Core i5-13400F vs Ryzen 5 1500X

Intel

Core i5-13400F

10 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2023
Core family
·······
VS
AMD

Ryzen 5 1500X

4 Cores8 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2017
Ryzen family
·······

Core i5-13400F vs Ryzen 5 1500X 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 Ryzen 5 1500X 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 Ryzen 5 1500X: 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: +39.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +25% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 16 MB).
  • Delivers 166.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 48.0 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $189 MSRP).
  • Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of AM4 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • 3.7% HIGHER MSRP
    $196 MSRPvs$189 MSRP

Ryzen 5 1500X

2017

Why buy it

  • Costs $7 less on MSRP ($189 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-13400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (4,641 vs 16,211).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 20 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 48.0 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($189 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
  • Older platform position on AM4 with DDR4, while Core i5-13400F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-13400F better than Ryzen 5 1500X?
Yes. Core i5-13400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 39.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 249.3% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 175.8% 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 39.8% 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 249.3% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 10 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 16 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 3.7% more expensive on MSRP at $196 MSRP versus $189 MSRP, and it still gives you a 39.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 166.0% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 48.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible AM4 + DDR4 setup, Ryzen 5 1500X 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 2017), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of AM4, 25% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 16 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 16 threads instead of 4/8. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-13400F vs Ryzen 5 1500X 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

Ryzen 5 1500X

The Ryzen 5 1500X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 11 April 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Zen (2017−2020) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,074 points. Launch price was $189.

Processing Power

The Core i5-13400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Ryzen 5 1500X offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i5-13400F has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F versus 3.7 GHz on the Ryzen 5 1500X — a 21.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-13400F (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i5-13400F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen 5 1500X uses Zen (2017−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13400F scores 25,029 against the Ryzen 5 1500X's 9,074 — a 93.6% lead for the Core i5-13400F. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 16,211 vs 4,641 (111% advantage for the Core i5-13400F). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,407 vs 1,120, a 73% lead for the Core i5-13400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,408 vs 3,700 (102% advantage for the Core i5-13400F). L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F vs 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 1500X.

FeatureCore i5-13400FRyzen 5 1500X
Cores / Threads
10 / 16+150%
4 / 8
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz+24%
3.7 GHz
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
3.5 GHz+40%
L3 Cache
20 MB (total)+25%
16 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
512K (per core)+40860%
Process
Intel 7 nm-50%
14 nm
Architecture
Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
Zen (2017−2020)
PassMark
25,029+176%
9,074
Cinebench R23 Multi
16,211+249%
4,641
Geekbench 6 Single
2,407+115%
1,120
Geekbench 6 Multi
11,408+208%
3,700
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-13400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 5 1500X uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-13400F versus DDR4-2666 on the Ryzen 5 1500X — the Core i5-13400F supports 80% 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. 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 A320,B350,X370,B450,X470 (Ryzen 5 1500X).

FeatureCore i5-13400FRyzen 5 1500X
Socket
LGA1700
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+67%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+80%
DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB+200%
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
20
20
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 5 1500X 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 (Ryzen 5 1500X). Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming, Ryzen 5 1500X targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600; Ryzen 5 1500X rivals Core i5-7500.

FeatureCore i5-13400FRyzen 5 1500X
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
AMD-V
Target Use
Gaming
Gaming
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-13400F was priced at $196, while the Ryzen 5 1500X came in at $189. On launch pricing ($196 vs $189), Ryzen 5 1500X was $7 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13400F delivers 127.7 pts/$ vs 48.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 1500X — making the Core i5-13400F the 90.7% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-13400FRyzen 5 1500X
MSRP
$196
$189-4%
Performance per Dollar
127.7+166%
48.0
Release Date
2023
2017

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