Core i5-13400F vs Xeon E5-2679 v4

Intel

Core i5-13400F

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

Xeon E5-2679 v4

20 Cores40 Thrd200 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2016
Similar parts
·······

Core i5-13400F vs Xeon E5-2679 v4 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 Xeon E5-2679 v4 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 E5-2679 v4: 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

  • +140.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Costs $2,506 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $2,702 MSRP).
  • Delivers 1329.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 8.9 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $2,702 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 200W, a 135W reduction.
  • Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2011-3 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (11,408 vs 12,000).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 50 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2679 v4, which brings 20 cores / 40 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2679 v4

2016

Why buy it

  • +5.2% higher Geekbench multi-core.
  • +150% larger total L3 cache (50 MB vs 20 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 20 cores / 40 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 20.
  • 100% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,000 vs 2,407).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.9 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($2,702 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
  • 207.7% higher power demand at 200W vs 65W.
  • Older platform position on LGA2011-3 with DDR4, while Core i5-13400F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-13400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-13400F better than Xeon E5-2679 v4?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2679 v4 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 streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-2679 v4 is the stronger fit. You are getting 5.2% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 20 cores and 40 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 150% larger total L3 cache (50 MB vs 20 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 $2,506 cheaper on MSRP at $196 MSRP versus $2,702 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2679 v4 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 5.2% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 1329.9% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 8.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
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 2016) and a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA2011-3. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-13400F vs Xeon E5-2679 v4 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.

Intel

Xeon E5-2679 v4

The Xeon E5-2679 v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 50 MB. L2 cache: 5 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011-3. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 24,131 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Core i5-13400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon E5-2679 v4 offers 20 cores / 40 threads — the Xeon E5-2679 v4 has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F versus 3.3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2679 v4 — a 32.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-13400F (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-13400F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon E5-2679 v4 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13400F scores 25,029 against the Xeon E5-2679 v4's 24,131 — a 3.7% lead for the Core i5-13400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,407 vs 1,000, a 82.6% lead for the Core i5-13400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,408 vs 12,000 (5.1% advantage for the Xeon E5-2679 v4). L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F vs 50 MB on the Xeon E5-2679 v4.

FeatureCore i5-13400FXeon E5-2679 v4
Cores / Threads
10 / 16
20 / 40+100%
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz+39%
3.3 GHz
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
2.5 GHz
L3 Cache
20 MB (total)
50 MB+150%
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
5 MB+300%
Process
Intel 7 nm-50%
14 nm
Architecture
Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark
25,029+4%
24,131
Cinebench R23 Multi
16,211
Geekbench 6 Single
2,407+141%
1,000
Geekbench 6 Multi
11,408
12,000+5%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-13400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon E5-2679 v4 uses LGA2011-3 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-13400F versus DDR4-2400 on the Xeon E5-2679 v4 — the Core i5-13400F supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2679 v4 supports up to 1536 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-13400F) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2679 v4). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13400F) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2679 v4) — the Xeon E5-2679 v4 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-13400F) and C612,X99 (Xeon E5-2679 v4).

FeatureCore i5-13400FXeon E5-2679 v4
Socket
LGA1700
LGA2011-3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+67%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+100%
DDR4-2400
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB
1536 GB+700%
RAM Channels
2
4+100%
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
20
40+100%
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13400F) vs Yes (Xeon E5-2679 v4). Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600.

FeatureCore i5-13400FXeon E5-2679 v4
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Yes
Target Use
Gaming
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-13400F was priced at $196, while the Xeon E5-2679 v4 came in at $2702. On launch pricing ($196 vs $2702), Core i5-13400F was $2506 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13400F delivers 127.7 pts/$ vs 8.9 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2679 v4 — making the Core i5-13400F the 173.9% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-13400FXeon E5-2679 v4
MSRP
$196-93%
$2702
Performance per Dollar
127.7+1335%
8.9
Release Date
2023
2016

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.