Core i3-9300T vs Core i5-13400F

Intel

Core i3-9300T

4 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2019
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-13400F

10 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2023
Core family
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Core i3-9300T 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 i3-9300T 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 i3-9300T 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 i3-9300T

2019

Why buy it

  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W 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 (3,265 vs 11,408).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 20 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.5 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($309 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
  • Older platform position on LGA1151 with DDR4, while Core i5-13400F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Core i5-13400F

2023

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +107.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +150% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Costs $113 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $309 MSRP).
  • Delivers 524.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 20.5 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $309 MSRP).
  • Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1151 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-9300T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-13400F better than Core i3-9300T?
Yes. Core i5-13400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 107.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 249.4% better Geekbench multi-core, 295.8% 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 107.3% 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 249.4% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 $113 cheaper on MSRP at $196 MSRP versus $309 MSRP, and it still gives you a 107.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 524.1% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 20.5 PassMark/$), 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 LGA1151, 150% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 8 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 i3-9300T vs Core i5-13400F Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i3-9300T

The Core i3-9300T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 6,323 points. Launch price was $143.

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 i3-9300T 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 3.8 GHz on the Core i3-9300T versus 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F — a 19% clock advantage for the Core i5-13400F (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-9300T 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 i3-9300T scores 6,323 against the Core i5-13400F's 25,029 — a 119.3% lead for the Core i5-13400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,000 vs 2,407, a 82.6% lead for the Core i5-13400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 3,265 vs 11,408 (111% advantage for the Core i5-13400F). L3 cache: 8 MB on the Core i3-9300T vs 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F.

FeatureCore i3-9300TCore i5-13400F
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
10 / 16+150%
Boost Clock
3.8 GHz
4.6 GHz+21%
Base Clock
3.2 GHz+28%
2.5 GHz
L3 Cache
8 MB
20 MB (total)+150%
L2 Cache
1 MB
1.25 MB (per core)+25%
Process
14 nm
Intel 7 nm-50%
Architecture
Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
PassMark
6,323
25,029+296%
Cinebench R23 Multi
16,211
Geekbench 6 Single
1,000
2,407+141%
Geekbench 6 Multi
3,265
11,408+249%
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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-9300T uses the LGA1151 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 DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-9300T versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-13400F — the Core i5-13400F supports 100% 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 i3-9300T) vs 20 (Core i5-13400F) — the Core i5-13400F offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H310,B360,H370,Z370,Z390 (Core i3-9300T) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-13400F).

FeatureCore i3-9300TCore i5-13400F
Socket
LGA1151
LGA1700
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2400
DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+100%
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: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-9300T) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13400F). The Core i3-9300T includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-13400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-9300T targets Low Power Desktop, Core i5-13400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600.

FeatureCore i3-9300TCore i5-13400F
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Low Power Desktop
Gaming
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9300T was priced at $309, while the Core i5-13400F came in at $196. On launch pricing ($309 vs $196), Core i5-13400F was $113 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9300T delivers 20.5 pts/$ vs 127.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-13400F — making the Core i5-13400F the 144.8% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-9300TCore i5-13400F
MSRP
$309
$196-37%
Performance per Dollar
20.5
127.7+523%
Release Date
2019
2023

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