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 i9-13900K 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 i9-13900K: 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 $439 less on MSRP ($160 MSRP vs $599 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 125W, a 60W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i9-13900K.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-13900K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (8,191 vs 40,000).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 36 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 81.4 vs 97.5 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $599 MSRP).
❌Older platform position on LGA1200 with DDR4, while Core i9-13900K moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Core i9-13900K

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +58.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Delivers 19.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 97.5 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($599 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1200 and DDR4.
✅25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌
274.4% HIGHER MSRP
$599 MSRPvs$160 MSRP
❌92.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-10400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-13900K better than Core i5-10400F?

Yes. Core i9-13900K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 58.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 388.3% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 348.0% 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 i9-13900K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 58.6% 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 i9-13900K is the stronger fit. You are getting 388.3% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 24 cores and 32 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 12 MB).

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

Core i9-13900K is the better buy right now. Core i9-13900K comes in 274.4% more expensive on MSRP at $599 MSRP versus $160 MSRP, and it still gives you a 58.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 19.7% better value on MSRP (97.5 vs 81.4 PassMark/$), 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 i9-13900K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2020), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA1200, 200% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 12 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 24 cores / 32 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-10400F vs Core i9-13900K Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i9-13900K

The Core i9-13900K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture. It features 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 5.7 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 58,373 points. Launch price was $589.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-10400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i9-13900K offers 24 cores / 32 threads — the Core i9-13900K has 18 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F versus 5.7 GHz on the Core i9-13900K — a 28% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900K (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i5-10400F uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-13900K uses Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-10400F scores 13,029 against the Core i9-13900K's 58,373 — a 127% lead for the Core i9-13900K. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 8,191 vs 40,000 (132% advantage for the Core i9-13900K). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,454 vs 2,985, a 69% lead for the Core i9-13900K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 5,783 vs 19,967 (110.2% advantage for the Core i9-13900K). L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F vs 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900K.

Feature	Core i5-10400F	Core i9-13900K
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	24 / 32+300%
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz	5.7 GHz+33%
Base Clock	2.9 GHz	3 GHz+3%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	36 MB (total)+200%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+12700%	2 MB (per core)
Process	14 nm	Intel 7 nm-50%
Architecture	Comet Lake (2020−2025)	Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022)
PassMark	13,029	58,373+348%
Cinebench R23 Multi	8,191	40,000+388%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,454	2,985+105%
Geekbench 6 Multi	5,783	19,967+245%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-10400F uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i9-13900K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F versus DDR5-5600 on the Core i9-13900K — the Core i9-13900K supports 110.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-13900K 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 i9-13900K) — the Core i9-13900K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F) and Intel Z790,Intel Z690 (Core i9-13900K).

Feature	Core i5-10400F	Core i9-13900K
Socket	LGA1200	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR5-5600+110%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	192 GB+50%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	20+25%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-13900K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-10400F) vs true (Core i9-13900K). The Core i9-13900K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i5-10400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-10400F targets Gaming, Core i9-13900K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.

Feature	Core i5-10400F	Core i9-13900K
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel UHD Graphics 770
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	true
Target Use	Gaming	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-10400F was priced at $160, while the Core i9-13900K came in at $599. On launch pricing ($160 vs $599), Core i5-10400F was $439 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-10400F delivers 81.4 pts/$ vs 97.5 pts/$ for the Core i9-13900K — making the Core i9-13900K the 17.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-10400F	Core i9-13900K
MSRP	$160-73%	$599
Performance per Dollar	81.4	97.5+20%
Release Date	2020	2022

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