Core i5 10400F

INTEL $219

A great budget-friendly option for Intel builds

The Core i5 10400F is an exciting option. It’s slightly faster than the previous-gen Core i5 9400 but that F-suffix means it ditches the Intel integrated graphics completely. That’s not a problem for gamers unless you want to use QuickSync, although Nvidia’s NVENC is arguably better anyway. It’s an excellent budget choice that doesn’t cost much more than a Core i3 processor.

There are other compromises, like the locked multiplier – so no overclocking. But that means you can save money and grab a cheaper H470 motherboard. At least you get a cooler in the box,

something we’d like to see as an option with every CPU. Most boards will run the 10400F at 3.9GHz as well, so don’t fret about the low base clock.

While the i5 10400F may not be as fast as other CPUs in multithreaded tests, in our gaming suite, it’s tied with AMD’s last-gen 3900X. If you’re gaming on a tight budget then this is hard to beat right now – it’s somewhat ironic that Intel has become the budget choice.

VERDICT

Affordable mid-range performance Cooler included in the box Multiplier locked