Core i5-13500TE vs Core i7-12650H

Intel

Core i5-13500TE

14 Cores20 Thrd35 WWMax: 4.5 GHz2023
Core family
·······
VS
Intel

Core i7-12650H

10 Cores16 Thrd45 WWMax: 4.7 GHz2022
Core family
·······

Core i5-13500TE vs Core i7-12650H 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 i5-13500TE vs Core i7-12650H 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 i5-13500TE vs Core i7-12650H: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-13500TE

2023

Why buy it

  • +18% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Costs $222 less on MSRP ($235 MSRP vs $457 MSRP).
  • Delivers 96.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 93.3 vs 47.6 PassMark/$ ($235 MSRP vs $457 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.
  • 25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

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

Core i7-12650H

2022

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,780 vs 2,100).
    • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (13,500 vs 14,500).
    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 47.6 vs 93.3 PassMark/$ ($457 MSRP vs $235 MSRP).
    • 28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Core i5-13500TE better than Core i7-12650H?
    Yes. Core i5-13500TE is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 7.4% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 0.9% higher PassMark, 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 i5-13500TE is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% 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 i5-13500TE is the stronger fit. You are getting 7.4% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 14 cores and 20 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Core i5-13500TE is the better buy right now. Core i5-13500TE comes in $222 cheaper on MSRP at $235 MSRP versus $457 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 96.2% better value on MSRP (93.3 vs 47.6 PassMark/$), 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 i5-13500TE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2022) and more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 20 threads instead of 10/16. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Core i5-13500TE vs Core i7-12650H Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Core i5-13500TE

    The Core i5-13500TE 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 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 21,936 points. Launch price was $299.

    Intel

    Core i7-12650H

    The Core i7-12650H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-H (2022) architecture. It features 10 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 21,742 points. Launch price was $299.

    Processing Power

    The Core i5-13500TE packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i7-12650H offers 10 cores / 16 threads — the Core i5-13500TE has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i5-13500TE versus 4.7 GHz on the Core i7-12650H — a 4.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-12650H (base: 1.3 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i5-13500TE uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i7-12650H uses Alder Lake-H (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13500TE scores 21,936 against the Core i7-12650H's 21,742 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i5-13500TE. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 14,500 vs 13,500 (7.1% advantage for the Core i5-13500TE). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,100 vs 1,780, a 16.5% lead for the Core i5-13500TE that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,000 vs 10,920 (0.7% advantage for the Core i5-13500TE). Both processors carry 24 MB (total) of L3 cache.

    FeatureCore i5-13500TECore i7-12650H
    Cores / Threads
    14 / 20+40%
    10 / 16
    Boost Clock
    4.5 GHz
    4.7 GHz+4%
    Base Clock
    1.3 GHz
    2.3 GHz+77%
    L3 Cache
    24 MB (total)
    24 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    1.25 MB (per core)
    1.25 MB (per core)
    Process
    10 nm
    Intel 7 nm-30%
    Architecture
    Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
    Alder Lake-H (2022)
    PassMark
    21,936
    21,742
    Cinebench R23 Multi
    14,500+7%
    13,500
    Geekbench 6 Single
    2,100+18%
    1,780
    Geekbench 6 Multi
    11,000
    10,920
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Core i5-13500TE uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-12650H uses FCBGA1744 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 memory speed. The Core i5-13500TE supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13500TE) vs 16 (Core i7-12650H) — the Core i5-13500TE offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H610E,Q670E,R680E,W680 (Core i5-13500TE) and Alder Lake H (Core i7-12650H).

    FeatureCore i5-13500TECore i7-12650H
    Socket
    LGA1700
    FCBGA1744
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 5.0+25%
    PCIe 4.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
    DDR5-4800
    Max RAM Capacity
    128 GB+100%
    64 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    2
    ECC Support
    Yes
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    20+25%
    16
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Core i7-12650H supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-13500TE) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12650H). Both include integrated graphics UHD Graphics 770 (Core i5-13500TE) and UHD Graphics 64EU (Core i7-12650H) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13500TE targets Industrial / Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i5-13500TE rivals Core i5-12500TE.

    FeatureCore i5-13500TECore i7-12650H
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    UHD Graphics 770
    UHD Graphics 64EU
    Unlocked
    No
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    Yes
    Virtualization
    VT-x, VT-d, EPT
    VT-x, VT-d
    Target Use
    Industrial / Embedded
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Core i5-13500TE was priced at $235, while the Core i7-12650H came in at $457. On launch pricing ($235 vs $457), Core i5-13500TE was $222 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13500TE delivers 93.3 pts/$ vs 47.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-12650H — making the Core i5-13500TE the 65% better value option.

    FeatureCore i5-13500TECore i7-12650H
    MSRP
    $235-49%
    $457
    Performance per Dollar
    93.3+96%
    47.6
    Release Date
    2023
    2022

    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.