMD and Intel, as well as related models.

CPU-Focused Evaluations: Not the Reliable Performer You Expected

In recent years, Intel’s midrange offerings have faced challenges when compared to AMD’s performance in productivity tasks. However, how did the Core i5-10400 perform when its Hyper-Threading capabilities were reinstated and its threads were subjected to rigorous testing?

Regrettably, the situation remains largely unchanged. AMD silicon, which is similarly priced or slightly more expensive (particularly when considering launch prices), continues to excel in content creation and productivity tasks.

The Ryzen 5 3600, Ryzen 5 3600X, Ryzen 5 3600XT, and Ryzen 5 5600X represent excellent six-core alternatives for productivity, particularly when contrasted with the Core i5-10400 and the Core i5-10600K. Notable productivity benchmarks, such as 7-Zip, clearly illustrate the performance disparity between Intel and AMD within the six-core segment. It is important to note that the Core i5-10400 significantly outperforms the four-core, integrated graphics-equipped Ryzen 5 3400G across all CPU tests; however, this point warrants further consideration.

Gaming Performance at the Midrange: Frame Rates of the Intel Core i5-10400 with a Dedicated GPU.

The results from our extensive gaming tests utilizing the GeForce RTX 2080 Ti graphics card reveal significant insights. This high-end consumer graphics card serves as the key determinant of performance at 4K resolution across all the CPUs listed below. However, at 1080p, the card becomes less of a limiting factor, allowing the variations among the CPUs to become more apparent.

A significant segment of purchasers for the Core i5-10400 consists of midrange gamers who either possess a discrete GPU to complement their processor or intend to acquire one concurrently with the Core i5-10400 as part of their new system configuration. It is anticipated that they will primarily operate at a resolution of 1080p rather than 4K.

In this series of tests, the Core i5-10400 demonstrates competitiveness, although it is surpassed in value by the Ryzen 3 3300X and in performance by the Ryzen 5 5600X. When comparing the results of the 5600X to those of the previous generation Ryzen 5 3600X, it becomes evident that AMD has achieved significant improvements in frame rates with the Zen 3 architecture. While the Core i5 does achieve some unexpected successes in certain legacy game tests—most notably in Bioshock: Infinite—the overall number of such victories is insufficient for Intel to claim a clear triumph in this comparison.

Performance of Integrated Graphics in Gaming: Results from the Intel Core i5-10400 IGP

The Intel Core i5-10400, positioned as a midrange processor, effectively balances the capability to support gaming alongside a dedicated GPU while also being competent enough to operate independently with its integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630. We evaluate lower-tier CPUs equipped with integrated graphics processors (IGPs) by testing them across a selection of games, configured to either near-minimum or minimum settings at a resolution of 1,280 by 720 pixels (720p) and 1,920 by 1,080 pixels (1080p).

The integrated graphics performance here surpasses that of the previous generation Pentium or Celeron processors. While Intel’s UHD Graphics 630 has been a reliable option, it has become increasingly outdated. This disparity is particularly evident when compared to AMD’s Radeon RX Vega integrated graphics.

The Vega 8 and Vega 11 integrated graphics processors, found in the AMD Ryzen 3 3200G and Ryzen 5 3400G respectively, have established themselves as reliable choices for individuals seeking to both work and play on a single chip while adhering to a limited budget. Although Intel’s forthcoming 11th Generation “Rocket Lake” CPUs are expected to introduce new Iris Xe integrated graphics, potentially enhancing frame rates, the current Intel UHD Graphics 630 is not recommended for dedicated gaming purposes. While UHD Graphics performs adequately for productivity tasks, it falls short as a viable gaming option.

It is important to observe that in the IGP benchmarks, the Core i5-10400 performed marginally worse than the Core i3-10100 in games such as Rainbow Six: Siege and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. This outcome is surprising considering the disparity in price and performance between the two processors. The significantly higher base clock speed of the Core i3, which stands at 3.6GHz compared to the 2.9GHz of the Core i5, may have contributed to this result.

An Overview of Overclocking and Thermal Management

During our testing, the Intel Core i5-10400 did not exceed 57 degrees Celsius, a result that can be attributed to the high-performance cooling system employed in our test setup. If you intend to utilize air cooling for the Core i5-10400—unless you have a spare AIO liquid cooler available, which we suggest is not necessary at this price point—anticipate slightly elevated temperatures, although they should not be excessively high.

The Core i5-10400 is classified as a non-“K”-series processor, meaning it lacks the overclocking capabilities associated with Intel’s “K” suffix. Consequently, we were unable to evaluate the performance of the Core i5-10400 under overclocked conditions. For individuals seeking a six-core Intel processor with the potential for increased boost clock speeds, the Intel Core i5-10600K, referenced earlier, would be the appropriate choice.

Conclusion: Penalty in a Processor Constraint

Positioned as a more economical option compared to the Intel Core i5-10600K, the Core i5-10400 occupies its anticipated place within the mainstream CPU ranking. For those seeking a six-core 10th Generation Intel processor that offers enhanced productivity capabilities and the potential for overclocking, the Core i5-10600K is the recommended choice. Conversely, if cost reduction is a priority and overclocking is not a consideration, the Core i5-10400 remains a competent solution, available at approximately 35% lower price.

The Intel Core i5-10400 performs adequately within its own category; however, when compared to the extensive range of alternatives offered by AMD, it struggles to maintain its standing. The Ryzen 5 3600X stands out as an excellent choice, though it comes at a higher price and can be difficult to obtain. Even the previous generation Ryzen 5 3600 and 3600X are generally regarded as superior options compared to the Core i5-10400 and the Core i5-10600K, both in terms of raw processing power and extensive motherboard compatibility. For budget-conscious gamers utilizing a discrete GPU, the Ryzen 3 3300X, priced around (if available at that price), or the Ryzen 3 3100 (with similar availability concerns), would be more advantageous selections.

Ultimately, the Ryzen 3 3200G and Ryzen 5 3400G, although possessing two fewer cores than the Core i5-10400, consistently surpass the Core i5 in gaming performance on their integrated graphics processors by a considerable margin. It is important to note that both processors are compatible with the AM4 socket. For those seeking budget-friendly gaming solutions without a dedicated graphics card, the choice is clear.

The Intel Core i5-10400 does not emerge as a clear frontrunner in any specific category, and the recent decline in prices for certain 10th Generation Intel processors is insufficient to enhance the chip’s standing. The robust demand, elevated prices, and inconsistent availability of the latest Ryzen processors maintain the Core i5’s relevance, earning it a rating of 3.5 stars as of early 2021. It is hoped that Intel’s forthcoming Rocket Lake counterpart—tentatively speculated to be the Core i5-11400—will be able to surpass or at least match AMD’s offerings in this competitive landscape.