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 i5-13400F vs Core i7-12700E 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 i5-13400F vs Core i7-12700E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-13400F

2023

Why buy it

✅+9.3% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $118 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $314 MSRP).
✅Delivers 41.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 90.1 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $314 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-12700E.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (16,211 vs 20,000).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 25 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-12700E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-12700E

2022

Why buy it

✅+23.4% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core.
✅+25% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 20 MB).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 770, while Core i5-13400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (2,202 vs 2,407).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 90.1 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($314 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-13400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-13400F better than Core i7-12700E?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-13400F is ahead with a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-12700E pulls ahead with 23.4% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. Core i7-12700E also has the bigger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 20 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-12700E is the stronger fit. You are getting 23.4% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 12 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 20 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 $118 cheaper on MSRP at $196 MSRP versus $314 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-12700E is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 23.4% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. It is also 41.7% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 90.1 PassMark/$), 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). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-13400F vs Core i7-12700E Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i7-12700E

The Core i7-12700E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 25 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: 28,302 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-13400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i7-12700E offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the Core i7-12700E has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F versus 4.8 GHz on the Core i7-12700E — a 4.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700E (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i5-13400F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-12700E uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13400F scores 25,029 against the Core i7-12700E's 28,302 — a 12.3% lead for the Core i7-12700E. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 16,211 vs 20,000 (20.9% advantage for the Core i7-12700E). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,407 vs 2,202, a 8.9% lead for the Core i5-13400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,408 vs 11,981 (4.9% advantage for the Core i7-12700E). L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700E.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Core i7-12700E
Cores / Threads	10 / 16	12 / 20+20%
Boost Clock	4.6 GHz	4.8 GHz+4%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+19%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	20 MB (total)	25 MB (total)+25%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm-30%	10 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)	Alder Lake-S (2022)
PassMark	25,029	28,302+13%
Cinebench R23 Multi	16,211	20,000+23%
Geekbench 6 Single	2,407+9%	2,202
Geekbench 6 Multi	11,408	11,981+5%

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 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: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-13400F) and R680E,Q670,H610E (Core i7-12700E).

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Core i7-12700E
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB+50%	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	20

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13400F) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-12700E). The Core i7-12700E includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i5-13400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming, Core i7-12700E targets Industrial Computing / Professional Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600; Core i7-12700E rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Core i7-12700E
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel UHD Graphics 770
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Gaming	Industrial Computing / Professional Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-13400F was priced at $196, while the Core i7-12700E came in at $314. On launch pricing ($196 vs $314), Core i5-13400F was $118 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13400F delivers 127.7 pts/$ vs 90.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-12700E — making the Core i5-13400F the 34.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Core i7-12700E
MSRP	$196-38%	$314
Performance per Dollar	127.7+42%	90.1
Release Date	2023	2022

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