58

Core i5-13400F Processor

Raptor Lake · 10C/16T · LGA 1700

$199

MSRP

76

Core i7-13700K Processor

Raptor Lake · 16C/24T · LGA 1700

$409

MSRP

Our verdict

The Core i7-13700K Processor takes the performance lead with a 31% higher overall score, driven by its 16 shader cores, 30 MB of memory, and 5,400 MHz TFLOPS of compute power. In gaming benchmarks at 1440p, it delivers roughly 25% more frames per second across demanding titles like Counter-Strike 2 1080p and Cyberpunk 2077 1080p.

However, the Core i5-13400F Processor tells a compelling value story. At $199 versus the Core i7-13700K Processor's $409 price tag, it costs 106% less while delivering performance that's only 31% behind. Its 20 MB of memory is still more than enough for 1440p and even 4K gaming in most titles.

Our recommendation: for the majority of gamers targeting 1440p or even 4K with upscaling enabled, the Core i5-13400F Processor is the smarter purchase. The Core i7-13700K Processor only makes sense if you need the absolute maximum performance for native 4K ray tracing, professional 3D rendering, or AI workloads where the extra VRAM and compute power provide a tangible advantage.

Performance winner

Core i7-13700K Processor

31% faster overall

Best value for money

Core i5-13400F Processor

25% better value per dollar

Core i5-13400F Processor best for

Power efficiency

25% better value per dollar

Memory

Max memory
128 GB
192 GB
Memory type
DDR5-4800
DDR5-5600
Memory channels
2
2

Performance

Cores
10
16
P-cores
6
8
E-cores
4
8
Threads
16
24
Base clock
2,500 MHz
3,400 MHz
Boost clock
4,600 MHz
5,400 MHz
L2 cache
9.5 MB
24 MB
L3 cache
20 MB
30 MB
Process
10 nm
10 nm
Transistors
N/A
N/A

platform

Socket
LGA 1700
LGA 1700
PCIe
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0
PCIe lanes
20
20
Integrated graphics
None
Intel UHD 770

Power

TDP
65W
125W
Max turbo power
148W
253W

Gaming benchmarks (avg FPS at 1080p)

Counter-Strike 2
280 fps
345 fps
Cyberpunk 2077
120 fps
148 fps
Hogwarts Legacy
100 fps
128 fps
Spider-Man 2
110 fps
138 fps
Starfield
75 fps
98 fps

Synthetic & compute benchmarks

Blender BMW
110 seconds
65 seconds
Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core
680 pts
1,150 pts
Geekbench 6 Multi-Core
9,800 pts
15,500 pts
Handbrake 4K Encode
210 seconds
128 seconds
7-Zip Compression
62,000 MIPS
105,000 MIPS
Adobe Premiere Pro Export
75 seconds
48 seconds
Cinebench 2024 Single-Core
100 pts
120 pts
Geekbench 6 Single-Core
2,300 pts
2,750 pts

Frequently asked questions

Is the Core i7-13700K Processor worth $210 more than the Core i5-13400F Processor?

It depends on your needs. The Core i7-13700K Processor scores 76 overall vs 58 for the Core i5-13400F Processor. If you need the extra performance for demanding tasks, the premium is justified. For most users gaming at 1440p or below, the Core i5-13400F Processor offers better value.

Which GPU is better for 1440p gaming, the Core i5-13400F Processor or Core i7-13700K Processor?

The Core i7-13700K Processor delivers higher frame rates at 1440p, but both GPUs handle 1440p gaming well. The Core i7-13700K Processor provides more headroom for ray tracing and future titles, while the Core i5-13400F Processor still maintains smooth gameplay in current games.

Can the Core i5-13400F Processor handle 4K gaming?

The Core i5-13400F Processor can handle 4K gaming in less demanding titles and with upscaling technologies like DLSS or FSR. For native 4K at ultra settings in demanding games, the Core i7-13700K Processor is the better choice with its higher performance ceiling.

Which should I buy, the Core i5-13400F Processor or Core i7-13700K Processor?

Choose the Core i5-13400F Processor if you want the best value for money and primarily game at 1080p or 1440p. Choose the Core i7-13700K Processor if you need maximum performance, play at 4K, or do professional workloads like video editing and 3D rendering.

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