Core 5 120 vs Core i5-13400F

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core 5 120 vs Core i5-13400F FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core 5 120 vs Core i5-13400F: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core 5 120

2025

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-13400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (21,629 vs 25,029).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 63.6 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($340 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-13400F.

Core i5-13400F

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $144 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $340 MSRP).
✅Delivers 100.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 63.6 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $340 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core 5 120.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-13400F better than Core 5 120?

Yes. Core i5-13400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 15.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-13400F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-13400F is the stronger fit. You are getting 15.7% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 16 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-13400F is the better buy right now. Core i5-13400F comes in $144 cheaper on MSRP at $196 MSRP versus $340 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.7% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 63.6 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core 5 120 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2023). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 5 120 vs Core i5-13400F Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core 5 120

The Core 5 120 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 31 July 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 21,629 points. Launch price was $211.

Core i5-13400F

The Core i5-13400F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 10 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 25,029 points. Launch price was $196.

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Processing Power

The Core 5 120 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i5-13400F offers 10 cores / 16 threads — the Core i5-13400F has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core 5 120 versus 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-13400F (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core 5 120 uses the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i5-13400F uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core 5 120 scores 21,629 against the Core i5-13400F's 25,029 — a 14.6% lead for the Core i5-13400F. L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core 5 120 vs 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F.

Feature	Core 5 120	Core i5-13400F
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	10 / 16+67%
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz	4.6 GHz+2%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	18 MB (total)	20 MB (total)+11%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	10 nm	Intel 7 nm-30%
Architecture	Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025)	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
PassMark	21,629	25,029+16%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	16,211
Geekbench 6 Single	—	2,407
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	11,408

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0.

Feature	Core 5 120	Core i5-13400F
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity	—	192 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	20

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core 5 120) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13400F). Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600.

Feature	Core 5 120	Core i5-13400F
Integrated GPU	—	No
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Gaming

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 5 120 was priced at $340, while the Core i5-13400F came in at $196. On launch pricing ($340 vs $196), Core i5-13400F was $144 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 5 120 delivers 63.6 pts/$ vs 127.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-13400F — making the Core i5-13400F the 67% better value option.

Feature	Core 5 120	Core i5-13400F
MSRP	$340	$196-42%
Performance per Dollar	63.6	127.7+101%
Release Date	2025	2023

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