Core i5-13400F vs Phenom II X3 700e

Intel

Core i5-13400F

10 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2023
Core family
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X3 700e

3 Cores3 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2009
Similar parts
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Core i5-13400F vs Phenom II X3 700e 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 Phenom II X3 700e 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 Phenom II X3 700e: 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: +489.2% higher average FPS across 47 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +233.3% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Delivers 1000.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 11.6 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $125 MSRP).
  • Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of AM3 and older memory support.
  • 25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 56.8% HIGHER MSRP
    $196 MSRPvs$125 MSRP

Phenom II X3 700e

2009

Why buy it

  • Costs $71 less on MSRP ($125 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-13400F across 47 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (650 vs 11,408).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 20 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.6 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($125 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
  • Older platform position on AM3, while Core i5-13400F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-13400F better than Phenom II X3 700e?
Yes. Core i5-13400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 489.2% average FPS lead across 47 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1655.1% better Geekbench multi-core, 1624.9% 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 i5-13400F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 489.2% more average FPS across 47 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 1655.1% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 10 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 233.3% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 6 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 56.8% more expensive on MSRP at $196 MSRP versus $125 MSRP, and it still gives you a 489.2% average FPS lead across 47 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 1000.1% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 11.6 PassMark/$), 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 2009), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of AM3, 233.3% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 6 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 16 threads instead of 3/3. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-13400F vs Phenom II X3 700e 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.

AMD

Phenom II X3 700e

The Phenom II X3 700e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Heka (2009−2010) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,451 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Core i5-13400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Phenom II X3 700e offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Core i5-13400F has 7 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F versus 2.4 GHz on the Phenom II X3 700e — a 62.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-13400F (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i5-13400F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Phenom II X3 700e uses Heka (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13400F scores 25,029 against the Phenom II X3 700e's 1,451 — a 178.1% lead for the Core i5-13400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,407 vs 250, a 162.4% lead for the Core i5-13400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,408 vs 650 (178.4% advantage for the Core i5-13400F). L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X3 700e.

FeatureCore i5-13400FPhenom II X3 700e
Cores / Threads
10 / 16+233%
3 / 3
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz+92%
2.4 GHz
Base Clock
2.5 GHz+4%
2.4 GHz
L3 Cache
20 MB (total)+233%
6 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)+150%
512 kB (per core)
Process
Intel 7 nm-84%
45 nm
Architecture
Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
Heka (2009−2010)
PassMark
25,029+1625%
1,451
Cinebench R23 Multi
16,211
Geekbench 6 Single
2,407+863%
250
Geekbench 6 Multi
11,408+1655%
650
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-13400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Phenom II X3 700e uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — 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 Phenom II X3 700e — 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 16 GB 1100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13400F) vs 16 (Phenom II X3 700e) — the Core i5-13400F offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-13400F) and AM3,AM2+ (Phenom II X3 700e).

FeatureCore i5-13400FPhenom II X3 700e
Socket
LGA1700
AM3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+150%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+260%
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB+1100%
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
20+25%
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Phenom II X3 700e has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13400F) vs AMD-V (Phenom II X3 700e). Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming, Phenom II X3 700e targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600.

FeatureCore i5-13400FPhenom II X3 700e
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
AMD-V
Target Use
Gaming
Legacy Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-13400F was priced at $196, while the Phenom II X3 700e came in at $125. On launch pricing ($196 vs $125), Phenom II X3 700e was $71 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13400F delivers 127.7 pts/$ vs 11.6 pts/$ for the Phenom II X3 700e — making the Core i5-13400F the 166.7% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-13400FPhenom II X3 700e
MSRP
$196
$125-36%
Performance per Dollar
127.7+1001%
11.6
Release Date
2023
2009

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