Core i5-13400F vs Core i9-13905H

Intel

Core i5-13400F

10 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2023
Core family
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VS
Intel

Core i9-13905H

14 Cores20 Thrd45 WWMax: 5.4 GHz2023
Core family
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Core i5-13400F vs Core i9-13905H 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 i9-13905H 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 i9-13905H: 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

  • 66.7% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i9-13905H.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-13905H across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (16,211 vs 19,384).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 24 MB).
  • Launch MSRP is still $196 MSRP, while Core i9-13905H mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Core i9-13905H

2023

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +11.4% 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 96EU, while Core i5-13400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-13400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-13905H better than Core i5-13400F?
Yes. Core i9-13905H is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 11.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 19.6% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 19.1% higher 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 i9-13905H is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 11.4% 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 i9-13905H is the stronger fit. You are getting 19.6% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 14 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i9-13905H is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-13400F is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i9-13905H comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $196 MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-13400F is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i9-13905H makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 20 threads instead of 10/16. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-13400F vs Core i9-13905H 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 i9-13905H

The Core i9-13905H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1792. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200, DDR4-3200, LPDDR4x-4267. Passmark benchmark score: 29,807 points. Launch price was $697.

Processing Power

The Core i5-13400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i9-13905H offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-13905H has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F versus 5.4 GHz on the Core i9-13905H — a 16% clock advantage for the Core i9-13905H (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-13400F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-13905H uses Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13400F scores 25,029 against the Core i9-13905H's 29,807 — a 17.4% lead for the Core i9-13905H. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 16,211 vs 19,384 (17.8% advantage for the Core i9-13905H). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,407 vs 2,300, a 4.5% lead for the Core i5-13400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,408 vs 14,000 (20.4% advantage for the Core i9-13905H). L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F vs 24 MB (total) on the Core i9-13905H.

FeatureCore i5-13400FCore i9-13905H
Cores / Threads
10 / 16
14 / 20+40%
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz
5.4 GHz+17%
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
2.6 GHz+4%
L3 Cache
20 MB (total)
24 MB (total)+20%
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-H (2023−2024)
PassMark
25,029
29,807+19%
Cinebench R23 Multi
16,211
19,384+20%
Geekbench 6 Single
2,407+5%
2,300
Geekbench 6 Multi
11,408
14,000+23%
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-13400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-13905H uses FCBGA1792 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-13400F versus DDR5-5200 on the Core i9-13905H — the Core i9-13905H supports 8.3% 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 64 GB 200% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13400F) vs 12 (Core i9-13905H) — the Core i5-13400F offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-13400F) and WM790,HM770 (Core i9-13905H).

FeatureCore i5-13400FCore i9-13905H
Socket
LGA1700
FCBGA1792
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
DDR5-5200+8%
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB+200%
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
20+67%
12
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i9-13905H includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe 96EU), while the Core i5-13400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming, Core i9-13905H targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600; Core i9-13905H rivals Ryzen 9 7940HS.

FeatureCore i5-13400FCore i9-13905H
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Iris Xe 96EU
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Gaming
Workstation