CPU Comparison

The AMD Ryzen 3 4100 and Intel Core i5-10400F are both 65 W desktop processors targeting similar price and performance tiers, but the benchmark data reveals a clear and consistent performance hierarchy. The Intel Core i5-10400F wins the majority of head-to-head tests, while the AMD Ryzen 3 4100 secures only two specific victories. This analysis breaks down the exact scores, architectural differences, and the use-case implications derived from the data.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head comparison shows a dominant performance from the Intel Core i5-10400F, which wins 17 of the 19 shared benchmark tests. The margin of victory varies significantly by workload, but the overall pattern is consistent.

In multi-threaded rendering tests, the Intel part holds a steady advantage. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the Intel scores 1036 against the AMD’s 946, a delta of -8.7% for the Ryzen. This trend continues in Cinebench R20 multicore (4318 vs 3945, -8.6%) and Cinebench R23 multicore (10283 vs 9394, -8.6%). The Geekbench multicore test shows an even larger gap, with the Intel at 6257 and the AMD at 5310, representing a -15.1% difference. The PassMark multithread test narrows the margin slightly, with scores of 12115 and 11050, a -8.8% delta.

Single-core performance is where the two processors are most closely matched, but the Intel still edges ahead. In Cinebench R15 singlecore, the scores are 146 vs 133, a -8.9% delta. Cinebench R20 singlecore shows 609 vs 556 (-8.7%), and Cinebench R23 singlecore shows 1451 vs 1326 (-8.6%). The PassMark single_thread test is nearly identical, with 2541 vs 2531, a marginal -0.4% delta. Interestingly, the Geekbench singlecore test is the only benchmark where the AMD Ryzen 3 4100 wins, scoring 1423 against the Intel’s 1420, a +0.2% delta.

The most pronounced Intel victories come in specialized compute workloads. PassMark floating_point_math shows a -26.3% delta (25956 vs 19128). PassMark integer_math shows a -22.1% delta (41471 vs 32307). PassMark extended_instructions shows a -20.6% delta (12500 vs 9923). PassMark random_string_sorting shows a -32% delta (23185 vs 15760). PassMark find_prime_numbers shows a -34.3% delta (35 vs 23). PassMark physics shows a -19.1% delta (696 vs 563). PassMark data_compression shows a -19.5% delta (185944 vs 149609).

The single exception to this Intel sweep is PassMark data_encryption, where the AMD Ryzen 3 4100 delivers a massive win. The AMD scores 9133 against the Intel’s 4100, resulting in a +122.8% delta in favor of AMD. This is the largest win recorded in either direction, making it a significant outlier in the dataset.

Where Each One Wins

Based on the benchmark wins, the use-case split is clear but lopsided. The Intel Core i5-10400F is the processor of choice for nearly every general-purpose and compute-heavy task.

The Intel part wins in all multi-threaded rendering scenarios, as demonstrated by its consistent lead across Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multicore tests. This translates to faster performance in video encoding, 3D rendering, and other workloads that can utilize its 12 threads. Its victory in PassMark multithread, physics, and integer_math further reinforces its strength in simulation and general computation.

The Intel processor also holds the advantage in single-threaded performance across most tests, including Cinebench and PassMark. This makes it the better option for lightly-threaded applications, such as many games and typical desktop responsiveness, though the margin is often small. Its significant wins in floating_point_math and extended_instructions suggest an advantage in scientific computing, complex calculations, and workloads that leverage advanced SIMD instructions. The data_compression win also points to better performance in file archiving and data transfer tasks.

The AMD Ryzen 3 4100 wins exactly two tests. Its victory in Geekbench singlecore is negligible at +0.2%, meaning it is effectively tied with the Intel part in that metric. The other win is in PassMark data_encryption, where it is +122.8% faster. This indicates that the Zen 2 architecture has a specific hardware advantage in encryption-related workloads, such as disk encryption, secure communication, and cryptographic hashing. This is the only clear-cut domain where the AMD processor is the superior choice.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different architectures and process nodes, which explains their benchmark behavior. The AMD Ryzen 3 4100 uses the Zen 2 architecture, codenamed Renoir, and is manufactured on a 7 nm process by TSMC. The Intel Core i5-10400F uses the older Comet Lake architecture and is manufactured on Intel’s 14 nm process.

The core and thread counts differ significantly. The AMD has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Intel has 6 cores and 12 threads. This gives the Intel part a 50% advantage in core count and a 50% advantage in thread count, which directly explains its superior multi-core performance.

Cache configurations also differ. Both have 64 KB of L1 cache per core. The AMD has 512 KB of L2 cache per core, while the Intel has 256 KB per core. However, the Intel part has a larger shared L3 cache at 12 MB, compared to the AMD’s 8 MB.

Memory bandwidth figures are distinct. The AMD lists a memory bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s, while the Intel lists 42.7 GB/s. Both support DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration, and neither supports ECC memory.

PCIe support differs as well. The AMD provides Gen 3 with 8 lanes (CPU only), while the Intel provides Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only). This gives the Intel platform potentially more bandwidth for expansion cards and high-speed storage. The AMD has an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel does not.

Clock speeds vary significantly. The AMD has a base clock of 3.80 GHz and a boost clock of 4.00 GHz. The Intel has a lower base clock of 2.90 GHz but a higher boost clock of 4.30 GHz. Finally, the AMD is built with 9,800 million transistors on a 156 mm² die, while the Intel’s transistor count and die size are not listed.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core workloads?

A: The Intel Core i5-10400F is consistently faster. In Cinebench R23 multicore, it scores 10283 versus the AMD’s 9394, a -8.6% delta. The Geekbench multicore gap is larger, with the Intel at 6257 and the AMD at 5310, a -15.1% delta.

Q: Is the AMD Ryzen 3 4100 better at any single task?

A: Yes, the data shows it has a significant advantage in PassMark data_encryption, where it scores 9133 against the Intel’s 4100, a +122.8% delta. It also marginally wins the Geekbench singlecore test by +0.2%.

Q: How do they compare in single-threaded performance?

A: They are very close, but the Intel part generally wins. In PassMark single_thread, the Intel scores 2541 versus the AMD’s 2531, a -0.4% delta. In Cinebench R23 singlecore, the Intel scores 1451 versus 1326, a -8.6% delta.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 4100 has 4 cores and 8 threads. The Intel Core i5-10400F has 6 cores and 12 threads.

Q: What is the process node for each CPU?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 4100 is built on a 7 nm process from TSMC. The Intel Core i5-10400F is built on a 14 nm process from Intel.

Q: Do they support the same memory?

A: Both support DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The AMD lists a memory bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s, while the Intel lists 42.7 GB/s. Neither supports ECC memory.

The Verdict

The data paints a clear picture: the Intel Core i5-10400F is the superior processor for the vast majority of tasks. The benchmark results show a consistent and often large advantage for the Intel part across rendering, computation, and general productivity. The Intel’s 6-core, 12-thread configuration gives it a structural advantage in multi-threaded workloads, which is reflected in its wins across all Cinebench multicore tests and PassMark multithread. Its lead in single-core tests, while smaller, also makes it the better choice for typical desktop use and games.

Users should choose the Intel Core i5-10400F if they need a processor for general-purpose computing, content creation, video editing, or any workload that benefits from additional cores and threads. The data supports its selection for virtually any task except for one specific area.

The AMD Ryzen 3 4100 should only be chosen by users with a specific, heavy reliance on data encryption tasks. The +122.8% delta in PassMark data_encryption is a massive, outlier result that suggests the Zen 2 architecture has a special advantage in this niche. Outside of this, its performance is consistently behind the Intel part, often by double-digit percentages. The AMD’s sole other win, in Geekbench singlecore, is by a negligible margin of +0.2%, effectively a tie.

In summary, the Intel Core i5-10400F is the overall winner with 17 benchmark victories. The AMD Ryzen 3 4100 wins only 2 benchmarks, one of which is a narrow single-core victory and the other a massive encryption-specific win.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen 3 4100 | Intel Core i5-10400F |

| :--- | :--- | :--- |

| Cores | 4 | 6 |

| Threads | 8 | 12 |

| Base Clock | 3.80 GHz | 2.90 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.00 GHz | 4.30 GHz |

| L2 Cache | 512 KB (per core) | 256 KB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 8 MB (shared) | 12 MB (shared) |

| Memory Bandwidth | 51.2 GB/s | 42.7 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 8 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Process Node | 7 nm | 14 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | Intel |

| Transistors | 9,800 million | Not listed |

| Die Size | 156 mm² | Not listed |

| Socket | AMD Socket AM4 | Intel Socket 1200 |

| Architecture | Zen 2 | Comet Lake |

| Unlocked Multiplier | Yes | No |

| Launch MSRP | $99 | Not listed |