Core i9-12900E vs Core i5-13400F
Core i9-12900E
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 i9-12900E
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13400F
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900E | Core i5-13400F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($500) | ✅ More affordable ($180) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900E | Core i5-13400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+147%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($500) | ✅ 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 i9-12900E and Core i5-13400F
Core i9-12900E
The Core i9-12900E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 28,170 points. Launch price was $299.
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 i9-12900E packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i5-13400F offers 10 cores / 16 threads — the Core i9-12900E has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i9-12900E versus 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F — a 8.3% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900E (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i9-12900E uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i5-13400F uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900E scores 28,170 against the Core i5-13400F's 25,029 — a 11.8% lead for the Core i9-12900E. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 13,420 vs 16,211 (18.8% advantage for the Core i5-13400F). Multi-core Geekbench: 13,107 vs 11,408 (13.9% advantage for the Core i9-12900E). L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900E vs 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F.
| Feature | Core i9-12900E | Core i5-13400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24+60% | 10 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+9% | 4.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.3 GHz | 2.5 GHz+9% |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total)+50% | 20 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | Intel 7 nm-30% |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 28,170+13% | 25,029 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 13,420 | 16,211+21% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,407 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 13,107+15% | 11,408 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. The Core i5-13400F supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: LGA1700 (Core i9-12900E) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-13400F).
| Feature | Core i9-12900E | Core i5-13400F |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 192 GB+50% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Core i9-12900E supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i9-12900E includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i5-13400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600.
| Feature | Core i9-12900E | Core i5-13400F |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-12900E launched at $500 MSRP, while the Core i5-13400F debuted at $196. At current prices ($500 vs $180), the Core i5-13400F is $320 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900E delivers 56.3 pts/$ vs 139.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-13400F — making the Core i5-13400F the 84.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-12900E | Core i5-13400F |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $500 | $196-61% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $500 | $180-64% |
| Performance per Dollar | 56.3 | 139.1+147% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2023 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i9-12900E and Core i5-13400F
