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.

Head-to-Head Verdict, Benchmarks, Value & Long-Term Outlook

This comparison brings together gaming FPS, productivity performance, platform differences, power efficiency, pricing context, and upgrade path so you can see which CPU actually makes more sense.

Core i5-13400F

2023

Why buy it

✅Costs $503 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $699 MSRP).
✅Delivers 47.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 86.6 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $699 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 150W, a 85W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i9-13900KS.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-13900KS across 4 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (16,211 vs 40,998).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 36 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i9-13900KS can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i9-13900KS

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +32.6% higher average FPS across 4 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+80% larger total L3 cache (36 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 86.6 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($699 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
❌130.8% higher power demand at 150W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-13400F.

Core i5-13400F

2023

Core i9-13900KS

2023

Why buy it

✅Costs $503 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $699 MSRP).
✅Delivers 47.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 86.6 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $699 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 150W, a 85W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i9-13900KS.

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +32.6% higher average FPS across 4 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+80% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 20 MB).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 770, while Core i5-13400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-13900KS across 4 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (16,211 vs 40,998).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 36 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i9-13900KS can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 86.6 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($699 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 i9-13900KS better than Core i5-13400F?

Yes. Core i9-13900KS is the better overall CPU here. You are getting a 32.6% average FPS lead across 4 shared CPU game tests in our data, 152.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 141.9% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which makes it the stronger all-around choice.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-13900KS is the better pick here. According to our tests, it delivers 32.6% more average FPS across 4 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-13900KS is the better fit. You are getting 152.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 24 cores and 32 threads. It also carries the larger cache pool with 80% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 20 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i9-13900KS is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-13400F makes more sense if price matters more than absolute performance. Core i9-13900KS is 256.6% more expensive on MSRP at $699 MSRP versus $196 MSRP, and it gives you a 32.6% average FPS lead across 4 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-13400F is also 47.4% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 86.6 PassMark/$), which is why it is easier to justify for price-conscious builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i9-13900KS is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 80% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 20 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 24 cores / 32 threads instead of 10/16. That extra compute headroom should age better as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Games Benchmarks

Paired with RTX 4090

To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.

Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.

Core i5-13400F Benchmark Check

Core i9-13900KS Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	Core i5-13400F	Core i9-13900KS
1080p
low	171 FPS	325 FPS
medium	158 FPS	314 FPS
high	132 FPS	246 FPS
ultra	112 FPS	207 FPS
1440p
low	143 FPS	281 FPS
medium	123 FPS	241 FPS
high	99 FPS	177 FPS
ultra	84 FPS	156 FPS
4K
low	81 FPS	194 FPS
medium	74 FPS	165 FPS
high	59 FPS	122 FPS
ultra	46 FPS	110 FPS

Open Core i5-13400F Open Core i9-13900KS

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	Core i5-13400F	Core i9-13900KS
1080p
low	545 FPS	790 FPS
medium	464 FPS	688 FPS
high	389 FPS	550 FPS
ultra	356 FPS	488 FPS
1440p
low	458 FPS	662 FPS
medium	403 FPS	597 FPS
high	345 FPS	490 FPS
ultra	301 FPS	400 FPS
4K
low	280 FPS	368 FPS
medium	247 FPS	336 FPS
high	231 FPS	312 FPS
ultra	204 FPS	275 FPS

Open Core i5-13400F Open Core i9-13900KS

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	Core i5-13400F	Core i9-13900KS
1080p
low	530 FPS	794 FPS
medium	449 FPS	660 FPS
high	415 FPS	572 FPS
ultra	375 FPS	493 FPS
1440p
low	490 FPS	711 FPS
medium	422 FPS	599 FPS
high	382 FPS	512 FPS
ultra	343 FPS	450 FPS
4K
low	393 FPS	522 FPS
medium	331 FPS	463 FPS
high	296 FPS	412 FPS
ultra	246 FPS	352 FPS

Open Core i5-13400F Open Core i9-13900KS

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	Core i5-13400F	Core i9-13900KS
1080p
low	626 FPS	1089 FPS
medium	626 FPS	975 FPS
high	626 FPS	853 FPS
ultra	626 FPS	760 FPS
1440p
low	626 FPS	899 FPS
medium	626 FPS	791 FPS
high	598 FPS	690 FPS
ultra	521 FPS	607 FPS
4K
low	535 FPS	661 FPS
medium	492 FPS	592 FPS
high	439 FPS	523 FPS
ultra	382 FPS	437 FPS

Open Core i5-13400F Open Core i9-13900KS

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-13400F and Core i9-13900KS

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 i9-13900KS

The Core i9-13900KS is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.8 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 60,543 points. Launch price was $699.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-13400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i9-13900KS offers 24 cores / 32 threads — the Core i9-13900KS has 14 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F versus 5.8 GHz on the Core i9-13900KS — a 23.1% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900KS (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). Both are built on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture using a Intel 7 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-13400F scores 25,029 against the Core i9-13900KS's 60,543 — a 83% lead for the Core i9-13900KS. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 16,211 vs 40,998 (86.7% advantage for the Core i9-13900KS). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,407 vs 3,123, a 25.9% lead for the Core i9-13900KS that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,408 vs 21,421 (61% advantage for the Core i9-13900KS). L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F vs 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900KS.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Core i9-13900KS
Cores / Threads	10 / 16	24 / 32+140%
Boost Clock	4.6 GHz	5.8 GHz+26%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	3.2 GHz+28%
L3 Cache	20 MB (total)	36 MB (total)+80%
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-S (2023−2024)
PassMark	25,029	60,543+142%
Cinebench R23 Multi	16,211	40,998+153%
Geekbench 6 Single	2,407	3,123+30%
Geekbench 6 Multi	11,408	21,421+88%

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 memory speed. 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 Z790,B760 (Core i9-13900KS).

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Core i9-13900KS
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200	DDR5-5600
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB	192 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	20

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-13900KS 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 i9-13900KS). The Core i9-13900KS 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 i9-13900KS rivals Ryzen 9 7950X.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Core i9-13900KS
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

The Core i5-13400F launched at $196 MSRP, while the Core i9-13900KS debuted at $699. On MSRP ($196 vs $699), the Core i5-13400F is $503 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13400F delivers 127.7 pts/$ vs 86.6 pts/$ for the Core i9-13900KS — making the Core i5-13400F the 38.3% better value option.