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 i7-720QM 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 i7-720QM: 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

✅Better for gaming: +430.4% higher average FPS across 32 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+233.3% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $168 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $364 MSRP).
✅Delivers 2703.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 4.6 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $364 MSRP).
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of PGA988 and older memory support.

Trade-offs

❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Core i7-720QM

2009

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-13400F across 32 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,658 vs 25,029).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.6 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($364 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
❌Older platform position on PGA988, while Core i5-13400F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-13400F better than Core i7-720QM?

Yes. Core i5-13400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 430.4% average FPS lead across 32 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1409.6% better 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 430.4% more average FPS across 32 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 1409.6% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 233.3% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 6 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 $168 cheaper on MSRP at $196 MSRP versus $364 MSRP, and it still gives you a 430.4% average FPS lead across 32 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 2703.5% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 4.6 PassMark/$), 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 2009), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of PGA988, 233.3% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 6 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 16 threads instead of 4/8. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-13400F vs Core i7-720QM 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 i7-720QM

The Core i7-720QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,658 points. Launch price was $546.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-13400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i7-720QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i5-13400F has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-720QM — a 48.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-13400F (base: 2.5 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core i5-13400F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-720QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13400F scores 25,029 against the Core i7-720QM's 1,658 — a 175.1% lead for the Core i5-13400F. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-720QM.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Core i7-720QM
Cores / Threads	10 / 16+150%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.6 GHz+64%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+56%	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	20 MB (total)+233%	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)+400%	256 kB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm-84%	45 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	25,029+1410%	1,658
Cinebench R23 Multi	16,211	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,407	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	11,408	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-13400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-720QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-13400F versus 1333 on the Core i7-720QM — the Core i5-13400F supports 260.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-13400F supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 2300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13400F) vs 16 (Core i7-720QM) — the Core i5-13400F offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-13400F) and PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-720QM).

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Core i7-720QM
Socket	LGA1700	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+150%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+260%	1333
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB+2300%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20+25%	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13400F) vs true (Core i7-720QM). Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600; Core i7-720QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Core i7-720QM
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	—	None
Unlocked	No	No
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 i7-720QM came in at $364. On launch pricing ($196 vs $364), Core i5-13400F was $168 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13400F delivers 127.7 pts/$ vs 4.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-720QM — making the Core i5-13400F the 186.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Core i7-720QM
MSRP	$196-46%	$364
Performance per Dollar	127.7+2676%	4.6
Release Date	2023	2009

Search Core i5-13400F on Amazon

Search Core i7-720QM on Amazon

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.