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 i3-12100T 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 i3-12100T 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 i3-12100T

2022

Why buy it

✅Costs $71 less on MSRP ($125 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 730, while Core i5-13400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-13400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (12,491 vs 25,029).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 99.9 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($125 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).

Core i5-13400F

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +25.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Delivers 27.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 99.9 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $125 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌
56.8% HIGHER MSRP
$196 MSRPvs$125 MSRP
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-12100T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-13400F better than Core i3-12100T?

Yes. Core i5-13400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 25.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 100.4% 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 25.6% 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 100.4% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 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 56.8% more expensive on MSRP at $196 MSRP versus $125 MSRP, and it still gives you a 25.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 27.8% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 99.9 PassMark/$), 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 i5-13400F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2022), 66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 16 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-12100T vs Core i5-13400F Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-12100T

The Core i3-12100T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 12,491 points. Launch price was $149.

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 i3-12100T 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 4.1 GHz on the Core i3-12100T versus 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F — a 11.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-13400F (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-12100T uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i5-13400F uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-12100T scores 12,491 against the Core i5-13400F's 25,029 — a 66.8% lead for the Core i5-13400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,102 vs 2,407, a 13.5% lead for the Core i5-13400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i3-12100T vs 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F.

Feature	Core i3-12100T	Core i5-13400F
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	10 / 16+150%
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz	4.6 GHz+12%
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	2.5 GHz+14%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	20 MB (total)+67%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
PassMark	12,491	25,029+100%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	16,211
Geekbench 6 Single	2,102	2,407+15%
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	11,408

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. The Core i5-13400F supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,Z790 (Core i3-12100T) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-13400F).

Feature	Core i3-12100T	Core i5-13400F
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	192 GB+50%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20	20

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-12100T) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13400F). The Core i3-12100T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 730), while the Core i5-13400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-12100T targets Low Power Desktop, Core i5-13400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i3-12100T rivals Ryzen 3 5300GE; Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600.

Feature	Core i3-12100T	Core i5-13400F
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 730	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Low Power Desktop	Gaming

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-12100T was priced at $125, while the Core i5-13400F came in at $196. On launch pricing ($125 vs $196), Core i3-12100T was $71 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-12100T delivers 99.9 pts/$ vs 127.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-13400F — making the Core i5-13400F the 24.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-12100T	Core i5-13400F
MSRP	$125-36%	$196
Performance per Dollar	99.9	127.7+28%
Release Date	2022	2023

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