Core i5-13400F vs Xeon W-1290TE

Intel

Core i5-13400F

10 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2023
Core family
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VS
Intel

Xeon W-1290TE

10 Cores20 Thrd35 WWMax: 4.5 GHz2020
Similar parts
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Core i5-13400F vs Xeon W-1290TE 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 W-1290TE 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 W-1290TE: 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: +13.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $356 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $552 MSRP).
  • Delivers 386.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 26.3 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $552 MSRP).
  • Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1200 and DDR4.
  • 25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W-1290TE, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads.
  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Xeon W-1290TE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Xeon W-1290TE

2020

Why buy it

  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads.
  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics P630, while Core i5-13400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-13400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (2,478 vs 11,408).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 26.3 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($552 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
  • Older platform position on LGA1200 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 W-1290TE?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-1290TE 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, Core i5-13400F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 13.7% 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 360.4% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 10 cores and 16 threads.
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 $356 cheaper on MSRP at $196 MSRP versus $552 MSRP, and it still gives you a 13.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 386.0% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 26.3 PassMark/$), 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 2020), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA1200, and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 16 threads instead of 10/20. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-13400F vs Xeon W-1290TE 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 W-1290TE

The Xeon W-1290TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 13 May 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,505 points. Launch price was $552.

Processing Power

The Core i5-13400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, matching the Xeon W-1290TE's 10 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F versus 4.5 GHz on the Xeon W-1290TE — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-13400F (base: 2.5 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i5-13400F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon W-1290TE uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13400F scores 25,029 against the Xeon W-1290TE's 14,505 — a 53.2% lead for the Core i5-13400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,407 vs 2,507, a 4.1% lead for the Xeon W-1290TE that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,408 vs 2,478 (128.6% advantage for the Core i5-13400F). Both processors carry 20 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i5-13400FXeon W-1290TE
Cores / Threads
10 / 16
10 / 20
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz+2%
4.5 GHz
Base Clock
2.5 GHz+39%
1.8 GHz
L3 Cache
20 MB (total)
20 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)+400%
256 kB (per core)
Process
Intel 7 nm-50%
14 nm
Architecture
Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark
25,029+73%
14,505
Cinebench R23 Multi
16,211
Geekbench 6 Single
2,407
2,507+4%
Geekbench 6 Multi
11,408+360%
2,478
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-13400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon W-1290TE uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-13400F versus DDR4-2933 on the Xeon W-1290TE — the Core i5-13400F supports 63.7% 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 128 GB 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13400F) vs 16 (Xeon W-1290TE) — the Core i5-13400F offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-13400F) and W480 (Xeon W-1290TE).

FeatureCore i5-13400FXeon W-1290TE
Socket
LGA1700
LGA1200
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+67%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+64%
DDR4-2933
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB+50%
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
20+25%
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Xeon W-1290TE includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics P630), while the Core i5-13400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming, Xeon W-1290TE targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600.

FeatureCore i5-13400FXeon W-1290TE
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel UHD Graphics P630
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Gaming
Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-13400F was priced at $196, while the Xeon W-1290TE came in at $552. On launch pricing ($196 vs $552), Core i5-13400F was $356 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13400F delivers 127.7 pts/$ vs 26.3 pts/$ for the Xeon W-1290TE — making the Core i5-13400F the 131.7% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-13400FXeon W-1290TE
MSRP
$196-64%
$552
Performance per Dollar
127.7+386%
26.3
Release Date
2023
2020

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