Intel Core i7-8700 vs Intel Core i5-10400F

The Intel Core i7-8700, based on the Coffee Lake S architecture and manufactured using the 14 nm process, was introduced at the end of 2017.

It targeted the mainstream desktop market and offered a solid foundation for productivity tasks and gaming. Equipped with 6 cores and 12 threads, 12 MB of Level 3 cache, and a maximum memory bandwidth of 43 GB/s, it enabled smooth application execution. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 made a dedicated graphics card unnecessary for basic display tasks.

Support for PCIe 3.0 was standard at the time. The Intel Core i5-10400F, based on the Comet Lake S architecture and also manufactured using the 14 nm process, was launched in spring 2020.

It was primarily designed for budget-conscious users and gamers who use a dedicated graphics card. This processor also features 6 cores and 12 threads, as well as 12 MB of Level 3 cache and a maximum memory bandwidth of 43 GB/s. The "F" in the designation indicates that no integrated graphics unit is present.

It also supports PCIe 3.0. In single-core performance, both processors are very similar. In multi-core performance, the Intel Core i5-10400F shows a remarkable advantage, making it better suited for applications with high parallelization. For gaming, both processors offer a solid basis; the Intel Core i7-8700 may have a slight edge in some games due to slightly higher boost clock speeds, while the Intel Core i5-10400F can also impress with its overall good performance.

Both CPUs are specified with a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 65 watts, which indicates similar thermal requirements. Historically, the Intel Core i5-10400F offered strong value for money for gaming systems with dedicated graphics. For users who need an integrated graphics solution or prioritize maximum boost clock speeds, the Intel Core i7-8700 is the suitable choice.

Those who primarily want to benefit from better multi-core performance and already use a dedicated graphics card will find the Intel Core i5-10400F to be the stronger option.