Intel Core i5-10400 vs Intel Core i3-1220P

The Intel Core i5-10400, a desktop processor of the Comet Lake S architecture (Q2 2020), is manufactured using the 14 nm process.

It offers 6 cores, 12 threads, 12 MB L3 cache, supports PCIe 3.0, and has 43 GB/s memory bandwidth. The integrated graphics unit is the Intel UHD Graphics 630, and its base TDP is 65W. The Intel Core i3-1220P, a mobile processor of the Alder Lake U architecture (Q1 2022), is manufactured using the 10 nm process.

It utilizes a hybrid architecture with 2 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores (8 cores, 12 threads), features 7 MB L2 cache, 12 MB L3 cache, and 83 GB/s memory bandwidth. The integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics 64 is more powerful, and its typical processor base power is 28W. In terms of performance, the Intel Core i3-1220P significantly outperforms the Intel Core i5-10400 in single-core performance thanks to its more modern architecture.

The Intel Core i3-1220P is also usually ahead in multi-core performance; in one benchmark, the performance is similar. For gaming scenarios and applications with integrated graphics, the Intel Core i3-1220P offers clear advantages thanks to its Iris Xe Graphics 64 and higher single-core performance.

The Intel Core i5-10400 represents a desktop platform. The Intel Core i3-1220P is found in energy-efficient laptop systems. For high single-core performance or strong integrated graphics, the Intel Core i3-1220P is the superior choice. For a cost-effective desktop PC with a dedicated graphics card, the Intel Core i5-10400 can be a viable option.