Core i5-10400F vs Core i5-13400T

Intel

Core i5-10400F

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2020
Core family
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VS
Intel

Core i5-13400T

10 Cores16 Thrd35 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2023
Core family
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Core i5-10400F vs Core i5-13400T 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 i5-10400F vs Core i5-13400T 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 i5-10400F vs Core i5-13400T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-10400F

2020

Why buy it

  • Costs $61 less on MSRP ($160 MSRP vs $221 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-13400T across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (8,191 vs 16,094).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 20 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 81.4 vs 91.7 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $221 MSRP).
  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Core i5-13400T

2023

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +10.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Delivers 12.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 91.7 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($221 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
  • Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1200 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • 38.1% HIGHER MSRP
    $221 MSRPvs$160 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-13400T better than Core i5-10400F?
Yes. Core i5-13400T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 10.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 96.5% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 55.5% 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 i5-13400T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.7% 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 i5-13400T is the stronger fit. You are getting 96.5% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 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 i5-13400T is the better buy right now. Core i5-13400T comes in 38.1% more expensive on MSRP at $221 MSRP versus $160 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 12.6% better value on MSRP (91.7 vs 81.4 PassMark/$), 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 i5-13400T 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, 66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 16 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-10400F vs Core i5-13400T Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Core i5-13400T

The Core i5-13400T 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 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 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): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 20,265 points. Launch price was $221.

Processing Power

The Core i5-10400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i5-13400T offers 10 cores / 16 threads — the Core i5-13400T has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-13400T — a 2.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-13400T (base: 2.9 GHz vs 1.3 GHz). The Core i5-10400F uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-13400T uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-10400F scores 13,029 against the Core i5-13400T's 20,265 — a 43.5% lead for the Core i5-13400T. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 8,191 vs 16,094 (65.1% advantage for the Core i5-13400T). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,454 vs 2,364, a 47.7% lead for the Core i5-13400T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 5,783 vs 11,135 (63.3% advantage for the Core i5-13400T). L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F vs 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400T.

FeatureCore i5-10400FCore i5-13400T
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
10 / 16+67%
Boost Clock
4.3 GHz
4.4 GHz+2%
Base Clock
2.9 GHz+123%
1.3 GHz
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
20 MB (total)+67%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)+20380%
1.25 MB (per core)
Process
14 nm
Intel 7 nm-50%
Architecture
Comet Lake (2020−2025)
Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
PassMark
13,029
20,265+56%
Cinebench R23 Multi
8,191
16,094+96%
Geekbench 6 Single
1,454
2,364+63%
Geekbench 6 Multi
5,783
11,135+93%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-10400F uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-13400T uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F versus DDR5-4800 on the Core i5-13400T — the Core i5-13400T supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-13400T 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. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-10400F) vs 20 (Core i5-13400T) — the Core i5-13400T offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F) and Z790,B760,H770,Z690 (Core i5-13400T).

FeatureCore i5-10400FCore i5-13400T
Socket
LGA1200
LGA1700
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
DDR5-4800+80%
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
192 GB+50%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
20+25%
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i5-13400T includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 730), while the Core i5-10400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-10400F targets Gaming, Core i5-13400T targets Energy Efficient Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600; Core i5-13400T rivals Ryzen 5 7600.

FeatureCore i5-10400FCore i5-13400T
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel UHD Graphics 730
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Gaming
Energy Efficient Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-10400F was priced at $160, while the Core i5-13400T came in at $221. On launch pricing ($160 vs $221), Core i5-10400F was $61 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-10400F delivers 81.4 pts/$ vs 91.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-13400T — making the Core i5-13400T the 11.9% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-10400FCore i5-13400T
MSRP
$160-28%
$221
Performance per Dollar
81.4
91.7+13%
Release Date
2020
2023

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