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.

Head-to-Head Verdict, Benchmarks, Value & Long-Term Outlook

This comparison brings together gaming FPS, productivity performance, platform differences, power efficiency, pricing context, and upgrade path so you can see which CPU actually makes more sense.

Core i5-13400F

2023

Why buy it

✅+22.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $3,794 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $3,990 MSRP).
✅Delivers 537.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 20.0 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $3,990 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 280W, a 215W reduction.
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of TR4 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (16,211 vs 64,366).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 256 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper 3990X, which brings 64 cores / 128 threads and 88 PCIe lanes.

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

2019

Why buy it

✅+297.1% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core.
✅+1180% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 20 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 64 cores / 128 threads, plus 88 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅340% more PCIe lanes (88 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,961 vs 2,407).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.0 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($3,990 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
❌330.8% higher power demand at 280W vs 65W.
❌Older platform position on TR4 with DDR4, while Core i5-13400F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-13400F.

Core i5-13400F

2023

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

2019

Why buy it

✅+22.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $3,794 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $3,990 MSRP).
✅Delivers 537.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 127.7 vs 20.0 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $3,990 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 280W, a 215W reduction.
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of TR4 and DDR4.

Why buy it

✅+297.1% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core.
✅+1180% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 20 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 64 cores / 128 threads, plus 88 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅340% more PCIe lanes (88 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (16,211 vs 64,366).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 256 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper 3990X, which brings 64 cores / 128 threads and 88 PCIe lanes.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,961 vs 2,407).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.0 vs 127.7 PassMark/$ ($3,990 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
❌330.8% higher power demand at 280W vs 65W.
❌Older platform position on TR4 with DDR4, while Core i5-13400F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-13400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-13400F better than Ryzen Threadripper 3990X?

Not in a simple one-size-fits-all way. Ryzen Threadripper 3990X makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-13400F is the better mainstream desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and day-to-day practicality.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is the better fit. You are getting 297.1% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 64 cores and 128 threads. It also carries the larger cache pool with 1180% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 20 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-13400F is the smarter buy today. Core i5-13400F is $3,794 cheaper on MSRP at $196 MSRP versus $3,990 MSRP, and it gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 4 shared CPU game tests in our data. The trade-off is that Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 297.1% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. It is also 537.8% better value on MSRP (127.7 vs 20.0 PassMark/$), so the better CPU is not just faster, it is also the cleaner value play on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-13400F is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2019) and a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of TR4. That should give you a better long-term upgrade path for motherboard, RAM, and future CPU swaps.

Games Benchmarks

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Core i5-13400F Benchmark Check

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	Core i5-13400F	Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
1080p
low	171 FPS	181 FPS
medium	158 FPS	152 FPS
high	132 FPS	131 FPS
ultra	112 FPS	106 FPS
1440p
low	143 FPS	157 FPS
medium	123 FPS	125 FPS
high	99 FPS	102 FPS
ultra	84 FPS	83 FPS
4K
low	81 FPS	85 FPS
medium	74 FPS	72 FPS
high	59 FPS	57 FPS
ultra	46 FPS	46 FPS

Open Core i5-13400F Open Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	Core i5-13400F	Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
1080p
low	545 FPS	584 FPS
medium	464 FPS	503 FPS
high	389 FPS	386 FPS
ultra	356 FPS	330 FPS
1440p
low	458 FPS	491 FPS
medium	403 FPS	433 FPS
high	345 FPS	343 FPS
ultra	301 FPS	277 FPS
4K
low	280 FPS	308 FPS
medium	247 FPS	275 FPS
high	231 FPS	235 FPS
ultra	204 FPS	204 FPS

Open Core i5-13400F Open Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	Core i5-13400F	Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
1080p
low	530 FPS	681 FPS
medium	449 FPS	563 FPS
high	415 FPS	497 FPS
ultra	375 FPS	428 FPS
1440p
low	490 FPS	582 FPS
medium	422 FPS	488 FPS
high	382 FPS	427 FPS
ultra	343 FPS	368 FPS
4K
low	393 FPS	424 FPS
medium	331 FPS	338 FPS
high	296 FPS	293 FPS
ultra	246 FPS	234 FPS

Open Core i5-13400F Open Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	Core i5-13400F	Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
1080p
low	626 FPS	942 FPS
medium	626 FPS	842 FPS
high	626 FPS	724 FPS
ultra	626 FPS	639 FPS
1440p
low	626 FPS	777 FPS
medium	626 FPS	677 FPS
high	598 FPS	580 FPS
ultra	521 FPS	502 FPS
4K
low	535 FPS	540 FPS
medium	492 FPS	489 FPS
high	439 FPS	429 FPS
ultra	382 FPS	373 FPS

Open Core i5-13400F Open Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-13400F and Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 February 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 79,889 points. Launch price was $3,999.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-13400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X offers 64 cores / 128 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X has 54 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400F versus 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X — a 6.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-13400F (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i5-13400F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13400F scores 25,029 against the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X's 79,889 — a 104.6% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 16,211 vs 64,366 (119.5% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,407 vs 1,961, a 20.4% lead for the Core i5-13400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,408 vs 22,045 (63.6% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X). L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400F vs 256 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
Cores / Threads	10 / 16	64 / 128+540%
Boost Clock	4.6 GHz+7%	4.3 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.9 GHz+16%
L3 Cache	20 MB (total)	256 MB+1180%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)+150%	512K (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm	7 nm, 12 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)	Matisse (2019−2020)
PassMark	25,029	79,889+219%
Cinebench R23 Multi	16,211	64,366+297%
Geekbench 6 Single	2,407+23%	1,961
Geekbench 6 Multi	11,408	22,045+93%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-13400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-13400F versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X — the Core i5-13400F supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 28.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-13400F) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13400F) vs 88 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) — the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X offers 68 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-13400F) and TRX40 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X).

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
Socket	LGA1700	TR4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+25%	DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB	256 GB+33%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	88+340%

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13400F) vs true (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X). Primary use case: Core i5-13400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400F rivals Ryzen 5 7600; Ryzen Threadripper 3990X rivals Core i9-10980XE.

Feature	Core i5-13400F	Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	—	None
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	true
Target Use	Gaming	—

💰

Value Analysis

The Core i5-13400F launched at $196 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X debuted at $3990. On MSRP ($196 vs $3990), the Core i5-13400F is $3794 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13400F delivers 127.7 pts/$ vs 20.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X — making the Core i5-13400F the 145.8% better value option.