Core i5-13400F vs Phenom II X3 720

CPU

GPU

Core i5-13400F

10 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2023

Popular choices:

•••••••••

Phenom II X3 720

3 Cores3 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2010

Popular choices:

••••i5-13400F•••••

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Core i5-13400F

10 / 16

25,029

+1464.3%

1,600

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Head-to-Head Verdict, Benchmarks, Value & Long-Term Outlook

This comparison brings together gaming FPS, productivity performance, platform differences, power efficiency, pricing context, and upgrade path so you can see which CPU actually makes more sense.

Core i5-13400F

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +818.1% higher average FPS across 4 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+233.3% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Delivers 937.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 12.3 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $130 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of AM3 and older memory support.

Trade-offs

❌
50.8% HIGHER MSRP
$196 MSRPvs$130 MSRP

Phenom II X3 720

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $66 less on MSRP ($130 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-13400F across 4 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (980 vs 11,408).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.3 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($130 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.

Core i5-13400F

2023

Phenom II X3 720

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +818.1% higher average FPS across 4 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+233.3% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Delivers 937.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 12.3 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $130 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of AM3 and older memory support.

Why buy it

✅Costs $66 less on MSRP ($130 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌
50.8% HIGHER MSRP
$196 MSRPvs$130 MSRP

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-13400F across 4 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (980 vs 11,408).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.3 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($130 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-13400F better than Phenom II X3 720?

Yes. Core i5-13400F is the better overall CPU here. You are getting a 818.1% average FPS lead across 4 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1064.1% better Geekbench multi-core, 1464.3% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which makes it the stronger all-around choice.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-13400F is the better pick here. According to our tests, it delivers 818.1% more average FPS across 4 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 better fit. You are getting 1064.1% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 10 cores and 16 threads. It also carries 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 smarter buy today. Core i5-13400F is 50.8% more expensive on MSRP at $196 MSRP versus $130 MSRP, and it gives you a 818.1% average FPS lead across 4 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 937.6% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 12.3 PassMark/$), so the better CPU is not just faster, it is also the cleaner value play on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-13400F is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2010), 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 should give you a better long-term upgrade path for motherboard, RAM, and future CPU swaps.

Games Benchmarks

Paired with RTX 4090

To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.

Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.

Core i5-13400F Benchmark Check

Phenom II X3 720 Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	Core i5-13400F	Phenom II X3 720
1080p
low	171 FPS	40 FPS
medium	158 FPS	40 FPS
high	132 FPS	40 FPS
ultra	112 FPS	40 FPS
1440p
low	143 FPS	40 FPS
medium	123 FPS	40 FPS
high	99 FPS	40 FPS
ultra	84 FPS	40 FPS
4K
low	81 FPS	40 FPS
medium	74 FPS	40 FPS
high	59 FPS	40 FPS
ultra	46 FPS	31 FPS

Open Core i5-13400F Open Phenom II X3 720

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	Core i5-13400F	Phenom II X3 720
1080p
low	545 FPS	40 FPS
medium	464 FPS	40 FPS
high	389 FPS	40 FPS
ultra	356 FPS	40 FPS
1440p
low	458 FPS	40 FPS
medium	403 FPS	40 FPS
high	345 FPS	40 FPS
ultra	301 FPS	40 FPS
4K
low	280 FPS	40 FPS
medium	247 FPS	40 FPS
high	231 FPS	40 FPS
ultra	204 FPS	27 FPS

Open Core i5-13400F Open Phenom II X3 720

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	Core i5-13400F	Phenom II X3 720
1080p
low	530 FPS	40 FPS
medium	449 FPS	40 FPS
high	415 FPS	40 FPS
ultra	375 FPS	40 FPS
1440p
low	490 FPS	40 FPS
medium	422 FPS	40 FPS
high	382 FPS	40 FPS
ultra	343 FPS	40 FPS
4K
low	393 FPS	40 FPS
medium	331 FPS	40 FPS
high	296 FPS	40 FPS
ultra	246 FPS	40 FPS

Open Core i5-13400F Open Phenom II X3 720

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	Core i5-13400F	Phenom II X3 720
1080p
low	626 FPS	40 FPS
medium	626 FPS	40 FPS
high	626 FPS	40 FPS
ultra	626 FPS	40 FPS
1440p
low	626 FPS	40 FPS
medium	626 FPS	40 FPS
high	598 FPS	40 FPS
ultra	521 FPS	40 FPS
4K
low	535 FPS	40 FPS
medium	492 FPS	40 FPS
high	439 FPS	40 FPS
ultra	382 FPS	40 FPS

Open Core i5-13400F Open Phenom II X3 720

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-13400F and Phenom II X3 720

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.

Phenom II X3 720

The Phenom II X3 720 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Heka (2009−2010) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,600 points. Launch price was $75.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-13400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Phenom II X3 720 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 2.8 GHz on the Phenom II X3 720 — a 48.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-13400F (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-13400F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Phenom II X3 720 uses Heka (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13400F scores 25,029 against the Phenom II X3 720's 1,600 — a 176% lead for the Core i5-13400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,407 vs 380, a 145.5% lead for the Core i5-13400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,408 vs 980 (168.4% 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 720.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Phenom II X3 720
Cores / Threads	10 / 16+233%	3 / 3
Boost Clock	4.6 GHz+64%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.8 GHz+12%
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+1464%	1,600
Cinebench R23 Multi	16,211	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,407+533%	380
Geekbench 6 Multi	11,408+1064%	980

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-13400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Phenom II X3 720 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 720 — the Core i5-13400F supports 50% 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 — 169.2% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13400F) vs 16 (Phenom II X3 720) — 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 720).

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Phenom II X3 720
Socket	LGA1700	AM3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+150%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+67%	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 720 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 720). Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming, Phenom II X3 720 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Phenom II X3 720
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

The Core i5-13400F launched at $196 MSRP, while the Phenom II X3 720 debuted at $130. On MSRP ($196 vs $130), the Phenom II X3 720 is $66 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13400F delivers 127.7 pts/$ vs 12.3 pts/$ for the Phenom II X3 720 — making the Core i5-13400F the 164.8% better value option.