Laptops and PCs featuring Intel’s 13th-gen CPUs have been on the market for a while now, boasting significantly more power compared to older generations.
However, these devices come with a higher price tag than those with older-gen CPUs.
So, if you’re working within a budget, you might be considering buying a laptop or PC with an older-gen CPU like Intel’s 10th gen.
If that’s the case, you might be wondering:
- Is Intel’s 10th gen still a good option?
- Are 10th gen processors still powerful enough?
No need to worry. Based on our experience with various 10th-gen CPUs, we’ll help you determine whether investing in an Intel 10th-gen CPU to save money is a smart move or if opting for a newer-gen CPU is the better choice.
Is Intel 10th Gen good for PC or Desktop?
Firstly, let’s delve into CPUs for PC or Desktop. It’s worth noting that desktop CPUs typically offer greater power than their laptop counterparts, thanks to higher clock speeds.
A dedicated, substantial fan and cooling system plays a crucial role in maintaining temperature control, allowing the CPU to operate at its peak performance.
It’s important to acknowledge that desktop CPUs tend to have longer lifespans. Therefore, investing in a new desktop processor today can ensure years of reliable operation without issues.
Based on this premise, one might assume that a CPU from three years ago would still perform admirably today and continue to do so for several more years.
But is this assumption accurate?
After testing the Intel i5-10400F 10th gen desktop processor, which is now three years old, alongside the ASUS GeForce GTX 1650 Dual-Fan Edition GPU, we’ve discovered that this CPU performs well.
While it will exhibit a slight dip in productivity tasks, the difference is negligible for general users.
It handles FHD gaming just fine, and 4K gameplay was also somewhat possible. Mind that the gaming experience will vary depending on the title being played.
Overall, we have found that the Intel 10th Gen remains a potent desktop CPU for various tasks, including gaming and editing. However, its performance will not match up to newer generation CPUs.
For those seeking more budget-friendly options, the i3 10th-generation desktop processors are also viable. When paired with a powerful GPU, an i3 10th-generation CPU can deliver satisfactory performance.
So, if you’re considering building a PC, Intel 10th-generation CPUs remain a viable choice. However, it’s essential to recognize that these CPUs are aging and won’t offer the same level of performance as 12th or 13th-generation CPUs.
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Is Intel 10th Gen good for Laptops?
The scenario with laptop processors differs from that of desktops.
Due to the significant reduction in size, laptops have limited space available for cooling mechanisms. Despite having efficient cooling systems, laptops tend to heat up when under heavy load.
To prevent overheating, companies often lower the clock speed of laptop CPUs, resulting in decreased performance compared to their desktop counterparts.
The extent of performance compromise on laptop CPUs is notable. While a desktop-based Intel i5 10th gen CPU paired with a dedicated GPU can handle gaming with ease, the same cannot be said for a laptop-based Intel i5 10th gen CPU unless it is coupled with a powerful GPU.
Laptop or mobile-based Intel 10th-generation CPUs perform adequately for everyday tasks, but they will struggle with more demanding tasks.
So, what’s our recommendation?
In our opinion, it is best to avoid laptops equipped with U and G series of 10th-generation CPUs. It is not because these CPUs are incapable but rather because they may struggle to effectively handle modern software over time, given the increasing complexity and demands of such software.
Additionally, 10th-generation CPUs use older architecture, resulting in higher heat generation and power consumption.
However, if you really want to opt for a 10th gen CPU to save money, we highly recommend considering the H series, such as the i5 10400H. This series is specifically designed to handle heavy tasks, making it well-suited for today’s software demands.
Therefore, if you’re in the market for a laptop, opting for a higher-generation CPU or a 10th gen H series CPU is advisable.
Is i5 10th Gen Good?
We acknowledge that i5 12th and 13th gen CPUs offer impressive performance, but there are still scenarios where purchasing a laptop with an i5 10th gen CPU makes sense.
For users with very basic needs, such as students or office workers who don’t require high performance, a 10th gen CPU can suffice.
However, what if you’re a heavy user or a gamer?
In such cases, opting for more powerful CPUs is necessary. The Intel i5 10th gen won’t deliver optimal gaming performance. While it can handle lighter games with a dedicated GPU, the gaming experience won’t be seamless, especially on laptops.
One notable advantage is that laptops with Intel 10th-generation CPUs are becoming more affordable, allowing you to get good power at a lower price point.
Newer generation CPU laptops boast faster performance, but this doesn’t make i5 10th-gen CPUs unusable.
Intel 10th gen processors are still capable of handling everyday tasks.
Therefore, if you’re a normal user and come across an attractive deal on an Intel i5 10th gen laptop, it can be a worthwhile investment.
However, if you have the option to choose a newer-gen laptop at a comparable price, it’s always advisable to opt for the newer generation.
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Is i7 10th Gen Good?
Given that the i5 10th gen is still considered a decent CPU, it’s reasonable to assume that the i7 10th gen would also offer respectable performance.
Since the i7 10th gen is inherently more powerful than the i5, users can expect improved performance, even by today’s standards.
However, it’s important to note that while it is an i7 CPU, it may not excel in all aspects. It effectively handles everyday tasks, but it will struggle with more demanding workloads.
While gaming is possible on the i7 10th gen, it’s essential to pair it with a dedicated GPU for optimal performance. Without a GPU, this CPU will struggle to handle heavy loads.
Similar to the i5 10th gen, if you come across a favourable deal on an i7 10th gen laptop, it can be a viable option. However, in our honest opinion, opting for at least an 11th-generation CPU would be a prudent decision.
Are 10th Gen processors still good?
Yes, Intel 10th Gen processors are still good, but only for limited users.
For basic users with minimal computing needs, investing in a 10th-gen laptop is a smart choice.
However, if your usage involves more demanding tasks such as multitasking with multiple applications, photo/video editing, or running heavy software, it’s advisable to opt for at least 12th gen CPUs.
Furthermore, if you require the additional power of a GPU, prioritizing a workstation or gaming laptop is recommended, as these devices come equipped with dedicated GPUs.
If you ask us, we suggest considering 12th-generation CPUs for laptops and 10th or 11th gen CPUs for desktops. This combination typically offers the best balance of performance and pricing.
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Is Intel 10th Gen Good for Gaming?
When it comes to desktop CPUs, Intel 10th gen processors still hold up well. These CPUs offer a budget-friendly option and are capable of handling most games, especially when paired with a capable GPU.
With a powerful GPU, smooth 4K gaming is also achievable, making Intel 10th-generation CPUs a viable choice for gaming.
However, we recommend considering the pricing carefully. For instance, while researching, we observed that the Intel i5-10400F was priced at $100, whereas the Intel i5-11400F was available for $116.
For just a $16 difference, opting for the newer and improved i5 11th-gen CPU with better clock speed offers better value.
Ultimately, the decision is yours, but we aim to ensure you get the most value for your money. If you’re on a tight budget, a 10th gen CPU is still good.
Now, shifting focus to laptop CPUs, if it’s an H-series CPU like the i5 10400H, it’s worth considering.
The H series of laptop CPUs are notably more powerful and specifically designed for demanding tasks like gaming.
Additionally, these CPUs are typically paired with dedicated GPUs, providing additional performance.
On the other hand, the U and G series of 10th gen CPUs are not suitable for gaming. These series are primarily intended for work-related tasks. While casual gaming is possible, it will not provide a seamless experience.
Overall, Intel 10th-generation CPUs remain a good option for gaming, but it depends on the specific type of CPU you choose.
It is recommended to prioritise laptops with H series CPUs over U and G series. For desktops, most 10th-generation CPUs still offer satisfactory performance.
Is 10th gen i5 or i7 outdated?
Whether the 10th gen i5 or i7 CPUs are outdated depends on your requirements.
While they are technically older in terms of performance and technology compared to the latest CPU generations, they can still deliver satisfactory performance for many users, particularly for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
In our honest opinion, the mobile versions of 10th gen CPUs, such as the U and G series, are outdated. However, the H series for laptops and all desktop versions of these CPUs are not outdated, as they are still capable of handling most tasks.
Conclusion
Following the introduction of Intel’s 13th-generation CPUs, it’s likely that Intel 10th gen laptops will gradually phase out of the market.
Nevertheless, these laptops are still available for purchase, and users continue to invest in them.
Having used multiple 10th-generation laptops over the past few years, we can attest that they adequately fulfill our daily computing needs.
Our typical workload involves managing around 10 Chrome tabs simultaneously and running one or two additional apps in the background.
While we have noticed occasional glitches when pushing these laptops to their limits, they generally perform satisfactorily for our requirements.
It’s worth noting that laptops equipped with faster SSDs tend to deliver even better performance.
Based on our experiences, we can still recommend a laptop with a 10th gen CPU to some users. However, it’s crucial to know your specific needs and workload before making a decision.
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So, Is Intel 10th gen good? We are sure you know the answer now.
If you still have any doubts, then feel free to ask us in the comments. We would love to help you in this regard.
Also, share your thoughts if you agree or disagree with the points mentioned above.
