Intel Core i5-10400 vs Intel Core i3-12100

The Intel Core i5-10400, based on the Comet Lake S architecture, is a 10th generation desktop processor manufactured using the 14 nm fabrication process.

It features 6 cores and 12 threads and is aimed at users who need solid performance for everyday tasks and multitasking. The integrated graphics unit is the Intel UHD Graphics 630, and it supports PCIe 3.0. The Intel Core i3-12100 is a 12th generation processor with the newer Alder Lake S architecture, manufactured using the 10 nm process.

It has 4 cores and 8 threads and offers improved efficiency and performance for general applications and gaming. It integrates the Intel UHD Graphics 730 and supports modern PCIe 5.0. In terms of performance, the Intel Core i3-12100 shows significantly higher single-core performance in benchmarks such as Cinebench R23 and Geekbench 6.

For multi-core performance, the Intel Core i3-12100 outperforms the Intel Core i5-10400 by more than 10 percent in Geekbench 6, while the Intel Core i5-10400 demonstrates comparably higher multi-core performance in Cinebench 2024. For gaming scenarios, the Intel Core i3-12100 is the better choice due to its superior single-core performance and newer architecture.

The Intel Core i3-12100 benefits from its more efficient 10 nm manufacturing process, leading to better performance per watt and lower power consumption. The Intel Core i5-10400, with its 14 nm manufacturing, is less efficient in this regard. In terms of price-performance ratio, the Intel Core i3-12100 offers a more modern platform with PCIe 5.0, which is more future-proof.

The Intel Core i5-10400 with PCIe 3.0 is more suitable for cost-effective upgrades on older platforms.