Core i5-13400F vs Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

Intel

Core i5-13400F

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

Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

64 Cores128 Thrd350 WWMax: 5.4 GHz2025
Threadripper family
·

Core i5-13400F vs Ryzen Threadripper 9980X 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 Threadripper 9980X 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 Threadripper 9980X: 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

  • Costs $4,803 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $4,999 MSRP).
  • Delivers 349.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 28.4 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $4,999 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 350W, a 285W reduction.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Ryzen Threadripper 9980X.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 9980X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (16,211 vs 115,098).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper 9980X, which brings 64 cores / 128 threads and 80 PCIe lanes.

Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

2025

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +34.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 64 cores / 128 threads, plus 80 PCIe lanes vs 20.
  • 300% more PCIe lanes (80 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 28.4 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($4,999 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
  • 438.5% higher power demand at 350W vs 65W.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-13400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper 9980X better than Core i5-13400F?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Ryzen Threadripper 9980X makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-13400F is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 34.9% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests. It also has a clear cache advantage at 256 MB versus 20 MB.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is the stronger fit. You are getting 610% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 64 cores and 128 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 1180% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 20 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-13400F is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Ryzen Threadripper 9980X comes in 2450.5% more expensive on MSRP at $4,999 MSRP versus $196 MSRP, and it still gives you a 34.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-13400F is also 349.3% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 28.4 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen Threadripper 9980X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2023), 3D V-Cache and a much larger 256 MB L3 cache instead of 20 MB, more multi-core headroom with 64 cores / 128 threads instead of 10/16, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-13400F vs Ryzen Threadripper 9980X 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 Threadripper 9980X

The Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 30 July 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: sTR5. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 142,069 points. Launch price was $4,999.

Processing Power

The Core i5-13400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X offers 64 cores / 128 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X has 54 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F versus 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X — a 16% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X (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 Ryzen Threadripper 9980X uses Shimada Peak (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13400F scores 25,029 against the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X's 142,069 — a 140.1% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 16,211 vs 115,098 (150.6% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,407 vs 3,220, a 28.9% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,408 vs 28,666 (86.1% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X). L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F vs 256 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X.

FeatureCore i5-13400FRyzen Threadripper 9980X
Cores / Threads
10 / 16
64 / 128+540%
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz
5.4 GHz+17%
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
3.2 GHz+28%
L3 Cache
20 MB (total)
256 MB (total)+1180%
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)
Shimada Peak (2025)
PassMark
25,029
142,069+468%
Cinebench R23 Multi
16,211
115,098+610%
Geekbench 6 Single
2,407
3,220+34%
Geekbench 6 Multi
11,408
28,666+151%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-13400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X uses sTR5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-13400F versus DDR5-6400 on the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X — the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper 9980X supports up to 1 TB of RAM compared to 192 GB 433.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-13400F) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13400F) vs 80 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X) — the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X offers 60 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-13400F) and sTR5,TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X).

FeatureCore i5-13400FRyzen Threadripper 9980X
Socket
LGA1700
sTR5
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
DDR5-6400+33%
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB
1 TB+433%
RAM Channels
2
4+100%
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
20
80+300%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13400F) vs AMD-V, SVM (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X). Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming, Ryzen Threadripper 9980X targets HEDT / Enthusiast Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600; Ryzen Threadripper 9980X rivals Xeon w9-3495X.

FeatureCore i5-13400FRyzen Threadripper 9980X
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
AMD-V, SVM
Target Use
Gaming
HEDT / Enthusiast Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-13400F was priced at $196, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X came in at $4999. On launch pricing ($196 vs $4999), Core i5-13400F was $4803 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13400F delivers 127.7 pts/$ vs 28.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X — making the Core i5-13400F the 127.2% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-13400FRyzen Threadripper 9980X
MSRP
$196-96%
$4999
Performance per Dollar
127.7+350%
28.4
Release Date
2023
2025

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