Core i5-13400F vs M1 Max

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 M1 Max 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 M1 Max: 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

✅Better for gaming: +7.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike M1 Max.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 48 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $196 MSRP, while M1 Max mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌132.1% higher power demand at 65W vs 28W.
❌No integrated graphics, while M1 Max can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

M1 Max

2021

Why buy it

✅+140% larger total L3 cache (48 MB vs 20 MB).
✅Draws 28W instead of 65W, a 37W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with M1 Max GPU, while Core i5-13400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-13400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (22,146 vs 25,029).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-13400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-13400F better than M1 Max?

Yes. Core i5-13400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 13% 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 i5-13400F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.1% 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 i5-13400F is the stronger fit. You are getting 13% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 16 threads.

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

Core i5-13400F is the better buy right now. Core i5-13400F comes in at an unclear MSRP at $196 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible none + DDR5 setup, M1 Max 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 i5-13400F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2021) and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 16 threads instead of 10/10. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-13400F vs M1 Max 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.

M1 Max

The M1 Max is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 18 October 2021 (4 years ago). It features 10 cores and 10 threads. Base frequency is 2.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.22 GHz. L3 cache: 48 MB. L2 cache: 28 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 MB + 48 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 22,146 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-13400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, matching the M1 Max's 10 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F versus 3.22 GHz on the M1 Max — a 35.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-13400F (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.06 GHz). The Core i5-13400F is built on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-13400F scores 25,029 against the M1 Max's 22,146 — a 12.2% lead for the Core i5-13400F. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F vs 48 MB on the M1 Max.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	M1 Max
Cores / Threads	10 / 16	10 / 10
Boost Clock	4.6 GHz+43%	3.22 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+21%	2.06 GHz
L3 Cache	20 MB (total)	48 MB+140%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	28 MB+2140%
Process	Intel 7 nm	5 nm-29%
Architecture	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)	—
PassMark	25,029+13%	22,146
Cinebench R23 Multi	16,211	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,407	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	11,408	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-13400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the M1 Max uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-13400F versus LPDDR5-6400 on the M1 Max — the M1 Max supports 33.3% 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. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-13400F) vs 8 (M1 Max). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13400F) vs 0 (M1 Max) — the Core i5-13400F offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	M1 Max
Socket	LGA1700	none
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200	LPDDR5-6400+33%
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB+200%	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	8+300%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20	0

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13400F) vs ARM-V (M1 Max). The M1 Max includes integrated graphics (M1 Max GPU), while the Core i5-13400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming, M1 Max targets Mobile Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600.