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 Pentium G3258 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 Pentium G3258: 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: +323.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+566.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Delivers 364.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 27.5 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $75 MSRP).
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1150 and older memory support.
✅25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌
161.3% HIGHER MSRP
$196 MSRPvs$75 MSRP
❌20.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 54W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Pentium G3258 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Pentium G3258

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $121 less on MSRP ($75 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
✅Draws 54W instead of 65W, a 11W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics, 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 (2,063 vs 25,029).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 27.5 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($75 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
❌Older platform position on LGA1150, while Core i5-13400F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-13400F better than Pentium G3258?

Yes. Core i5-13400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 323.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1113.2% 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 323.0% 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 1113.2% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 566.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 3 MB).

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 161.3% more expensive on MSRP at $196 MSRP versus $75 MSRP, and it still gives you a 323.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 364.2% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 27.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit 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 2014), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA1150, 566.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 16 threads instead of 2/2. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-13400F vs Pentium G3258 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.

Pentium G3258

The Pentium G3258 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,063 points. Launch price was $77.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-13400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Pentium G3258 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core i5-13400F has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F versus 3.2 GHz on the Pentium G3258 — a 35.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-13400F (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-13400F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Pentium G3258 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13400F scores 25,029 against the Pentium G3258's 2,063 — a 169.5% lead for the Core i5-13400F. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G3258.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Pentium G3258
Cores / Threads	10 / 16+400%	2 / 2
Boost Clock	4.6 GHz+44%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	3.2 GHz+28%
L3 Cache	20 MB (total)+567%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)+400%	256 kB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm-68%	22 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	25,029+1113%	2,063
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 Pentium G3258 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-13400F versus DDR3-1333 on the Pentium G3258 — the Core i5-13400F supports 260.1% 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 32 GB — 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13400F) vs 16 (Pentium G3258) — the Core i5-13400F offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Pentium G3258
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+260%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB+500%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20+25%	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Pentium G3258 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13400F) vs VT-x (Pentium G3258). The Pentium G3258 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the Core i5-13400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming, Pentium G3258 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Pentium G3258
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x
Target Use	Gaming	Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-13400F was priced at $196, while the Pentium G3258 came in at $75. On launch pricing ($196 vs $75), Pentium G3258 was $121 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13400F delivers 127.7 pts/$ vs 27.5 pts/$ for the Pentium G3258 — making the Core i5-13400F the 129.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Pentium G3258
MSRP	$196	$75-62%
Performance per Dollar	127.7+364%	27.5
Release Date	2023	2014

Search Core i5-13400F on Amazon

Search Pentium G3258 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.