Core i5-13400F vs Core i7-13700K

Intel

Core i5-13400F

10 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2023
Core family
·······
VS
Intel

Core i7-13700K

16 Cores24 Thrd125 WWMax: 5.4 GHz2022
Core family
·······

Core i5-13400F vs Core i7-13700K 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 i7-13700K 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 i7-13700K: 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

  • Costs $213 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $409 MSRP).
  • Delivers 14.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 111.9 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $409 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 125W, a 60W reduction.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-13700K.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-13700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (16,211 vs 31,000).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 30 MB).
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-13700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-13700K

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +23.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +50% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 20 MB).
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 770, while Core i5-13400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 111.9 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($409 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
  • 92.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 65W.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-13400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-13700K better than Core i5-13400F?
Yes. Core i7-13700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 23.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 91.2% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, and 82.9% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-13700K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 23.1% 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 i7-13700K is the stronger fit. You are getting 91.2% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 16 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 20 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-13700K is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-13400F is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-13700K comes in 108.7% more expensive on MSRP at $409 MSRP versus $196 MSRP, and it still gives you a 23.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-13400F is also 14.1% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 111.9 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds 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 i7-13700K 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 i7-13700K

The Core i7-13700K 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 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 30 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: 45,784 points. Launch price was $409.

Processing Power

The Core i5-13400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i7-13700K offers 16 cores / 24 threads — the Core i7-13700K has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F versus 5.4 GHz on the Core i7-13700K — a 16% clock advantage for the Core i7-13700K (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i5-13400F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-13700K uses Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13400F scores 25,029 against the Core i7-13700K's 45,784 — a 58.6% lead for the Core i7-13700K. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 16,211 vs 31,000 (62.7% advantage for the Core i7-13700K). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,407 vs 2,846, a 16.7% lead for the Core i7-13700K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,408 vs 18,980 (49.8% advantage for the Core i7-13700K). L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i7-13700K.

FeatureCore i5-13400FCore i7-13700K
Cores / Threads
10 / 16
16 / 24+60%
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz
5.4 GHz+17%
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
3.4 GHz+36%
L3 Cache
20 MB (total)
30 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
2 MB (per core)+60%
Process
Intel 7 nm
Intel 7 nm
Architecture
Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022)
PassMark
25,029
45,784+83%
Cinebench R23 Multi
16,211
31,000+91%
Geekbench 6 Single
2,407
2,846+18%
Geekbench 6 Multi
11,408
18,980+66%
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-13400F versus DDR5-5600 on the Core i7-13700K — the Core i7-13700K supports 16.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 192 GB of RAM. 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 Intel Z790,Intel H770,Intel B760,Intel Z690,Intel H670,Intel B660,Intel H610 (Core i7-13700K).

FeatureCore i5-13400FCore i7-13700K
Socket
LGA1700
LGA1700
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
DDR5-5600+17%
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB
192 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
20
20
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-13700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13400F) vs true (Core i7-13700K). The Core i7-13700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i5-13400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600; Core i7-13700K rivals Ryzen 9 7900X.

FeatureCore i5-13400FCore i7-13700K
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
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-13400F was priced at $196, while the Core i7-13700K came in at $409. On launch pricing ($196 vs $409), Core i5-13400F was $213 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13400F delivers 127.7 pts/$ vs 111.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-13700K — making the Core i5-13400F the 13.2% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-13400FCore i7-13700K
MSRP
$196-52%
$409
Performance per Dollar
127.7+14%
111.9
Release Date
2023
2022

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.