Core i5-13400F vs Core Ultra 5 245K

Intel

Core i5-13400F

10 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2023
Core family
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VS
Intel

Core Ultra 5 245K

14 Cores14 Thrd125 WWMax: 5.2 GHz2024
Core Ultra family
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Core i5-13400F vs Core Ultra 5 245K 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 Ultra 5 245K 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 Ultra 5 245K: 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 $123 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $319 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 125W, a 60W reduction.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core Ultra 5 245K.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core Ultra 5 245K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (25,029 vs 43,417).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 24 MB).
  • No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 5 245K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core Ultra 5 245K

2024

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +22.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB).
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores), while Core i5-13400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • 62.8% HIGHER MSRP
    $319 MSRPvs$196 MSRP
  • 92.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 65W.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-13400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 5 245K better than Core i5-13400F?
Yes. Core Ultra 5 245K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 22.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 73.5% 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 Ultra 5 245K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 22.1% 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 Ultra 5 245K is the stronger fit. You are getting 73.5% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 14 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 Ultra 5 245K is the better buy right now. Core Ultra 5 245K comes in 62.8% more expensive on MSRP at $319 MSRP versus $196 MSRP, and it still gives you a 22.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 6.6% better value on MSRP (136.1 vs 127.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible LGA1700 + DDR5 setup, Core i5-13400F can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core Ultra 5 245K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2023), 20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 14 threads instead of 10/16. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-13400F vs Core Ultra 5 245K 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 Ultra 5 245K

The Core Ultra 5 245K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 43,417 points. Launch price was $319.

Processing Power

The Core i5-13400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 245K offers 14 cores / 14 threads — the Core Ultra 5 245K has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F versus 5.2 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245K — a 12.2% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 245K (base: 2.5 GHz vs 4.2 GHz). The Core i5-13400F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 245K uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13400F scores 25,029 against the Core Ultra 5 245K's 43,417 — a 53.7% lead for the Core Ultra 5 245K. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F vs 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 245K.

FeatureCore i5-13400FCore Ultra 5 245K
Cores / Threads
10 / 16
14 / 14+40%
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz
5.2 GHz+13%
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
4.2 GHz+68%
L3 Cache
20 MB (total)
24 MB (total)+20%
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
3 MB (per core)+140%
Process
Intel 7 nm
3 nm-57%
Architecture
Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)
PassMark
25,029
43,417+73%
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 Ultra 5 245K uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-13400F versus 6400 on the Core Ultra 5 245K — the Core Ultra 5 245K supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. 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 Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 245K).

FeatureCore i5-13400FCore Ultra 5 245K
Socket
LGA1700
LGA1851
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
6400+33%
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB
192 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
20
20
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core Ultra 5 245K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core Ultra 5 245K includes integrated graphics (Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores)), 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 Ultra 5 245K rivals Ryzen 5 9600X.

FeatureCore i5-13400FCore Ultra 5 245K
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores)
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Gaming
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-13400F was priced at $196, while the Core Ultra 5 245K came in at $319. On launch pricing ($196 vs $319), Core i5-13400F was $123 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13400F delivers 127.7 pts/$ vs 136.1 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 245K — making the Core Ultra 5 245K the 6.4% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-13400FCore Ultra 5 245K
MSRP
$196-39%
$319
Performance per Dollar
127.7
136.1+7%
Release Date
2023
2024

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