Intel Core i3-12300HE vs Intel Core i5-13400T Comparison

The Intel Core i5-13400T and Intel Core i3-12300HE are close competitors in the database, but the benchmark data does not split them into distinct use cases. The i3-12300HE wins every recorded head-to-head benchmark, while the i5-13400T counters with a higher core count, larger L3 cache, and a desktop platform. This means the i3-12300HE is the default choice for raw performance in every measured application, while the i5-13400T offers more cores and a larger shared cache for workloads that scale beyond the measured tests.

The i3-12300HE leads in all six Cinebench tests, with deltas ranging from 1.2% to 1.4%. These are consistent, small margins. In single-core tests, the i3-12300HE scores 245, 1023, and 2438 in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 respectively, versus 242, 1009, and 2404 for the i5-13400T. Multi-core tests follow the same pattern: the i3-12300HE scores 1740, 7254, and 17272, while the i5-13400T scores 1716, 7152, and 17029. The largest gap is 1.4% in multi-core tests, which translates to roughly 240 points in Cinebench R23. For users prioritizing any of these specific workloads, the i3-12300HE is the superior part.

Where Each One Wins

The i3-12300HE wins every benchmark where both processors were measured. This includes all three Cinebench versions in both single-core and multi-core modes. The margins are tight, never exceeding 1.4%, but they are consistent across every test. This suggests the i3-12300HE has a slight architectural or clock advantage in both lightly threaded and fully loaded scenarios, at least within the Cinebench suite. Its base clock of 1900 MHz is notably higher than the i5-13400T's 1300 MHz, and its boost clock of 4.30 GHz is within 100 MHz of the i5-13400T's 4.40 GHz. That higher base frequency likely contributes to the consistent lead.

The i5-13400T does not win any recorded benchmark. However, it offers 10 cores and 16 threads compared to 8 cores and 12 threads for the i3-12300HE. It also has a larger L3 cache: 20 MB shared versus 12 MB shared. The database does not include tests that specifically stress core count scaling or large cache footprints, so the i5-13400T's advantage in those areas is not reflected in the head-to-head scores. For workloads that are not represented in these six Cinebench results, the i5-13400T's extra cores and cache could be relevant, but no measured data supports that claim.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel generations and platforms. The i5-13400T is a Raptor Lake-S desktop chip built on the 10 nm process with a die size of 215 mm². It uses the Intel Socket 1700 and supports PCIe Gen 5 with 20 lanes from the CPU. The i3-12300HE is an Alder Lake-H mobile chip, also on 10 nm, with a die size of 217 mm². It uses the Intel BGA 1744 socket and supports PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes from the CPU. Both are active production parts and neither has an unlocked multiplier.

The core configurations differ significantly. The i5-13400T has 10 cores and 16 threads, while the i3-12300HE has 8 cores and 12 threads. Both share the same L1 cache of 80 KB per core and L2 cache of 1.25 MB per core. The L3 cache is where they diverge: the i5-13400T has 20 MB shared, the i3-12300HE has 12 MB shared. Memory support is identical on paper: both support DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel mode, and neither supports ECC memory. The integrated graphics differ in name: the i5-13400T has UHD Graphics 730, while the i3-12300HE has UHD Graphics without a model number.

The power envelopes also differ. The i5-13400T has a TDP of 35 watts, while the i3-12300HE is rated at 45 watts. The i5-13400T is a desktop part with a launch MSRP of $221, while the i3-12300HE has no recorded launch MSRP and is classified as a mobile processor. The i5-13400T has a release date of January 3, 2023, while the i3-12300HE has no recorded release date.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database records six head-to-head benchmarks, all from the Cinebench suite, and the i3-12300HE wins all six. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i3-12300HE scores 1740 against 1716 for the i5-13400T, a delta of 1.4% in favor of the i3. The single-core R15 result is 245 versus 242, a 1.2% lead for the i3. In Cinebench R20, the i3-12300HE scores 7254 multi-core and 1023 single-core, against 7152 and 1009 for the i5-13400T, both deltas at 1.4%. Cinebench R23 shows the same pattern: the i3-12300HE scores 17272 multi-core and 2438 single-core, while the i5-13400T scores 17029 and 2404, again with a 1.4% delta in multi-core and single-core.

The consistency is notable. Every multi-core delta is exactly 1.4%, and every single-core delta is either 1.2% or 1.4%. The i3-12300HE's higher base clock appears to be the main differentiator, as its boost clock is only 100 MHz lower than the i5-13400T. The i5-13400T's two extra cores and four extra threads do not overcome this clock advantage in these tests. The average benchmark score also favors the i3-12300HE: 4995 versus 5210 for the i5-13400T, but this aggregate includes the Geekbench results where the i5-13400T has scores of 10227 multi-core and 1899 single-core, while the i3-12300HE has no Geekbench entries in the database.

The percentile rankings are close. The i5-13400T sits at the 60th percentile of all CPUs, while the i3-12300HE sits at the 59th. This one-point difference is within the margin of error for such rankings. The nearest rivals for the i5-13400T include the Intel Xeon E-2378G (0.2% higher average score) and the Intel Core i9-10850K (0.6% lower), while the i3-12300HE's nearest rivals include the Intel Xeon W-2150B (0.1% higher) and the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5650G (0.1% lower). Both processors are firmly in the same performance tier.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core workloads?

A: The Intel Core i3-12300HE wins all three multi-core Cinebench tests. In Cinebench R23, it scores 17272 against 17029 for the i5-13400T, a 1.4% advantage. The same 1.4% delta appears in Cinebench R15 (1740 versus 1716) and Cinebench R20 (7254 versus 7152).

Q: Does the i5-13400T have more cores?

A: Yes. The i5-13400T has 10 cores and 16 threads, while the i3-12300HE has 8 cores and 12 threads. The i5-13400T also has a larger L3 cache of 20 MB shared versus 12 MB shared for the i3-12300HE.

Q: Are these processors on the same socket?

A: No. The i5-13400T uses Intel Socket 1700, a desktop platform, while the i3-12300HE uses Intel BGA 1744, a mobile platform. The i5-13400T also supports PCIe Gen 5, while the i3-12300HE is limited to PCIe Gen 4.

Q: What is the TDP difference?

A: The i5-13400T has a TDP of 35 watts, while the i3-12300HE has a TDP of 45 watts. The i3-12300HE consumes more power but still achieves higher benchmark scores.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The i5-13400T has a boost clock of 4.40 GHz, while the i3-12300HE has a boost clock of 4.30 GHz. However, the i3-12300HE has a much higher base clock of 1900 MHz versus 1300 MHz for the i5-13400T.

Q: Do they support the same memory?

A: Both support DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel mode. Neither supports ECC memory. The i5-13400T has integrated UHD Graphics 730, while the i3-12300HE has UHD Graphics without a specific model.

The Verdict

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i3-12300HE is the faster processor in every recorded test. It wins all six Cinebench benchmarks with deltas between 1.2% and 1.4%. This includes both single-core and multi-core tests, meaning there is no workload category in the database where the i5-13400T outperforms it. The i3-12300HE also has a higher base clock (1900 MHz versus 1300 MHz), which likely explains its consistent lead despite having fewer cores.

The i5-13400T should be chosen for its platform features, not its benchmark performance. It offers 10 cores and 16 threads, 20 MB of L3 cache, a desktop socket (Intel Socket 1700), PCIe Gen 5 support, and a lower TDP of 35 watts. It also has a launch MSRP of $221, while the i3-12300HE has no recorded MSRP. For users building a desktop system who need more cores for non-Cinebench workloads, the i5-13400T is the logical option. For users who prioritize the measured Cinebench performance, the i3-12300HE is the winner.

The average benchmark scores tell a similar story. The i5-13400T has an average score of 5210, while the i3-12300HE has 4995. The i5-13400T's higher average is driven by its Geekbench results, which are not part of the head-to-head comparison. The percentile rankings are nearly identical: 60th for the i5-13400T and 59th for the i3-12300HE. Neither processor is a clear class leader, but within this specific pair, the i3-12300HE is the one to pick for raw benchmark output.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i5-13400T | Intel Core i3-12300HE |

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

| Series | Core 13th Gen | Core 12th Gen |

| Cores | 10 | 8 |

| Threads | 16 | 12 |

| Base Clock | 1300 MHz | 1900 MHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.40 GHz | 4.30 GHz |

| TDP | 35 W | 45 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel BGA 1744 |

| Architecture | Raptor Lake | Alder Lake |

| Codename | Raptor Lake-S | Alder Lake-H |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 10 nm |

| Die Size | 215 mm² | 217 mm² |

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

| PCIe | Gen 5, 20 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 4, 20 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 730 | UHD Graphics |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Release Date | 2023-01-03 | None recorded |

| Launch MSRP | $221 | None recorded |

| Part Number | SRMBR | SRLE8 |