The Intel Comet Lake generation brought forth CPUs with remarkable capabilities. Offering high single-core performance of up to 5.3 GHz and featuring processors with up to 10 cores and 20 threads, it presented an impressive array of options.
Table of Contents
This generation aimed to withstand the fierce competition from AMD’s Zen 2-based processors and managed to hold its ground.
While Intel’s CPUs excel in single-core performance, AMD’s alternatives shine in multithreaded tasks and budget-friendly pricing. As we step into 2023, the question arises: Are 10th Gen processors still worth considering?
How we picked the best Intel 10th gen Intel CPUs
Choosing the best 10th Gen Intel CPUs involves evaluating their speed and price.
In this era, 10th-generation CPUs are primarily suited for budget-conscious builders or individuals upgrading systems with the same socket type. These processors offer a range of clock speeds and core counts to cater to various users’ needs.
3 Best Intel 10th gen Intel CPUs
1. Editor’s Choice: Intel Core i710700K
PROS:
- Excellent single-core performance
- 16 threads
- Basic onboard GPU
CONS:
- Moderately expensive
- Slightly limited thermal envelope
- Requires an LGA 1200 motherboard
The Intel i7 series stands as Intel’s high-end family of processors, targeting users seeking exceptional performance. With a 125W power requirement, the i710700K is among the first desktop-class Intel processors released in the i7 range.
This choice is ideal for those who crave top-notch desktop processing power. It’s perfectly suited for tasks such as high frame rate gaming, 4K video editing, and demanding programming.
2. Best Value: Intel Core i510400
PROS:
- Modest power requirement for the performance
- Excellent value
- Great speeds
CONS:
- Not the highest performance in the lineup
- Requires an LGA 1200 motherboard
- Certain multi-core optimized tasks may perform better with a Ryzen CPU
The Intel i5 series, a midrange workhorse, offers solid, although not top-of-the-line, performance at a price point appealing to mainstream PC users.
The i510400 is a highly popular choice from the Intel 10th Gen lineup, capable of handling various tasks with ease, including high-end gaming and video editing.
Its 65W power requirement is impressive for a processor of its caliber, making it a sensible choice for users seeking a capable PC.
3. Runner-up: Intel Core i910900X
PROS:
- Impressive multi-core performance
- Exceptional core speeds
- High overclocking potential
CONS:
- Relatively expensive
- Power-hungry
- Requires a high-end motherboard
While not technically a part of the Comet Lake family, the i910900X, released in late 2019, falls under the 10th Generation branding but belongs to the Cascade LakeX subfamily. These processors are designed for workstations, servers, and high-end enthusiast users.
The i910900X offers significant overclocking headroom and is ideal for high-end professional workloads or high-performance gaming setups. It requires a robust power supply with a 165W power draw and an LGA 2066 motherboard.
In 2023, Intel 10th Gen Intel CPUs still have their place. For budget-conscious builders and upgrades’ with compatible systems, these processors provide an array of options, each catering to different user needs.
The single-core performance continues to be a strong suit for Intel, and users who prioritize performance in tasks like gaming and video editing may find them more than capable.
