Intel Core i5-10400F: Still Good for Gaming in 2024?

The Intel Core i5-10400F was a popular choice when it launched, offering a solid balance of price and performance. But in the ever-evolving world of PC gaming, does it still hold up in 2024? This article dives deep into the i5-10400F’s benchmarks, specifications, and real-world gaming performance to help you decide if it’s a viable option for your gaming rig.

Intel Core i5-10400F: An Overview

The Intel Core i5-10400F is a 10th generation Intel processor based on the Comet Lake architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads, a base clock speed of 2.9 GHz, and a turbo boost speed of 4.3 GHz. This CPU doesn’t include integrated graphics, hence the “F” designation, meaning it requires a dedicated graphics card.

Released in Q2 2020, the i5-10400F was positioned as a mid-range processor offering excellent value for gamers and everyday users. Let’s explore its key specifications in more detail:

Architecture: Comet Lake
Socket: FCLGA1200
Cores: 6
Threads: 12
Base Clock Speed: 2.9 GHz
Turbo Boost Speed: 4.3 GHz
TDP: 65W
Cache: 12MB Intel Smart Cache
Memory Support: DDR4-2666

i5-10400F Benchmarks and Performance

To understand the i5-10400F’s current performance, we need to look at benchmark results. While individual results can vary based on system configuration and game settings, these benchmarks provide a general idea of its capabilities.

PassMark PerformanceTest Results

According to PassMark’s database (as of late 2025), the i5-10400F holds the following rankings:

Overall Rank (Multithreading): 1366th out of 5461 CPUs
Overall Rank (Single Threading): 1083rd out of 5461 CPUs
Desktop CPU Rank: 422nd out of 1475

These rankings suggest that while the i5-10400F isn’t a top-tier performer anymore, it still offers respectable performance, especially in multithreaded workloads. However, single-threaded performance is starting to show its age.

Gaming Performance

Gaming performance is where the rubber meets the road. Paired with a decent graphics card, the i5-10400F can still handle many modern games at 1080p resolution with medium to high settings. However, demanding titles or higher resolutions (1440p or 4K) might require compromises in graphical settings to maintain a smooth frame rate.

Factors influencing gaming performance include:

Graphics Card: The GPU is the most important factor for gaming. Pairing the i5-10400F with a mid-range or high-end GPU will yield the best results.
RAM: 16GB of DDR4 RAM is recommended for modern games.
Storage: Installing games on an SSD will significantly improve loading times.
Game Settings: Adjusting graphical settings can help optimize performance for specific games.

Is the i5-10400F Good for Gaming in 2024?

The answer is nuanced. The i5-10400F can still be a viable option for budget-conscious gamers, especially if they already own the CPU. It’s capable of running most games, but don’t expect to max out settings on the latest AAA titles.

Consider these points when deciding if the i5-10400F is right for you:

Budget: If you’re on a tight budget, the i5-10400F can be a cost-effective option, especially if you can find it at a discounted price.
Games You Play: If you primarily play older or less demanding games, the i5-10400F will likely be sufficient.
Resolution and Settings: If you’re aiming for 1080p gaming with medium settings, the i5-10400F can deliver a decent experience.
Future-Proofing: Keep in mind that the i5-10400F is an older CPU, and upgrading to a newer platform might be necessary for future games.

Alternatives to the i5-10400F

If you’re building a new gaming PC, consider these alternatives to the i5-10400F:

Intel Core i5-12400F/13400F: Newer generation Intel processors offer significantly improved performance and efficiency.
AMD Ryzen 5 5600/7600: AMD Ryzen processors provide excellent gaming performance and value.

These alternatives offer better performance and future-proofing compared to the i5-10400F, but they might also come at a higher price point.

Upgrading from an i5-10400F

If you’re already using an i5-10400F and want to upgrade your CPU, consider these options:

Upgrade within the LGA1200 socket: You could upgrade to an i7 or i9 10th gen processor. However, the performance gains might not be worth the cost compared to upgrading to a newer platform.
Upgrade to a newer platform: Consider upgrading to a newer platform like LGA1700 (Intel 12th/13th gen) or AM5 (AMD Ryzen 7000 series). This will require a new motherboard and potentially new RAM, but it will provide a significant performance boost and better future-proofing.

Before upgrading, consider your budget, the games you play, and the performance gains you’re hoping to achieve. Research different CPU and motherboard combinations to find the best option for your needs.

Conclusion: The i5-10400F in 2024

The Intel Core i5-10400F is an aging CPU that still offers decent performance for budget-conscious gamers. While it might not be the best choice for maxing out settings in the latest AAA titles, it can still handle many games at 1080p with medium settings. If you already own an i5-10400F, it might be worth sticking with it for now, especially if you’re not planning on playing the most demanding games. However, if you’re building a new gaming PC or looking for a significant performance upgrade, consider exploring newer generation CPUs from Intel and AMD. Ultimately, the best CPU for you will depend on your budget, the games you play, and your desired level of performance.