Intel Core 3 100HL vs Intel Core i5-13400 Comparison

The Intel Core i5-13400 and the Intel Core 3 100HL are both desktop processors built on Intel’s Raptor Lake architecture, but the recorded benchmark data reveals two very different performance profiles. The Core i5-13400, a 13th Gen part, and the Core 3 100HL, a newer Raptor Lake-PS variant, share the same boost clock and process node, yet their core configurations, cache layouts, and platform features set them apart in measurable ways. This analysis draws exclusively from the database records, comparing 17 head-to-head benchmark results across Cinebench and PassMark tests, along with each processor’s averaged performance scores and nearest rival deltas.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data shows a decisive overall win for the Intel Core i5-13400, which claims 14 of the 17 recorded benchmark comparisons. The Core 3 100HL takes the remaining three, all in single-threaded or lightly threaded tests. The most striking margin comes in Cinebench R15 multicore, where the Core i5-13400 scores 2358 against the Core 3 100HL’s 1506, a 56.6% advantage. That gap narrows somewhat in newer Cinebench versions but remains substantial: in R20 multicore, the Core i5-13400 leads by 35.8% (8526 vs 6278), and in R23 multicore, the margin tightens to just 6.7% (15953 vs 14948). The R23 multicore result is notable because it shows the Core 3 100HL closing the gap significantly compared to older test versions, suggesting that workload scaling or test conditions affect the two processors differently.

Single-core results tell a mixed story. In Cinebench R15 single-core, the Core i5-13400 wins by 21.2% (257 vs 212). In R20 single-core, the Core i5-13400 again leads by 35.8% (1203 vs 886). However, in R23 single-core, the Core 3 100HL reverses the trend, scoring 2110 against the Core i5-13400’s 1786, a 15.4% advantage for the Core 3 part. PassMark single-thread tests also favor the Core 3 100HL: it scores 3735 compared to 3538, a 5.3% lead. These single-thread wins suggest that the Core 3 100HL’s per-core efficiency, likely aided by its different cache hierarchy, can outperform the Core i5-13400 in specific lightly threaded scenarios, even though the Core i5-13400 dominates most multi-threaded workloads.

Beyond Cinebench, PassMark tests reinforce the Core i5-13400’s multi-threaded strength. In integer math, the Core i5-13400 scores 77721 versus 56308, a 38% lead. Floating-point math shows a 39.6% advantage (58786 vs 42108). Data compression favors the Core i5-13400 by 49.1% (301481 vs 202225), while extended instructions yield a 53.7% edge (19161 vs 12463). Prime number finding, a test sensitive to integer throughput, shows a 54.2% lead for the Core i5-13400 (74 vs 48). Even in random string sorting, typically a memory-latency-sensitive test, the Core i5-13400 wins by 32.8% (30851 vs 23223). PassMark multithread, an aggregate metric, gives the Core i5-13400 a 34.9% advantage (23719 vs 17586), while PassMark physics shows a 34.1% lead (1244 vs 928). Data encryption, another throughput-heavy test, favors the Core i5-13400 by 32.7% (15880 vs 11964).

The averaged benchmark scores reflect this overall trend: the Core i5-13400 records an average benchmark score of 24280, while the Core 3 100HL sits at 23545. Both processors share the same 76th percentile ranking among all CPUs in the database, indicating that despite the Core 3 100HL’s lower raw scores, its overall standing relative to the broader CPU landscape is comparable. Nearest-rival data for the Core i5-13400 shows it sitting within 0.8% of the AMD EPYC 9654P, 0.3% below the Intel Core i7-1360P and AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 6650H, and 0.4% above the AMD Ryzen 5 7540U. The Core 3 100HL’s nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 8540U (0.7% below), Intel Core i5-11500 (0.7% below), Intel Core Ultra 7 266V (1.1% above), and AMD Ryzen 7 5800H (1.2% above).

Where Each One Wins

The Core i5-13400 wins overwhelmingly in multi-threaded and heavily parallel workloads. All Cinebench multicore tests, all PassMark multithread tests, and every throughput-oriented PassMark test (integer math, floating-point math, compression, encryption, extended instructions, prime finding, string sorting, physics) go to the Core i5-13400. This makes it the clear choice for rendering, video encoding, scientific computation, database operations, and any software that scales across many cores and threads. The 10-core, 16-thread configuration of the Core i5-13400, combined with its 20 MB of shared L3 cache, provides a substantial advantage in sustained parallel execution.

The Core 3 100HL wins only in two specific single-thread tests: Cinebench R23 single-core (2110 vs 1786) and PassMark single-thread (3735 vs 3538). It also wins the duplicated PassMark singlethread result, which is the same metric. These wins suggest that for lightly threaded applications, such as older games, single-threaded productivity tasks, or interactive workloads where one core carries the load, the Core 3 100HL can deliver better responsiveness. The Core 3 100HL’s larger L2 cache (2 MB per core versus 1.25 MB per core on the Core i5-13400) likely contributes to this single-thread efficiency, as more data can reside closer to the execution units.

The Cinebench R23 multicore result deserves special attention. While the Core i5-13400 still wins (15953 vs 14948), the margin of 6.7% is far smaller than in R15 or R20. This compression of the gap suggests that the Core 3 100HL’s architecture, despite having fewer cores (8 vs 10) and threads (12 vs 16), handles the R23 workload more efficiently per core. The Core 3 100HL’s per-core L2 advantage may reduce cache misses in certain algorithms, closing the gap that raw core count would otherwise dictate.

Architecture Differences

Both processors use Intel’s 10 nm process node and are built at Intel’s foundry. The Core i5-13400 comes from the Raptor Lake-S family, while the Core 3 100HL belongs to Raptor Lake-PS, a variant aimed at different platform requirements. The Core i5-13400 has 10 cores and 16 threads, whereas the Core 3 100HL has 8 cores and 12 threads. This difference in core and thread counts explains most of the multi-threaded performance gap.

Cache configurations differ significantly. The Core i5-13400 provides 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 20 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core 3 100HL also provides 80 KB of L1 per core but doubles the L2 allocation to 2 MB per core, while reducing shared L3 to 12 MB. The larger per-core L2 on the Core 3 100HL is a notable architectural distinction, likely benefiting single-threaded and latency-sensitive workloads, while the Core i5-13400’s larger L3 pool supports multi-threaded workloads that share data across cores.

Memory support is identical: both support DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel mode, and neither supports ECC memory. However, PCIe capabilities differ. The Core i5-13400 offers Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU, while the Core 3 100HL provides Gen 4 with 8 lanes. This affects expansion options for GPUs and NVMe storage. Integrated graphics also differ: the Core i5-13400 uses UHD Graphics 730, while the Core 3 100HL includes Iris Xe Graphics 48EU, which is a more capable integrated solution for display output and basic graphics acceleration.

Base clocks differ, with the Core i5-13400 starting at 2.50 GHz and the Core 3 100HL at 2.10 GHz, though both reach the same 4.60 GHz boost clock. Thermal design power (TDP) differs as well: the Core i5-13400 is rated at 65 W, while the Core 3 100HL is rated at 45 W, indicating lower power draw for the Core 3 part. Both processors use the Intel Socket 1700, and neither has an unlocked multiplier. The Core i5-13400 has a die size of 215 mm², while the Core 3 100HL’s die size is not recorded in the database.

Release dates differ by over a year: the Core i5-13400 launched on January 3, 2023, with a launch MSRP of $221, while the Core 3 100HL launched on April 7, 2024, with no recorded launch MSRP. Both are listed as Active in production status. The Core i5-13400 belongs to the Core i5 (Raptor Lake) generation, while the Core 3 100HL belongs to Core 3 (Raptor Lake-PS). Part numbers are recorded for the Core i5-13400 (SRMBFSRMBP) but listed as unknown for the Core 3 100HL.

The Verdict

The recorded data points to a clear split in use cases. The Intel Core i5-13400 is the stronger processor for multi-threaded and throughput-intensive tasks. Its 14 head-to-head wins, including dominant margins in Cinebench R15 multicore (56.6%), PassMark integer math (38%), and data compression (49.1%), make it the better choice for content creation, compilation, simulation, and any workload that uses many threads. The 10-core, 16-thread layout, combined with 20 MB of L3 cache, provides a solid foundation for parallel processing. The higher TDP of 65 W and PCIe Gen 5 support also position it for desktop builds where power and expansion are less constrained.

The Intel Core 3 100HL, despite losing most benchmarks, offers specific advantages. Its wins in Cinebench R23 single-core (15.4% ahead) and PassMark single-thread (5.3% ahead) indicate superior single-threaded performance in modern test suites. The larger per-core L2 cache likely drives this efficiency. The lower 45 W TDP and integrated Iris Xe Graphics 48EU make it suitable for compact or power-conscious desktop systems where discrete graphics are unnecessary. The PCIe Gen 4, 8-lane configuration is more limited but sufficient for standard peripherals.

For users prioritizing raw multi-core performance, the Core i5-13400 is the data-backed choice. For users who value single-thread responsiveness, lower power draw, and better integrated graphics, the Core 3 100HL has merits that the benchmark results support. The average benchmark scores (24280 vs 23545) and identical 76th percentile rankings show that both parts perform similarly in the broader CPU landscape, but the distribution of wins reveals where each excels.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core i5-13400 has 10 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core 3 100HL has 8 cores and 12 threads.

Q: What is the largest benchmark margin between the two?

A: The largest margin is in Cinebench R15 multicore, where the Intel Core i5-13400 leads by 56.6% (2358 vs 1506).

Q: Does the Intel Core 3 100HL win any benchmarks?

A: Yes, it wins Cinebench R23 single-core (2110 vs 1786, a 15.4% lead) and PassMark single-thread (3735 vs 3538, a 5.3% lead), including the duplicated PassMark singlethread result.

Q: How do their cache configurations differ?

A: The Core i5-13400 has 1.25 MB L2 per core and 20 MB shared L3. The Core 3 100HL has 2 MB L2 per core and 12 MB shared L3. Both have 80 KB L1 per core.

Q: What are the TDP ratings?

A: The Core i5-13400 has a TDP of 65 W, while the Core 3 100HL has a TDP of 45 W.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel mode, and neither supports ECC memory.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i5-13400 | Intel Core 3 100HL |

| --- | --- | --- |

| Cores | 10 | 8 |

| Threads | 16 | 12 |

| Base Clock | 2.50 GHz | 2.10 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.60 GHz | 4.60 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 45 W |

| Architecture | Raptor Lake | Raptor Lake |

| Codename | Raptor Lake-S | Raptor Lake-PS |

| Generation | Core i5 (Raptor Lake) | Core 3 (Raptor Lake-PS) |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 10 nm |

| Die Size | 215 mm² | Not recorded |

| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 20 MB (shared) | 12 MB (shared) |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 4, 8 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 730 | Iris Xe Graphics 48EU |

| Release Date | 2023-01-03 | 2024-04-07 |

| Launch MSRP | $221 | Not recorded |

| Part Number | SRMBFSRMBP | Unknown |