Is Intel's Most Powerful i3 Worth Buying? A Comparison of i3 10320 and i5 10400F

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Comparing the i3 10320 with i5 10400F
3. Performance in Gaming
4. Performance in Microsoft Flight Simulator
5. Performance in Rainbow Six Siege
6. Cinebench R20 Results
7. Conclusion

Comparing the Performance of Intel's i3 10320 with i5 10400F in Gaming and productivity Tasks

Introduction

In this article, we will be comparing the performance of two mid-range processors from Intel: the i3 10320 and the i5 10400F. Both processors offer great value for gamers and users who are looking for reliable performance without breaking the bank. We will analyze the differences in gaming performance, productivity tasks, and overall value for money.

Comparing the i3 10320 with i5 10400F

The first question that comes to mind when comparing these two processors is whether the i3 10320 is worth considering over its more powerful counterpart, the i5 10400F. Both processors are available at a near-identical price point, making the decision even more challenging.

On paper, the i5 10400F seems like the obvious choice with its six cores and twelve Threads, compared to the i3 10320's four cores and eight threads. However, the i3 10320 boasts a higher clock speed of 3.8 GHz and a turbo frequency of 4.6 GHz, making it no slouch when it comes to performance.

Performance in Gaming

When it comes to gaming performance, real-world results may vary depending on the graphics card and memory used. However, we tested both processors with 2666 MHz DDR4 RAM and a GTX 1080 Ti to provide a realistic comparison.

In games like Red Dead Redemption 2, the i3 10320 performed admirably, achieving an average of 86 frames per Second (FPS) with a one percent low of 67 FPS. Although the i5 10400F had a slight edge with nine more FPS on average, the i3 10320 held its own.

Next, we tested the processors with Crysis Remastered 2020. With high settings and motion blur turned off, the i3 10320 achieved an average of 74 FPS with a one percent low of 35 FPS. The i5 10400F once again outperformed the i3, but the difference was not significant.

Moving on to the demanding Microsoft Flight Simulator, the i3 10320 delivered an average of 42 FPS when flying out of busy airports like JFK. The i5 10400F provided a better average FPS of 60, but the i3's performance was still respectable.

Lastly, in Rainbow Six Siege with very high settings, the i3 10320 achieved 254 FPS with a one percent low of 176 FPS. Once again, the i5 10400F came out on top with 263 FPS and a better one percent low.

Performance in Productivity Tasks

In terms of productivity tasks, the i3 10320 surprisingly outperformed the i5 10400F in Cinebench R20's multi-threaded test, scoring almost a couple of hundred points higher. However, the i5 10400F had a better single-threaded performance, which is beneficial for tasks like video editing and content creation.

Conclusion

The i3 10320 is a viable alternative for budget-conscious gamers and users who prioritize value for money. While it may not match the performance of the i5 10400F in all scenarios, it is a capable processor for gaming and can handle productivity tasks adequately.

Pros:

• Affordable alternative to the i5 10400F
• Decent gaming performance with high clock speeds
• Surprisingly good multi-threaded performance in productivity tasks

Cons:

• Slightly lower performance compared to the i5 10400F
• Limited overclocking potential

In conclusion, if you are on a tight budget and don't require the additional cores and threads of the i5 10400F, the i3 10320 is a suitable processor for your needs.

Highlights:

• Comparing the performance of Intel's i3 10320 with i5 10400F in gaming and productivity tasks
• The i3 10320 offers good gaming performance with its high clock speeds
• The i3 10320 surprisingly outperforms the i5 10400F in Cinebench R20's multi-threaded test
• The i5 10400F provides better overall performance for tasks like video editing and content creation
• The i3 10320 is a cost-effective option for budget-conscious gamers and users who prioritize value for money

FAQ:

Q: Can the i3 10320 handle modern games? A: Yes, the i3 10320 can handle modern games reasonably well. While it may not provide the same performance as higher-end processors, it is capable of delivering smooth gameplay in most titles.

Q: Is it worth investing in the i5 10400F over the i3 10320? A: It depends on your requirements and budget. If you need the extra performance for tasks like video editing or content creation, the i5 10400F is a better choice. However, if you are primarily focused on gaming and want to save money, the i3 10320 is a solid option.

Resources:

• Intel: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/homepage.html