Intel Core i3-13100 vs Intel Core i5-13420H Comparison

The Intel Core i5-13420H and Intel Core i3-13100 are both 13th-generation Raptor Lake parts, but they target completely different platforms. The i5-13420H is a mobile processor built for laptops, while the i3-13100 is a desktop chip. This split is apparent in their benchmark profiles: the i5-13420H wins 13 of 17 head-to-head comparisons, largely on the strength of its additional cores and threads, but the i3-13100 pulls ahead in a few specific single-threaded and newer multi-core workloads. Overall average benchmark scores are nearly identical, with the i5-13420H at 18511 and the i3-13100 at 18380, a delta of just 0.7% in favor of the mobile part.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core i5-13420H has 8 cores and 12 threads, while the Intel Core i3-13100 is limited to 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: How do they compare in overall average benchmark score?

A: The i5-13420H has an average benchmark score of 18511, which is 0.7% higher than the i3-13100's 18380. Both processors sit at the 72nd percentile among all CPUs.

Q: Which processor wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The Intel Core i3-13100 wins this specific test, scoring 11986 versus the i5-13420H's 11084, a 7.5% advantage for the desktop part.

Q: Is there a difference in integrated graphics?

A: Yes, the i5-13420H features Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, while the i3-13100 is equipped with UHD Graphics 730.

Q: What is the difference in memory and PCIe support?

A: Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in dual-channel mode. However, the i5-13420H provides 8 PCIe Gen 5 lanes (CPU only), while the i3-13100 offers 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes.

Q: Are these processors unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, both the i5-13420H and the i3-13100 have a locked multiplier (multiplierUnlocked: false).

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-13420H is the clear winner in heavily threaded workloads. Its advantage in core count (8 vs 4) and threads (12 vs 8) translates to dominant wins in PassMark integer math (40.8% ahead), floating-point math (32.4% ahead), and data encryption (43.6% ahead). It also leads in data compression by 29.8% and random string sorting by 38.4%. In Cinebench R15 and R20, the i5-13420H maintains a solid lead, winning multi-core by 43.9% and 19.4%, respectively. The data shows that for rendering, compression, or any parallel task, the i5-13420H is the stronger choice.

The Intel Core i3-13100 takes the crown in a few specific scenarios. Its most significant victory is in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where it scores 11986 against the i5-13420H's 11084, a 7.5% lead. This is an anomaly given the i5's higher core count, but the benchmark results are clear. The i3-13100 also edges out the i5-13420H in single-threaded tests: Cinebench R23 single-core (1692 vs 1689, a 0.2% lead) and PassMark single-thread (3460 vs 3396, a 1.8% lead). For users prioritizing raw single-core performance or specific newer multi-core benchmarks, the i3-13100 is the better pick.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel's Raptor Lake architecture and manufactured on Intel's 10 nm process node. The i5-13420H uses the Raptor Lake-H codename, while the i3-13100 uses Raptor Lake-S. The fundamental architectural difference lies in the core configuration: the i5-13420H packs 8 cores and 12 threads, whereas the i3-13100 has only 4 cores and 8 threads. This means the i5-13420H likely relies on a hybrid design with performance and efficiency cores, while the i3-13100 is a more straightforward all-performance-core design.

Cache allocation also differs. The i5-13420H has 2 MB of L2 cache per core, while the i3-13100 has 1.25 MB per core. Both share a 12 MB L3 cache. The L1 cache is identical at 80 KB per core. The i5-13420H is a mobile part with a 45W TDP, while the i3-13100 is a desktop part with a 60W TDP. The die size is listed only for the i3-13100 at 163 mm². The integrated graphics differ as well, with the i5-13420H featuring Iris Xe Graphics 80EU and the i3-13100 using UHD Graphics 730.

Specification Differences

The most obvious specification difference is the core and thread count: the i5-13420H has 8 cores and 12 threads, while the i3-13100 has 4 cores and 8 threads. Base clocks differ significantly, with the i5-13420H running at 2.10 GHz and the i3-13100 at 3.40 GHz. Boost clocks are closer, with the i5-13420H reaching 4.60 GHz and the i3-13100 at 4.50 GHz. The TDP also varies, with the mobile i5-13420H rated at 45W and the desktop i3-13100 at 60W.

The socket and market segment are entirely different: the i5-13420H uses Intel BGA 1744 and is designed for mobile, while the i3-13100 uses Intel Socket 1700 for desktop. PCIe lane counts differ, with the i5-13420H offering 8 lanes and the i3-13100 offering 16 lanes, both Gen 5. The integrated graphics are also distinct, as mentioned. The i3-13100 has a listed die size of 163 mm², while the i5-13420H does not have this data available. The i3-13100 has a launch MSRP of $134.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The largest win for the Intel Core i5-13420H comes in Cinebench R15 multi-core, where it scores 1738 against the i3-13100's 1208, a 43.9% advantage. This is a massive gap that underscores the benefit of having twice as many cores. The i5-13420H also dominates in PassMark integer math, scoring 58156 versus 41313, a 40.8% lead. Data encryption shows a 43.6% advantage for the i5-13420H (11559 vs 8049). In floating-point math, the i5-13420H scores 42806 against 32325, a 32.4% lead. Random string sorting favors the i5-13420H by 38.4% (22045 vs 15925).

The Intel Core i3-13100's most significant win is in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where it scores 11986 versus the i5-13420H's 11084. This 7.5% delta is surprising given the i5's superior core count, but the benchmark data is unambiguous. The i3-13100 also wins in Cinebench R23 single-core by a narrow 0.2% margin (1692 vs 1689). In PassMark single-thread, the i3-13100 scores 3460 against 3396, a 1.8% lead. The two processors are tied in PassMark find prime numbers, both scoring 52.

In Cinebench R15 single-core, the i5-13420H wins 238 to 170, a 40% advantage. This is a stark contrast to the newer R23 single-core test, where the i3-13100 wins. The i5-13420H also wins Cinebench R20 single-core by 19.4% (848 vs 710). PassMark extended instructions favor the i5-13420H by 16.7% (12897 vs 11053). In PassMark physics, the i5-13420H scores 1012 against 870, a 16.3% lead. The overall PassMark multithread test shows the i5-13420H ahead by 27.3% (17475 vs 13726).