Core i5-13400F vs Xeon E-2478

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 Xeon E-2478 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 Xeon E-2478: 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 $372 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $568 MSRP).
✅Delivers 161.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 48.9 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $568 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 80W, a 15W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon E-2478.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (25,029 vs 27,776).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 24 MB).

Xeon E-2478

2023

Why buy it

✅+20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 48.9 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($568 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
❌23.1% higher power demand at 80W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-13400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E-2478 better than Core i5-13400F?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E-2478 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, Xeon E-2478 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% 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, Xeon E-2478 is the stronger fit. You are getting 11% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Xeon E-2478 is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-13400F is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon E-2478 comes in 189.8% more expensive on MSRP at $568 MSRP versus $196 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-13400F is also 161.1% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 48.9 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Xeon E-2478 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i5-13400F vs Xeon E-2478 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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.

Xeon E-2478

The Xeon E-2478 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 December 2023 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 27,776 points. Launch price was $568.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-13400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon E-2478 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 5.2 GHz on the Xeon E-2478 — a 12.2% clock advantage for the Xeon E-2478 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). Both are built on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture using a Intel 7 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-13400F scores 25,029 against the Xeon E-2478's 27,776 — a 10.4% lead for the Xeon E-2478. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F vs 24 MB (total) on the Xeon E-2478.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Xeon E-2478
Cores / Threads	10 / 16+25%	8 / 16
Boost Clock	4.6 GHz	5.2 GHz+13%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.8 GHz+12%
L3 Cache	20 MB (total)	24 MB (total)+20%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	2 MB (per core)+60%
Process	Intel 7 nm	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
PassMark	25,029	27,776+11%
Cinebench R23 Multi	16,211	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,407	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	11,408	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. 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 — 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Xeon E-2478
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200	DDR5-4800
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB+50%	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	20

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming, Xeon E-2478 targets Server. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Xeon E-2478
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Gaming	Server

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-13400F was priced at $196, while the Xeon E-2478 came in at $568. On launch pricing ($196 vs $568), Core i5-13400F was $372 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13400F delivers 127.7 pts/$ vs 48.9 pts/$ for the Xeon E-2478 — making the Core i5-13400F the 89.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Xeon E-2478
MSRP	$196-65%	$568
Performance per Dollar	127.7+161%	48.9
Release Date	2023	2023

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