Core i3-10325 vs Core i5-13400F

Intel

Core i3-10325

4 Cores8 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.7 GHz2021
VS
Intel

Core i5-13400F

10 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2023
Core family
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Core i3-10325 vs Core i5-13400F Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 i3-10325 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 i3-10325 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 i3-10325

2021

Why buy it

  • Costs $42 less on MSRP ($154 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-13400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (10,291 vs 25,029).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 20 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 66.8 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($154 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
  • Older platform position on LGA1200 with DDR4, while Core i5-13400F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Core i5-13400F

2023

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +33.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +150% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Delivers 91.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 66.8 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $154 MSRP).
  • Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1200 and DDR4.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 27.3% HIGHER MSRP
    $196 MSRPvs$154 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-13400F better than Core i3-10325?
Yes. Core i5-13400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 33.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 143.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, 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 33.9% 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 143.2% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 150% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 8 MB).
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 27.3% more expensive on MSRP at $196 MSRP versus $154 MSRP, and it still gives you a 33.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 91.1% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 66.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible LGA1200 + DDR4 setup, Core i3-10325 can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-13400F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2021), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA1200, 150% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 8 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 16 threads instead of 4/8. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i3-10325 vs Core i5-13400F Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i3-10325

The Core i3-10325 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-R (2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 10,291 points. Launch price was $154.

Intel

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.

Processing Power

The Core i3-10325 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-13400F offers 10 cores / 16 threads — the Core i5-13400F has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core i3-10325 versus 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Core i3-10325 (base: 3.9 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-10325 uses the Comet Lake-R (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-13400F uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-10325 scores 10,291 against the Core i5-13400F's 25,029 — a 83.5% lead for the Core i5-13400F. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i3-10325 vs 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F.

FeatureCore i3-10325Core i5-13400F
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
10 / 16+150%
Boost Clock
4.7 GHz+2%
4.6 GHz
Base Clock
3.9 GHz+56%
2.5 GHz
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
20 MB (total)+150%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
1.25 MB (per core)+400%
Process
14 nm
Intel 7 nm-50%
Architecture
Comet Lake-R (2021)
Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
PassMark
10,291
25,029+143%
Cinebench R23 Multi
16,211
Geekbench 6 Single
2,407
Geekbench 6 Multi
11,408
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-10325 uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-13400F uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i3-10325Core i5-13400F
Socket
LGA1200
LGA1700
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
20
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-10325) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13400F). Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600.

FeatureCore i3-10325Core i5-13400F
Integrated GPU
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Gaming
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-10325 was priced at $154, while the Core i5-13400F came in at $196. On launch pricing ($154 vs $196), Core i3-10325 was $42 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-10325 delivers 66.8 pts/$ vs 127.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-13400F — making the Core i5-13400F the 62.6% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-10325Core i5-13400F
MSRP
$154-21%
$196
Performance per Dollar
66.8
127.7+91%
Release Date
2021
2023

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