Intel Core i3-10100F vs Intel Core i5-11400F

The Intel Core i3-10100F, based on the Comet Lake S architecture, was introduced in the second quarter of 2020 and is aimed at budget-conscious users as well as systems for basic productivity and entry-level gaming.

It is manufactured using the proven 14 nm process and features 4 cores and 8 threads, providing a solid foundation for everyday tasks. This processor supports PCIe 3.0 and achieves a maximum memory bandwidth of 43 GB/s, equipped with 6 MB of Level 3 cache. The Intel Core i5-11400F, on the other hand, from the Rocket Lake S architecture, was launched in the first quarter of 2021 and targets mainstream users who need improved performance for gaming, content creation, and demanding multitasking.

Also manufactured in 14 nm, it offers a higher core count of 6 cores and 12 threads. It is equipped with 3 MB of Level 2 cache and 12 MB of Level 3 cache and supports the more modern PCIe 4.0, which enables a maximum memory bandwidth of 51 GB/s. In terms of performance comparison, the Intel Core i5-11400F shows significantly higher single-core and multi-core performance than the Intel Core i3-10100F.

Particularly in applications that benefit from many cores and threads, the Intel Core i5-11400F offers a considerable advantage. In gaming, the Intel Core i5-11400F outperforms its counterpart because its newer architecture delivers higher instructions per cycle (IPC) and the additional cores and threads, as well as PCIe 4.0, can better utilize modern graphics cards, leading to a smoother gaming experience.

Both CPUs have a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 65W, which means they require similar cooling solutions, with the Intel Core i5-11400F potentially drawing more power under full load. Regarding price-performance ratio, the Intel Core i3-10100F is a very cost-effective option for basic systems, while the Intel Core i5-11400F offers significantly higher overall performance for a moderate extra cost, making it better suited for more demanding scenarios.