AMD Ryzen 7 6800H vs Intel Core i5-13400F Comparison

The Intel Core i5-13400F and AMD Ryzen 7 6800H represent two distinct approaches to modern computing: a desktop-focused Raptor Lake part with a hybrid core layout versus a mobile-oriented Zen 3+ chip designed for efficiency. Benchmark data shows the Intel processor winning 20 of 23 head-to-head tests, yet the AMD chip is not without its own strengths, particularly in specific workload types. The data indicates a clear performance hierarchy, but the context of each platform—desktop versus mobile—shapes how those results should be interpreted.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i5-13400F has an average benchmark score of 25292, while the AMD Ryzen 7 6800H scores 25201. The difference is a mere 0.4 percent, placing both processors at the 77th percentile among all CPUs.

Q: How large is the performance gap in multi-threaded rendering?

A: In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Intel Core i5-13400F scores 22604 versus 13094 for the AMD Ryzen 7 6800H. This results in a 72.6 percent advantage for the Intel chip, which is the largest multi-threaded win in the data set.

Q: Does the AMD Ryzen 7 6800H win any benchmark tests?

A: Yes, the AMD processor wins three tests: Passmark data encryption (18260 vs 16608, a 9 percent margin), Passmark extended instructions (20114 vs 19847, a 1.3 percent margin), and Passmark integer math (85397 vs 79942, a 6.4 percent margin).

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: The Intel Core i5-13400F has 10 cores and 16 threads, while the AMD Ryzen 7 6800H has 8 cores and 16 threads. Both support simultaneous multi-threading, but Intel relies on a mix of performance and efficiency cores to reach its count.

Q: Which processor offers a higher single-threaded score in Geekbench?

A: The Intel Core i5-13400F scores 1996 in Geekbench single-core, compared to 1761 for the AMD Ryzen 7 6800H. This represents a 13.3 percent lead for Intel in this specific test.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two chips?

A: The Intel Core i5-13400F has a TDP of 65 watts, while the AMD Ryzen 7 6800H has a TDP of 45 watts. This reflects the mobile design target of the AMD processor.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Core i5-13400F is built on Raptor Lake architecture, specifically the Raptor Lake-S codename, using a 10 nm process node from Intel. It features a hybrid design with 10 cores and 16 threads, which implies a combination of performance and efficiency cores, though the pack does not specify the exact split. Its cache hierarchy includes 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and a shared 20 MB L3 cache. The processor supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration and offers PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. It has no integrated graphics and uses the Intel Socket 1700.

The AMD Ryzen 7 6800H, in contrast, uses Zen 3+ architecture under the codename Rembrandt, fabricated on a 6 nm process by TSMC. It has 8 cores and 16 threads, all based on the same architecture. Its cache is smaller per core: 64 KB of L1, 512 KB of L2, and a shared 16 MB L3 cache. Memory support is limited to DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration, with a specified memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. The AMD chip provides PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes and includes integrated Radeon 680M graphics. It uses the AMD Socket FP7, typical for mobile platforms.

The most striking architectural difference is the core count and cache allocation. Intel's 10-core setup with a larger L3 cache (20 MB vs 16 MB) provides a structural advantage in multi-threaded workloads. AMD's 6 nm process node is smaller than Intel's 10 nm node, which likely contributes to its lower 45-watt TDP. The presence of integrated graphics on the AMD chip versus none on the Intel part is another key differentiator, as is the PCIe generation: Gen 5 for Intel versus Gen 4 for AMD.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The data shows a dominant Intel performance across almost every category. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Intel Core i5-13400F scores 22604 against 13094 for the AMD Ryzen 7 6800H, a massive 72.6 percent delta. The single-core result in the same test is even more lopsided: Intel scores 3191 versus 1542, a 106.9 percent lead. These are the largest margins in the entire comparison, indicating a substantial generational and architectural advantage for Intel in rendering workloads.

In 3DMark tests, Intel wins all six variants. The 16-thread test shows 7314 vs 6560 (11.5 percent), the max-threads test shows 7307 vs 6532 (11.9 percent), and the single-thread test shows 960 vs 872 (10.1 percent). Even the 2-thread test, which often highlights per-core efficiency, favors Intel at 1880 vs 1695 (10.9 percent). Geekbench results follow the same pattern: multi-core 11068 vs 9642 (14.8 percent) and single-core 1996 vs 1761 (13.3 percent) both go to Intel.

The Passmark suite provides more nuance. Intel wins the multithread test 25032 vs 23060 (8.6 percent) and the single-thread test 3634 vs 3212 (13.1 percent). In floating point math, Intel is ahead 60539 vs 47989 (26.2 percent), and in physics it leads 1437 vs 1046 (37.4 percent). Prime number finding shows a 45.6 percent advantage for Intel (83 vs 57). However, AMD takes three tests: data encryption by 9 percent, extended instructions by 1.3 percent, and integer math by 6.4 percent. The encryption win (18260 vs 16608) is notable because it suggests AMD's architecture handles certain cryptographic workloads more efficiently.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every core specification field. The Intel Core i5-13400F has 10 cores versus 8 for the AMD Ryzen 7 6800H, though both have 16 threads. Base clocks differ: 2.50 GHz for Intel versus 3.20 GHz for AMD. Boost clocks are closer, with Intel at 4.60 GHz and AMD at 4.70 GHz. TDP is a significant differentiator: 65 watts for Intel versus 45 watts for AMD, reflecting the mobile nature of the latter.

Cache configurations are distinct. Intel offers 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 20 MB shared L3. AMD provides 64 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 16 MB shared L3. The process node differs: Intel uses 10 nm from its own foundry, while AMD uses 6 nm from TSMC. Memory support is broader on Intel (DDR4 and DDR5) versus DDR5 only on AMD, though AMD specifies a memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s which Intel does not list. PCIe capabilities differ: Intel has Gen 5 with 16 lanes, AMD has Gen 4 with 20 lanes. Integrated graphics are absent on Intel but present as Radeon 680M on AMD. The sockets are incompatible: Intel Socket 1700 versus AMD Socket FP7. Launch MSRP for Intel is $196, while AMD has no listed launch MSRP.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-13400F wins in all multi-threaded rendering benchmarks, all 3DMark tests, all Geekbench tests, and the majority of Passmark tests. Its strongest categories are Cinebench R23 multi-core (72.6 percent ahead), Cinebench R23 single-core (106.9 percent ahead), and Passmark physics (37.4 percent ahead). This makes it the clear choice for CPU-bound rendering, 3D modeling, and general compute tasks that leverage high core counts and large caches. The data also shows Intel leading in floating point math by 26.2 percent, which is relevant for scientific simulations and financial modeling.

The AMD Ryzen 7 6800H wins in three specific Passmark tests: data encryption, extended instructions, and integer math. The encryption lead of 9 percent is the most substantial of its wins. These results suggest AMD has a slight edge in certain cryptographic operations and integer-heavy calculations, though the absolute score differences are smaller than Intel's wins. The AMD chip also carries integrated Radeon 680M graphics and a lower 45-watt TDP, making it suitable for systems where a discrete GPU is unnecessary and power efficiency is prioritized. Its 6 nm process node and mobile socket design indicate a focus on laptops and compact devices.

The Verdict

The benchmark data unequivocally favors the Intel Core i5-13400F for raw performance. With 20 wins out of 23 head-to-head tests and an average score that is 0.4 percent higher than its rival, Intel dominates in rendering, multi-threading, and single-threaded tasks. The Cinebench R23 multi-core result—a 72.6 percent lead—is decisive for anyone prioritizing CPU-intensive workloads like video encoding or 3D rendering. The 106.9 percent single-core advantage in the same test reinforces this, showing Intel's architecture is more efficient per thread as well as per core.

The AMD Ryzen 7 6800H is not without merit, but its wins are narrow and specific. A 9 percent lead in data encryption and a 6.4 percent lead in integer math are notable, yet they do not offset the widespread Intel advantages. The AMD chip's lower TDP of 45 watts versus 65 watts, combined with integrated graphics, positions it as a better fit for mobile platforms where battery life and thermal constraints matter more than peak performance. The 6 nm process node from TSMC also suggests better power efficiency per operation, though the benchmark scores do not directly measure power consumption.

For a desktop user building a performance-oriented system, the Intel Core i5-13400F is the data-backed choice. Its 10-core layout, larger 20 MB L3 cache, and higher average benchmark score provide consistent wins across all major test suites. For a laptop buyer or a compact system builder needing integrated graphics, the AMD Ryzen 7 6800H offers a balanced feature set with competitive performance in specific workloads, though it trails Intel in overall compute capability. The verdict from the data is clear: Intel leads in performance, while AMD leads in platform flexibility and efficiency characteristics.