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 i3-13100E vs Core i5-10400F 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 i3-13100E vs Core i5-10400F: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-13100E

2023

Why buy it

✅+37.6% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $10 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
✅Delivers 12.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 91.5 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
✅Draws 60W instead of 65W, a 5W reduction.
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1200 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

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

Core i5-10400F

2020

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,454 vs 2,001).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (5,783 vs 7,025).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 81.4 vs 91.5 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
❌Older platform position on LGA1200 with DDR4, while Core i3-13100E moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-13100E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-13100E better than Core i5-10400F?

Yes. Core i3-13100E is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 21.5% better Geekbench multi-core, 5.4% higher 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 i3-13100E is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% 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 i3-13100E is the stronger fit. You are getting 21.5% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i3-13100E is the better buy right now. Core i3-13100E comes in $10 cheaper on MSRP at $150 MSRP versus $160 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 12.4% better value on MSRP (91.5 vs 81.4 PassMark/$), 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 i5-10400F 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 i3-13100E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2020), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA1200, and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i3-13100E vs Core i5-10400F Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-13100E

The Core i3-13100E 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 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 13,727 points. Launch price was $480.

Core i5-10400F

The Core i5-10400F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 13,029 points. Launch price was $155.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-13100E packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-10400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-10400F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i3-13100E versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F — a 2.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-13100E (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i3-13100E uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i5-10400F uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-13100E scores 13,727 against the Core i5-10400F's 13,029 — a 5.2% lead for the Core i3-13100E. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,001 vs 1,454, a 31.7% lead for the Core i3-13100E that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,025 vs 5,783 (19.4% advantage for the Core i3-13100E). Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-13100E	Core i5-10400F
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+2%	4.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+14%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+20380%
Process	10 nm-29%	14 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)	Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark	13,727+5%	13,029
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	8,191
Geekbench 6 Single	2,001+38%	1,454
Geekbench 6 Multi	7,025+21%	5,783

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-13100E uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-10400F uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i3-13100E versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F — the Core i3-13100E supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i3-13100E) vs 16 (Core i5-10400F) — the Core i3-13100E offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Q670,W680,Z690,Z790 (Core i3-13100E) and H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F).

Feature	Core i3-13100E	Core i5-10400F
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800+80%	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	20+25%	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-13100E) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-10400F). The Core i3-13100E includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 730), while the Core i5-10400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-10400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.

Feature	Core i3-13100E	Core i5-10400F
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 730	—
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Gaming

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-13100E was priced at $150, while the Core i5-10400F came in at $160. On launch pricing ($150 vs $160), Core i3-13100E was $10 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-13100E delivers 91.5 pts/$ vs 81.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400F — making the Core i3-13100E the 11.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-13100E	Core i5-10400F
MSRP	$150-6%	$160
Performance per Dollar	91.5+12%	81.4
Release Date	2023	2020

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