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 i5-13400T vs Core i9-9820X 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 i5-13400T vs Core i9-9820X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-13400T

2023

Why buy it

✅+69.6% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅+21.2% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 17 MB).
✅Costs $668 less on MSRP ($221 MSRP vs $889 MSRP).
✅Delivers 298.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 91.7 vs 23.0 PassMark/$ ($221 MSRP vs $889 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 165W, a 130W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Core i9-9820X

2018

Why buy it

✅120% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,394 vs 2,364).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (9,361 vs 11,135).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (17 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 23.0 vs 91.7 PassMark/$ ($889 MSRP vs $221 MSRP).
❌371.4% higher power demand at 165W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-13400T better than Core i9-9820X?

Yes. Core i5-13400T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 19% better Geekbench multi-core, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-13400T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% 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 i5-13400T is the stronger fit. You are getting 19% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 10 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 21.2% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 17 MB).

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

Core i5-13400T is the better buy right now. Core i5-13400T comes in $668 cheaper on MSRP at $221 MSRP versus $889 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 298.5% better value on MSRP (91.7 vs 23.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-13400T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2018), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA2066, 21.2% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 17 MB), 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 i5-13400T vs Core i9-9820X Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-13400T

The Core i5-13400T 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 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 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): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 20,265 points. Launch price was $221.

Core i9-9820X

The Core i9-9820X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 16.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 20,456 points. Launch price was $898.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-13400T packs 10 cores / 16 threads, matching the Core i9-9820X's 10 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-13400T versus 4.2 GHz on the Core i9-9820X — a 4.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-13400T (base: 1.3 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i5-13400T uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-9820X uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13400T scores 20,265 against the Core i9-9820X's 20,456 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i9-9820X. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,364 vs 1,394, a 51.6% lead for the Core i5-13400T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,135 vs 9,361 (17.3% advantage for the Core i5-13400T). L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400T vs 16.5 MB (total) on the Core i9-9820X.

Feature	Core i5-13400T	Core i9-9820X
Cores / Threads	10 / 16	10 / 20
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+5%	4.2 GHz
Base Clock	1.3 GHz	3.3 GHz+154%
L3 Cache	20 MB (total)+21%	16.5 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)+25%	1 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	20,265	20,456
Cinebench R23 Multi	16,094	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,364+70%	1,394
Geekbench 6 Multi	11,135+19%	9,361

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-13400T uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-9820X uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i5-13400T versus DDR4 2666 MHz on the Core i9-9820X — the Core i5-13400T supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-13400T supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-13400T) vs 4 (Core i9-9820X). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13400T) vs 44 (Core i9-9820X) — the Core i9-9820X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760,H770,Z690 (Core i5-13400T) and Intel X299 (Core i9-9820X).

Feature	Core i5-13400T	Core i9-9820X
Socket	LGA1700	LGA2066
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800+80%	DDR4 2666 MHz
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB+50%	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	20	44+120%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-9820X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i9-9820X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13400T) vs true (Core i9-9820X). The Core i5-13400T includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 730), while the Core i9-9820X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13400T targets Energy Efficient Desktop, Core i9-9820X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400T rivals Ryzen 5 7600.

Feature	Core i5-13400T	Core i9-9820X
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 730	—
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	true
Target Use	Energy Efficient Desktop	Workstation

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-13400T was priced at $221, while the Core i9-9820X came in at $889. On launch pricing ($221 vs $889), Core i5-13400T was $668 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13400T delivers 91.7 pts/$ vs 23.0 pts/$ for the Core i9-9820X — making the Core i5-13400T the 119.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-13400T	Core i9-9820X
MSRP	$221-75%	$889
Performance per Dollar	91.7+299%	23.0
Release Date	2023	2018

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