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 i3-9100HL 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 i3-9100HL 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 i3-9100HL

2019

Why buy it

✅Draws 25W instead of 65W, a 40W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 630, 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 Geekbench multi-core (2,373 vs 11,408).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.4 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
❌Older platform position on BGA1440 with DDR4, while Core i5-13400F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Core i5-13400F

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +184.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+233.3% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $29 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 731.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 15.4 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of BGA1440 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌160% higher power demand at 65W vs 25W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-9100HL can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-13400F better than Core i3-9100HL?

Yes. Core i5-13400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 184.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 380.7% better Geekbench multi-core, 624.6% 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 i5-13400F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 184.5% 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 380.7% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 10 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 233.3% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 6 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 $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 184.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 731.9% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 15.4 PassMark/$), 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 2019), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of BGA1440, 233.3% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 6 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 16 threads instead of 4/4. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i3-9100HL vs Core i5-13400F Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-9100HL

The Core i3-9100HL is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 3,454 points. Launch price was $69.

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 i3-9100HL packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-13400F offers 10 cores / 16 threads — the Core i5-13400F has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i3-9100HL versus 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F — a 45.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-13400F (base: 1.6 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-9100HL uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-13400F uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9100HL scores 3,454 against the Core i5-13400F's 25,029 — a 151.5% lead for the Core i5-13400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,037 vs 2,407, a 79.6% lead for the Core i5-13400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,373 vs 11,408 (131.1% advantage for the Core i5-13400F). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9100HL vs 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F.

Feature	Core i3-9100HL	Core i5-13400F
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	10 / 16+150%
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz	4.6 GHz+59%
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	2.5 GHz+56%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	20 MB (total)+233%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+20380%	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	14 nm	Intel 7 nm-50%
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
PassMark	3,454	25,029+625%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	16,211
Geekbench 6 Single	1,037	2,407+132%
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,373	11,408+381%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-9100HL uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-13400F uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4 2666 MHz on the Core i3-9100HL versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-13400F — the Core i5-13400F supports 80% 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 i3-9100HL) vs 20 (Core i5-13400F) — the Core i5-13400F offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 300 Series (Core i3-9100HL) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-13400F).

Feature	Core i3-9100HL	Core i5-13400F
Socket	BGA1440	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4 2666 MHz	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+80%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	192 GB+200%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	20+25%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i3-9100HL) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13400F). The Core i3-9100HL includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-13400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-9100HL targets Embedded, Core i5-13400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600.

Feature	Core i3-9100HL	Core i5-13400F
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Embedded	Gaming

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9100HL was priced at $225, while the Core i5-13400F came in at $196. On launch pricing ($225 vs $196), Core i5-13400F was $29 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9100HL delivers 15.4 pts/$ vs 127.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-13400F — making the Core i5-13400F the 157.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-9100HL	Core i5-13400F
MSRP	$225	$196-13%
Performance per Dollar	15.4	127.7+729%
Release Date	2019	2023

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