Core i7-6900K vs Core i5-13400F
Core i7-6900K
Core i5-13400F
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-6900K
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13400F
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-6900K | Core i5-13400F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,089) | ✅ More affordable ($180) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell-E (2016) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-6900K | Core i5-13400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+931%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,089) | ✅ More affordable ($180) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-6900K and Core i5-13400F
Core i7-6900K
The Core i7-6900K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 31 May 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-E (2016) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,682 points. Launch price was $1,020.
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.
Processing Power
The Core i7-6900K packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i5-13400F offers 10 cores / 16 threads — the Core i5-13400F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i7-6900K versus 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F — a 14% clock advantage for the Core i5-13400F (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i7-6900K uses the Broadwell-E (2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-13400F uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6900K scores 14,682 against the Core i5-13400F's 25,029 — a 52.1% lead for the Core i5-13400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,273 vs 2,407, a 61.6% lead for the Core i5-13400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,591 vs 11,408 (40.2% advantage for the Core i5-13400F). Both processors carry 20 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i7-6900K | Core i5-13400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 10 / 16+25% |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz | 4.6 GHz+15% |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+28% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total) | 20 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% |
| Process | 14 nm | Intel 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Broadwell-E (2016) | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 14,682 | 25,029+70% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 16,211 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,273 | 2,407+89% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 7,591 | 11,408+50% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-6900K uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-13400F uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i7-6900K versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-13400F — the Core i5-13400F supports 22.2% 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 — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i7-6900K) vs 2 (Core i5-13400F). PCIe lanes: 40 (Core i7-6900K) vs 20 (Core i5-13400F) — the Core i7-6900K offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X99 (Core i7-6900K) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-13400F).
| Feature | Core i7-6900K | Core i5-13400F |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400 | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 192 GB+50% |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40+100% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-6900K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Core i7-6900K targets High-End Desktop, Core i5-13400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600.
| Feature | Core i7-6900K | Core i5-13400F |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | High-End Desktop | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-6900K launched at $1089 MSRP, while the Core i5-13400F debuted at $196. At current prices ($1089 vs $180), the Core i5-13400F is $909 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-6900K delivers 13.5 pts/$ vs 139.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-13400F — making the Core i5-13400F the 164.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-6900K | Core i5-13400F |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1089 | $196-82% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1089 | $180-83% |
| Performance per Dollar | 13.5 | 139.1+930% |
| Release Date | 2016 | 2023 |
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