Core i5-13400F vs Microsoft SQ1
Core i5-13400F
Microsoft SQ1
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 Microsoft SQ1
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-13400F | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) / 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-13400F | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+314%) | ❌ 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 Microsoft SQ1
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.
Microsoft SQ1
The Microsoft SQ1 is manufactured by Microsoft. It was released in 2 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. Built on 7 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): + 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 6,039 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i5-13400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Microsoft SQ1 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i5-13400F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F versus 3 GHz on the Microsoft SQ1 — a 42.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-13400F. The Core i5-13400F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Microsoft SQ1 uses Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13400F scores 25,029 against the Microsoft SQ1's 6,039 — a 122.2% lead for the Core i5-13400F. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F vs 2 MB on the Microsoft SQ1.
| Feature | Core i5-13400F | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 16+25% | 8 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz+53% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total)+900% | 2 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | — |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 7 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) | Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) |
| PassMark | 25,029+314% | 6,039 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 16,211 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,407 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 11,408 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13400F) / not specified (Microsoft SQ1). Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600.
| Feature | Core i5-13400F | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Gaming | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-13400F launched at $196 MSRP, while the Microsoft SQ1 debuted at $300. At current prices ($180 vs $180), the Microsoft SQ1 is $0 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13400F delivers 139.1 pts/$ vs 33.5 pts/$ for the Microsoft SQ1 — making the Core i5-13400F the 122.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-13400F | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $196-35% | $300 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $180 | $180 |
| Performance per Dollar | 139.1+315% | 33.5 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2019 |
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