Intel Core i3-14100F vs Intel Core i5-13420H Comparison

The Intel Core i3-14100F and Intel Core i5-13420H present a classic desktop-versus-mobile matchup, with both CPUs landing at the same 72nd percentile among all processors. Their average benchmark scores are nearly identical—18519 for the i3-14100F and 18511 for the i5-13420H—a delta of just 0.0%. Despite this statistical tie, the head-to-head data reveals a clear split: the mobile i5-13420H wins 11 of 17 benchmark comparisons, while the desktop i3-14100F takes 6. The distinction lies not in overall capability, but in workload-specific strengths.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The i5-13420H dominates in multi-threaded throughput, but the i3-14100F counters with superior single-core performance in several key tests. The most striking divergence appears in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where the i3-14100F scores 13084 against the i5-13420H’s 11084, a decisive 18% advantage. This result is counterintuitive given the i5’s higher core count, but it reflects the desktop part’s sustained power delivery. The i3-14100F also leads in Cinebench R23 single-core, posting 1847 versus 1689, a 9.4% margin. PassMark single-thread results reinforce this pattern: the i3-14100F scores 3778, beating the i5-13420H’s 3396 by 11.2%.

The i5-13420H’s wins are concentrated in memory-sensitive and integer-heavy workloads. In PassMark integer math, the mobile chip scores 58156 against the i3-14100F’s 45357, a 22% lead. Floating-point math shows a similar story: 42806 versus 35370, a 17.4% advantage. Data compression favors the i5-13420H at 209450 versus 176106, a 15.9% gap, while data encryption shows a 22.8% lead (11559 versus 8922). Random string sorting is another clear i5 win, with 22045 versus 17596, a 20.2% difference.

Older Cinebench versions also favor the i5-13420H. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, it scores 1738 versus 1318, a 24.2% lead; in R15 single-core, 238 versus 186, a 21.8% margin. Cinebench R20 shows narrower gaps: multi-core 6013 versus 5495 (8.6% lead), and single-core 848 versus 775 (8.6% lead). PassMark multithread gives the i5-13420H a 17475 score versus 15420, an 11.8% edge. Extended instructions favor the i5-13420H by 7.1%, at 12897 versus 11984.

The i3-14100F’s remaining wins are narrower but notable. In PassMark find prime numbers, it scores 61 versus 52, a 17.3% lead—a result that suggests better per-core integer efficiency in certain algorithms. PassMark physics also goes to the i3-14100F, with 1077 versus 1012, a 6.4% margin. These wins, combined with the Cinebench R23 results, indicate the desktop chip’s higher boost clock (4.70 GHz versus 4.60 GHz) and unlocked power envelope deliver tangible benefits in lightly threaded or burst-oriented tasks.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the Raptor Lake architecture and a 10 nm process node from Intel, but they target different physical platforms. The i3-14100F is a desktop part on Intel Socket 1700, while the i5-13420H is a mobile part on Intel BGA 1744. This fundamental difference drives most of their behavioral divergence. The i3-14100F carries 4 cores and 8 threads, while the i5-13420H doubles the core count to 8 cores and 12 threads—a hybrid arrangement that includes performance and efficiency cores, though the FACT PACK does not specify the exact P-core/E-core split.

Cache hierarchies differ in the L2 tier. The i3-14100F has 1.25 MB of L2 per core, while the i5-13420H has 2 MB per core, giving the mobile chip a larger per-core secondary cache. Both share 12 MB of L3 cache and 80 KB of L1 per core. The base clocks are dramatically different: the i3-14100F runs at 3.50 GHz base, while the i5-13420H idles at 2.10 GHz base. Boost clocks are closer, with 4.70 GHz on the i3-14100F and 4.60 GHz on the i5-13420H. The TDP reflects their intended environments: 58 watts for the desktop i3-14100F versus 45 watts for the mobile i5-13420H.

Memory support is identical in type—both support DDR4 and DDR5 with dual-channel buses—but ECC memory is only available on the i3-14100F. PCIe lanes differ substantially: the i3-14100F provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the i5-13420H offers Gen 5 with 8 lanes (CPU only). The i3-14100F has no integrated graphics, while the i5-13420H includes Iris Xe Graphics with 80 execution units. The i3-14100F’s die size is listed at 163 mm², while the i5-13420H’s die size is not provided. Both are active production parts, with the i3-14100F released in January 2024 and the i5-13420H a year earlier in January 2023.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i3-14100F boosts to 4.70 GHz, which is 0.10 GHz higher than the i5-13420H’s 4.60 GHz boost.

Q: Why does the i5-13420H win in PassMark multithread despite losing Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The i5-13420H scores 17475 in PassMark multithread versus 15420 for the i3-14100F, an 11.8% lead. However, in Cinebench R23 multi-core, the i3-14100F scores 13084 versus 11084 for the i5-13420H, an 18% advantage. The discrepancy reflects different workload characteristics; Cinebench R23 scales differently with core count and memory bandwidth than PassMark’s multithread test.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 and DDR5 with dual-channel memory buses. However, the i3-14100F also supports ECC memory, while the i5-13420H does not.

Q: Which CPU has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core i5-13420H has 8 cores and 12 threads, while the Intel Core i3-14100F has 4 cores and 8 threads. The i5-13420H’s core count is double that of the i3-14100F.

Q: What is the difference in their TDP ratings?

A: The i3-14100F has a TDP of 58 watts, while the i5-13420H has a lower TDP of 45 watts. This reflects the i3-14100F’s desktop design with a larger power envelope versus the i5-13420H’s mobile efficiency focus.

Q: Is there a difference in integrated graphics?

A: Yes. The i3-14100F has no integrated graphics, while the i5-13420H includes Iris Xe Graphics with 80 execution units.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several core specifications. The i3-14100F uses 4 cores and 8 threads, while the i5-13420H uses 8 cores and 12 threads. Base clocks are 3.50 GHz for the i3-14100F and 2.10 GHz for the i5-13420H; boost clocks are 4.70 GHz and 4.60 GHz, respectively. TDP is 58 watts for the i3-14100F and 45 watts for the i5-13420H. The i3-14100F uses Intel Socket 1700, while the i5-13420H uses Intel BGA 1744. L2 cache per core is 1.25 MB on the i3-14100F and 2 MB on the i5-13420H. The i3-14100F supports ECC memory, while the i5-13420H does not. PCIe lanes are 16 on the i3-14100F versus 8 on the i5-13420H, both Gen 5. The i3-14100F has no integrated graphics; the i5-13420H has Iris Xe Graphics 80EU. The i3-14100F has a die size of 163 mm², while the i5-13420H’s die size is not listed. The i3-14100F’s launch MSRP is $109; the i5-13420H has no listed launch MSRP. The i3-14100F’s part number is SRMX2, and the i5-13420H’s is SRMHX.

The Verdict

Benchmark data indicates that neither processor is universally superior; the choice depends on workload and platform. The Intel Core i3-14100F is the pick for users prioritizing single-threaded performance and modern multi-core scaling. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core lead of 18% over the i5-13420H, combined with a 9.4% single-core advantage, makes it the stronger option for applications that respond to high boost clocks and sustained desktop power delivery. The i3-14100F also offers ECC memory support and a 16-lane Gen 5 PCIe interface, which are relevant for workstation or reliability-focused builds. Its desktop socket (Intel Socket 1700) allows for upgradeability and aftermarket cooling.

The Intel Core i5-13420H is the better choice for memory-intensive and integer-heavy parallel workloads. Its leads in PassMark integer math (22%), data compression (15.9%), and data encryption (22.8%) indicate that the extra cores and larger L2 cache (2 MB per core versus 1.25 MB) provide tangible benefits in these areas. The i5-13420H also includes integrated Iris Xe Graphics, making it a self-contained solution for mobile systems where a discrete GPU is absent. Its lower 45-watt TDP suits thin-and-light laptops, while the i3-14100F’s 58-watt TDP is typical of a desktop part.

For a desktop user who values responsiveness in single-threaded apps and wants the option of ECC memory, the i3-14100F is the data-supported choice. For a mobile user or someone running heavily threaded workloads that involve data processing, the i5-13420H’s 11 wins in the head-to-head comparison make it the more versatile performer. The average benchmark scores are effectively tied, so the decision rests on the specific benchmarks that match your use case.