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 i9-12900KS 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 i9-12900KS: 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 $543 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $739 MSRP).
✅Delivers 116.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 58.9 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $739 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 150W, a 85W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i9-12900KS.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-12900KS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (16,211 vs 27,796).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 30 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i9-12900KS can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i9-12900KS

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +24.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 20 MB).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD 770, while Core i5-13400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 58.9 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($739 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
❌130.8% higher power demand at 150W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-13400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-12900KS better than Core i5-13400F?

Yes. Core i9-12900KS is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 24.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 71.5% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, and 73.9% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-12900KS is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 24.7% 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 i9-12900KS is the stronger fit. You are getting 71.5% 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 i9-12900KS is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-13400F is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i9-12900KS comes in 277.0% more expensive on MSRP at $739 MSRP versus $196 MSRP, and it still gives you a 24.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-13400F is also 116.8% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 58.9 PassMark/$), 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 i9-12900KS 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 i9-12900KS

The Core i9-12900KS is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 43,528 points. Launch price was $499.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-13400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i9-12900KS offers 16 cores / 24 threads — the Core i9-12900KS has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F versus 5.3 GHz on the Core i9-12900KS — a 14.1% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900KS (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 i9-12900KS uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13400F scores 25,029 against the Core i9-12900KS's 43,528 — a 54% lead for the Core i9-12900KS. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 16,211 vs 27,796 (52.7% advantage for the Core i9-12900KS). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,407 vs 2,082, a 14.5% lead for the Core i5-13400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900KS.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Core i9-12900KS
Cores / Threads	10 / 16	16 / 24+60%
Boost Clock	4.6 GHz	5.3 GHz+15%
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)	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)	Alder Lake-S (2022)
PassMark	25,029	43,528+74%
Cinebench R23 Multi	16,211	27,796+71%
Geekbench 6 Single	2,407+16%	2,082
Geekbench 6 Multi	11,408	—

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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 LGA1700 (Core i9-12900KS).

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Core i9-12900KS
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200	DDR5-4800
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

Only the Core i9-12900KS has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i9-12900KS supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i9-12900KS includes integrated graphics (UHD 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.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Core i9-12900KS
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	UHD 770
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Gaming	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-13400F was priced at $196, while the Core i9-12900KS came in at $739. On launch pricing ($196 vs $739), Core i5-13400F was $543 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13400F delivers 127.7 pts/$ vs 58.9 pts/$ for the Core i9-12900KS — making the Core i5-13400F the 73.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Core i9-12900KS
MSRP	$196-73%	$739
Performance per Dollar	127.7+117%	58.9
Release Date	2023	2022

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