Core i5-12490F vs Core i5-13400F

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 i5-12490F 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 i5-12490F 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 i5-12490F

2022

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-13400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (12,500 vs 16,211).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 81.5 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).

Core i5-13400F

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $54 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 56.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 81.5 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-13400F better than Core i5-12490F?

Yes. Core i5-13400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 29.7% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 22.9% 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 7.1% 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 29.7% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 10 cores and 16 threads.

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 $54 cheaper on MSRP at $196 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 56.8% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 81.5 PassMark/$), 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 2022) and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 16 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-12490F vs Core i5-13400F Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-12490F

The Core i5-12490F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 20,366 points. Launch price was $299.

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 i5-12490F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i5-13400F offers 10 cores / 16 threads — the Core i5-13400F has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-12490F versus 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F — identical boost frequencies (base: 3 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-12490F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i5-13400F uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12490F scores 20,366 against the Core i5-13400F's 25,029 — a 20.5% lead for the Core i5-13400F. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 12,500 vs 16,211 (25.9% advantage for the Core i5-13400F). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,800 vs 2,407, a 28.9% lead for the Core i5-13400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 8,800 vs 11,408 (25.8% advantage for the Core i5-13400F). Both processors carry 20 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-12490F	Core i5-13400F
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	10 / 16+67%
Boost Clock	4.6 GHz	4.6 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+20%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	20 MB (total)	20 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	10 nm	Intel 7 nm-30%
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
PassMark	20,366	25,029+23%
Cinebench R23 Multi	12,500	16,211+30%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,800	2,407+34%
Geekbench 6 Multi	8,800	11,408+30%

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. The Core i5-13400F 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. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: B660,H610,H670,Z690,B760 (Core i5-12490F) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-13400F).

Feature	Core i5-12490F	Core i5-13400F
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	192 GB+50%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20	20

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12490F) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13400F). Primary use case: Core i5-12490F targets Gaming Desktop, Core i5-13400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-12490F rivals Ryzen 5 5600X; Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600.

Feature	Core i5-12490F	Core i5-13400F
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Gaming Desktop	Gaming

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-12490F was priced at $250, while the Core i5-13400F came in at $196. On launch pricing ($250 vs $196), Core i5-13400F was $54 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12490F delivers 81.5 pts/$ vs 127.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-13400F — making the Core i5-13400F the 44.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-12490F	Core i5-13400F
MSRP	$250	$196-22%
Performance per Dollar	81.5	127.7+57%
Release Date	2022	2023

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