Core i5-13400F
Core i9-12900H
Core i5-13400F vs Core i9-12900H 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 i9-12900H 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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Among Us
Apex Legends
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Core i5-13400F vs Core i9-12900H: 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
2023Why buy it
- ✅Costs $421 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $617 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 191.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 43.9 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $617 MSRP).
- ✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i9-12900H.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-12900H across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (16,211 vs 16,500).
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 24 MB).
- ❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.
- ❌No integrated graphics, while Core i9-12900H can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
Core i9-12900H
2022Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +13.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅+20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB).
- ✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.
- ✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe Graphics 96EU, while Core i5-13400F needs a discrete GPU.
Trade-offs
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 43.9 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($617 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
- ❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-13400F.
Quick Answers
So, is Core i9-12900H better than Core i5-13400F?
Which one is better for gaming?
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-13400F vs Core i9-12900H 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 i9-12900H
The Core i9-12900H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-H (2022) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 5 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: 27,079 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core i5-13400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i9-12900H offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-12900H has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F versus 5 GHz on the Core i9-12900H — a 8.3% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900H (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-13400F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-12900H uses Alder Lake-H (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13400F scores 25,029 against the Core i9-12900H's 27,079 — a 7.9% lead for the Core i9-12900H. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 16,211 vs 16,500 (1.8% advantage for the Core i9-12900H). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,407 vs 2,400, a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-13400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,408 vs 12,900 (12.3% advantage for the Core i9-12900H). L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F vs 24 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900H.
| Feature | Core i5-13400F | Core i9-12900H |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 16 | 14 / 20+40% |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz | 5 GHz+9% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 2.5 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 | 27,079+8% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 16,211 | 16,500+2% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,407 | 2,400 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 11,408 | 12,900+13% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-13400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-12900H uses FCBGA1744 (PCIe 5.0) — 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. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-13400F) and Intel 600 Series (Mobile) (Core i9-12900H).
| Feature | Core i5-13400F | Core i9-12900H |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | FCBGA1744 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| 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
Only the Core i9-12900H has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13400F) vs Yes (Core i9-12900H). The Core i9-12900H includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics 96EU), while the Core i5-13400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming, Core i9-12900H targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600.
| Feature | Core i5-13400F | Core i9-12900H |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Iris Xe Graphics 96EU |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | Yes |
| Target Use | Gaming | Mobile |
Value Analysis
At launch, the Core i5-13400F was priced at $196, while the Core i9-12900H came in at $617. On launch pricing ($196 vs $617), Core i5-13400F was $421 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13400F delivers 127.7 pts/$ vs 43.9 pts/$ for the Core i9-12900H — making the Core i5-13400F the 97.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-13400F | Core i9-12900H |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $196-68% | $617 |
| Performance per Dollar | 127.7+191% | 43.9 |
| 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.
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i5-13400F and Core i9-12900H
