Intel Core i5-14400 vs. Intel Core i3-14100F - Better for Gaming?

I've been researching the best CPU for my new gaming PC build, and I'm trying to decide between the Intel Core i5-14400 and the Intel Core i3-14100F. Can anyone help me out? Which one is better for gaming?

@prnoschott Both CPUs are decent choices for gaming, but the Core i5-14400 generally offers better performance due to its higher core count, larger L3 cache, and support for PCIe 5.0. The TechReviewer article Intel Core i5-14400 vs. Intel Core i3-14100F has a detailed comparison of these two CPUs, which might help you make your decision.

@lumberjackshirt Thanks for the recommendation! I'll check out that TechReviewer article. But can you give me an idea of the kind of games where one CPU would have a clear advantage over the other?

When it comes to gaming, both CPUs should perform well in most titles. However, the Core i5-14400's higher core count and larger L3 cache could provide better performance in games that are more demanding or require multi-threading capabilities. On the other hand, if you're mainly playing less resource-intensive games or using your PC for general tasks, the Core i3-14100F should suffice.

@prnoschott I've been using both of these CPUs for gaming, and I can attest to their reliability. The Core i5-14400 has been great for me in intense titles like Battlefield 2042 and Cyberpunk 2077, where the extra cores really made a difference. However, the Core i3-14100F also delivered excellent performance in less demanding games like Valorant and League of Legends. Ultimately, it comes down to your specific needs and preferences.

@melonhead316 That's helpful! So, if I were to go for the Core i5-14400, can you tell me what kind of price difference I should expect compared to the Core i3-14100F?

Price differences between these CPUs can vary, but generally, the Core i5-14400 tends to be more expensive than the Core i3-14100F. You may find the Core i5-14400 priced around $100-$200 more than the Core i3-14100F.

@lumberjackshirt Alright, so it's a bit of an investment for better performance in some games. I'll have to see if the extra cost is worth it for me. Thanks for your input!

That's a good point, @prnoschott. It ultimately depends on your budget and how much you value the extra performance in certain games. If money isn't a concern or you want the best possible gaming experience, go for the Core i5-14400. But if you're working with a tighter budget, the Core i3-14100F is still a solid choice.

@prnoschott @lumberjackshirt's advice on checking out the TechReviewer article Intel Core i5-14400 vs. Intel Core i3-14100F is spot-on. It provides an in-depth comparison of these two CPUs and their respective performance in various scenarios. This can help you make a more informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.

@melonhead316 Thanks for all the input, everyone! I'll definitely check out that TechReviewer article and weigh my options before making a final decision. Appreciate your advice!