Core i5-13400F vs Core i7-12700H

Intel

Core i5-13400F

10 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2023
Core family
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VS
Intel

Core i7-12700H

14 Cores20 Thrd45 WWMax: 4.7 GHz2022
Core family
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Core i5-13400F vs Core i7-12700H 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 i5-13400F vs Core i7-12700H 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 i7-12700H: 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

  • +4.9% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core.
  • Costs $261 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $457 MSRP).
  • Delivers 130.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 55.5 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $457 MSRP).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-12700H.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-12700H across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 24 MB).
  • 44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-12700H can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-12700H

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +4.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB).
  • Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe 96EU, while Core i5-13400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (15,453 vs 16,211).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 55.5 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($457 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-13400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-13400F better than Core i7-12700H?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-12700H is ahead with a 4.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-13400F pulls ahead with 4.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. Core i7-12700H also has the bigger cache pool with 20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB).
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 4.9% 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 $261 cheaper on MSRP at $196 MSRP versus $457 MSRP, and it still gives you 4.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. The compromise is that Core i7-12700H is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 4.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 130.1% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 55.5 PassMark/$), 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 14/20. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

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

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

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.

Intel

Core i7-12700H

The Core i7-12700H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-H (2022) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 25,365 points. Launch price was $299.

Processing Power

The Core i5-13400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i7-12700H offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i7-12700H has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F versus 4.7 GHz on the Core i7-12700H — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700H (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i5-13400F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-12700H uses Alder Lake-H (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13400F scores 25,029 against the Core i7-12700H's 25,365 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i7-12700H. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 16,211 vs 15,453 (4.8% advantage for the Core i5-13400F). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,407 vs 2,648, a 9.5% lead for the Core i7-12700H that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,408 vs 12,802 (11.5% advantage for the Core i7-12700H). L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F vs 24 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700H.

FeatureCore i5-13400FCore i7-12700H
Cores / Threads
10 / 16
14 / 20+40%
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz
4.7 GHz+2%
Base Clock
2.5 GHz+9%
2.3 GHz
L3 Cache
20 MB (total)
24 MB (total)+20%
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
1.25 MB (per core)
Process
Intel 7 nm
Intel 7 nm
Architecture
Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
Alder Lake-H (2022)
PassMark
25,029
25,365+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi
16,211+5%
15,453
Geekbench 6 Single
2,407
2,648+10%
Geekbench 6 Multi
11,408
12,802+12%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-13400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-12700H uses FCBGA1744 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 memory speed. 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. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes.

FeatureCore i5-13400FCore i7-12700H
Socket
LGA1700
FCBGA1744
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
DDR5-4800
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB+200%
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
20
20
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-12700H includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe 96EU), while the Core i5-13400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming, Core i7-12700H targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600; Core i7-12700H rivals Ryzen 7 6800H.

FeatureCore i5-13400FCore i7-12700H
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Iris Xe 96EU
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Gaming
Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-13400F was priced at $196, while the Core i7-12700H came in at $457. On launch pricing ($196 vs $457), Core i5-13400F was $261 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13400F delivers 127.7 pts/$ vs 55.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-12700H — making the Core i5-13400F the 78.8% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-13400FCore i7-12700H
MSRP
$196-57%
$457
Performance per Dollar
127.7+130%
55.5
Release Date
2023
2022

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