Core i5-13400F vs Core i3-12100
Core i5-13400F
Core i3-12100
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 i5-13400F
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-12100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-13400F | Core i3-12100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-13400F | Core i3-12100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+103%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 i5-13400F and Core i3-12100
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.
Core i3-12100
The Core i3-12100 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 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 12,315 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i5-13400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i3-12100 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i5-13400F has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i3-12100 — a 6.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-13400F (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i5-13400F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i3-12100 uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13400F scores 25,029 against the Core i3-12100's 12,315 — a 68.1% lead for the Core i5-13400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,407 vs 2,157, a 11% lead for the Core i5-13400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i3-12100.
| Feature | Core i5-13400F | Core i3-12100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 16+150% | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz+7% | 4.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.3 GHz+32% |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total)+67% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 25,029+103% | 12,315 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 16,211 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,407+12% | 2,157 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 11,408 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 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: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-13400F) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,Z790 (Core i3-12100).
| Feature | Core i5-13400F | Core i3-12100 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB+50% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13400F) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-12100). The Core i3-12100 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 730), while the Core i5-13400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming, Core i3-12100 targets Budget Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600; Core i3-12100 rivals Ryzen 5 5500.
| Feature | Core i5-13400F | Core i3-12100 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 730 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Gaming | Budget Gaming Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-13400F launched at $196 MSRP, while the Core i3-12100 debuted at $122. At current prices ($180 vs $180), the Core i3-12100 is $0 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13400F delivers 139.1 pts/$ vs 68.4 pts/$ for the Core i3-12100 — making the Core i5-13400F the 68.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-13400F | Core i3-12100 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $196 | $122-38% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $180 | $180 |
| Performance per Dollar | 139.1+103% | 68.4 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2022 |
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