Core i5-13400F vs Ryzen AI Max 385

Intel

Core i5-13400F

10 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2023

Popular choices:

VS
AMD

Ryzen AI Max 385

8 Cores16 Thrd55 WWMax: 5 GHz2025

Popular choices:

i5-13400F

Performance Spectrum - CPU

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

    Trade-offs

    • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen AI Max 385 across 3 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (16,211 vs 16,500).
    • Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 32 MB).
    • Launch MSRP is still $196 MSRP, while Ryzen AI Max 385 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
    • 18.2% higher power demand at 65W vs 55W.

    Ryzen AI Max 385

    2025

    Why buy it

    • Better for gaming: +10.0% higher average FPS across 3 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • +60% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 20 MB).
    • Draws 55W instead of 65W, a 10W reduction.
    • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon 8050S, while Core i5-13400F needs a discrete GPU.

    Trade-offs

    • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Ryzen AI Max 385 better than Core i5-13400F?
    Yes. Ryzen AI Max 385 is the better overall CPU here. You are getting a 10.0% average FPS lead across 3 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.8% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 28.9% 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, Ryzen AI Max 385 is the better pick here. According to our tests, it delivers 10.0% more average FPS across 3 shared CPU game tests.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen AI Max 385 is the better fit. You are getting 1.8% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also carries the larger cache pool with 60% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 20 MB).
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Ryzen AI Max 385 is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-13400F makes more sense if price matters more than absolute performance. Ryzen AI Max 385 is at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $196 MSRP, and it gives you a 10.0% average FPS lead across 3 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-13400F is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), which is why it is easier to justify for price-conscious builds on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Ryzen AI Max 385 is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2023), 60% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 20 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 10/16. 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.

    Path of Exile 2

    Path of Exile 2

    PresetCore i5-13400FRyzen AI Max 385
    1080p
    low171 FPS257 FPS
    medium158 FPS234 FPS
    high132 FPS203 FPS
    ultra112 FPS174 FPS
    1440p
    low143 FPS222 FPS
    medium123 FPS183 FPS
    high99 FPS153 FPS
    ultra84 FPS134 FPS
    4K
    low81 FPS154 FPS
    medium74 FPS127 FPS
    high59 FPS99 FPS
    ultra46 FPS86 FPS
    Counter-Strike 2

    Counter-Strike 2

    PresetCore i5-13400FRyzen AI Max 385
    1080p
    low545 FPS592 FPS
    medium464 FPS500 FPS
    high389 FPS391 FPS
    ultra356 FPS346 FPS
    1440p
    low458 FPS508 FPS
    medium403 FPS452 FPS
    high345 FPS359 FPS
    ultra301 FPS299 FPS
    4K
    low280 FPS303 FPS
    medium247 FPS273 FPS
    high231 FPS243 FPS
    ultra204 FPS209 FPS
    League of Legends

    League of Legends

    PresetCore i5-13400FRyzen AI Max 385
    1080p
    low530 FPS780 FPS
    medium449 FPS611 FPS
    high415 FPS534 FPS
    ultra375 FPS447 FPS
    1440p
    low490 FPS676 FPS
    medium422 FPS534 FPS
    high382 FPS463 FPS
    ultra343 FPS389 FPS
    4K
    low393 FPS476 FPS
    medium331 FPS394 FPS
    high296 FPS350 FPS
    ultra246 FPS288 FPS
    Valorant

    Valorant

    PresetCore i5-13400FRyzen AI Max 385
    1080p
    low626 FPS807 FPS
    medium626 FPS807 FPS
    high626 FPS779 FPS
    ultra626 FPS700 FPS
    1440p
    low626 FPS796 FPS
    medium626 FPS706 FPS
    high598 FPS619 FPS
    ultra521 FPS536 FPS
    4K
    low535 FPS554 FPS
    medium492 FPS499 FPS
    high439 FPS448 FPS
    ultra382 FPS389 FPS

    Technical Specifications

    Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-13400F and Ryzen AI Max 385

    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 AI Max 385

    The Ryzen AI Max 385 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Strix Halo (2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FP11. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 32,274 points. Launch price was $499.

    Processing Power

    The Core i5-13400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Ryzen AI Max 385 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i5-13400F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F versus 5 GHz on the Ryzen AI Max 385 — a 8.3% clock advantage for the Ryzen AI Max 385 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-13400F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen AI Max 385 uses Strix Halo (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13400F scores 25,029 against the Ryzen AI Max 385's 32,274 — a 25.3% lead for the Ryzen AI Max 385. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 16,211 vs 16,500 (1.8% advantage for the Ryzen AI Max 385). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,407 vs 2,800, a 15.1% lead for the Ryzen AI Max 385 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,408 vs 14,000 (20.4% advantage for the Ryzen AI Max 385). L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen AI Max 385.

    FeatureCore i5-13400FRyzen AI Max 385
    Cores / Threads
    10 / 16+25%
    8 / 16
    Boost Clock
    4.6 GHz
    5 GHz+9%
    Base Clock
    2.5 GHz
    3.6 GHz+44%
    L3 Cache
    20 MB (total)
    32 MB (total)+60%
    L2 Cache
    1.25 MB (per core)+25%
    1 MB (per core)
    Process
    Intel 7 nm
    4 nm-43%
    Architecture
    Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
    Strix Halo (2025)
    PassMark
    25,029
    32,274+29%
    Cinebench R23 Multi
    16,211
    16,500+2%
    Geekbench 6 Single
    2,407
    2,800+16%
    Geekbench 6 Multi
    11,408
    14,000+23%
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Core i5-13400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen AI Max 385 uses FP11 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 memory speed. The Core i5-13400F supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-13400F) vs 4 (Ryzen AI Max 385). Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-13400F) and Strix Halo platform (Ryzen AI Max 385).

    FeatureCore i5-13400FRyzen AI Max 385
    Socket
    LGA1700
    FP11
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 5.0+25%
    PCIe 4.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
    LPDDR5x-8000
    Max RAM Capacity
    192 GB+50%
    128 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    4+100%
    ECC Support
    No
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    20
    20
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Only the Ryzen AI Max 385 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Ryzen AI Max 385 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13400F) vs AMD-V (Ryzen AI Max 385). The Ryzen AI Max 385 includes integrated graphics (Radeon 8050S), while the Core i5-13400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming, Ryzen AI Max 385 targets High-performance AI / Gaming Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600; Ryzen AI Max 385 rivals Core Ultra 9 285H.

    FeatureCore i5-13400FRyzen AI Max 385
    Integrated GPU
    No
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    Radeon 8050S
    Unlocked
    No
    Yes
    AVX-512
    No
    Yes
    Virtualization
    VT-x, VT-d
    AMD-V
    Target Use
    Gaming
    High-performance AI / Gaming Laptop
    💰

    Value Analysis

    The Core i5-13400F launched at $196 MSRP, while the Ryzen AI Max 385 debuted at $0. On MSRP ($196 vs $0), the Ryzen AI Max 385 is $196 cheaper.

    FeatureCore i5-13400FRyzen AI Max 385
    MSRP
    $196
    $0-100%
    Performance per Dollar
    127.7
    Release Date
    2023
    2025