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 i3-6100E 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 i3-6100E 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 i3-6100E

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 530, 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 (3,315 vs 25,029).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.7 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-13400F.

Core i5-13400F

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +206.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+566.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Costs $29 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 766.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 14.7 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-6100E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-13400F better than Core i3-6100E?

Yes. Core i5-13400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 206.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 655% 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 206.0% 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 655% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 566.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 3 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 $29 cheaper on MSRP at $196 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 206.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 766.7% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 14.7 PassMark/$), 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 2015), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of the older platform, 566.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 16 threads instead of 2/4. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i3-6100E vs Core i5-13400F Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-6100E

The Core i3-6100E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 3,315 points. Launch price was $225.

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 i3-6100E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-13400F offers 10 cores / 16 threads — the Core i5-13400F has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i3-6100E versus 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F — a 52.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-13400F. The Core i3-6100E uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-13400F uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100E scores 3,315 against the Core i5-13400F's 25,029 — a 153.2% lead for the Core i5-13400F. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6100E vs 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F.

Feature	Core i3-6100E	Core i5-13400F
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	10 / 16+400%
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	4.6 GHz+70%
Base Clock	—	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	20 MB (total)+567%
L2 Cache	512 kB	1.25 MB (per core)+150%
Process	14 nm	Intel 7 nm-50%
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
PassMark	3,315	25,029+655%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	16,211
Geekbench 6 Single	—	2,407
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	11,408

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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches 2133 on the Core i3-6100E versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-13400F — the Core i5-13400F supports 125% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-13400F supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 200% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-6100E) vs 20 (Core i5-13400F) — the Core i5-13400F offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 100 Series,Intel C230 Series (Core i3-6100E) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-13400F).

Feature	Core i3-6100E	Core i5-13400F
Socket	—	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	2133	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+125%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	192 GB+200%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	20+25%

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: true (Core i3-6100E) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13400F). The Core i3-6100E includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 530), while the Core i5-13400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600.

Feature	Core i3-6100E	Core i5-13400F
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 530	—
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Gaming

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-6100E was priced at $225, while the Core i5-13400F came in at $196. On launch pricing ($225 vs $196), Core i5-13400F was $29 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6100E delivers 14.7 pts/$ vs 127.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-13400F — making the Core i5-13400F the 158.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-6100E	Core i5-13400F
MSRP	$225	$196-13%
Performance per Dollar	14.7	127.7+769%
Release Date	2015	2023

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