CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-13400T vs Intel Core 7 150UL
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-13400T is a 10-core, 16-thread low-power desktop processor designed for compact and small-form-factor (SFF) PCs. Released in January 2023, it features 6 P-Cores and 4 E-Cores, operating at a low 1.3 GHz base frequency to maintain a strict 35W TDP. Boosting up to 4.4 GHz, it provides sufficient burst performance for everyday tasks and moderate workloads without exceeding the thermal limits of tiny enclosures. The 20MB L3 cache and DDR5-4800 support ensure smooth multitasking, while the UHD 730 integrated graphics handle display outputs capably. The 'T' suffix designates it as a power-optimized variant, making it ideal for home theater PCs, office SFF builds, and home servers where quiet operation and low heat generation are paramount. Its locked multiplier and low base power simplify integration into barebones systems and compact chassis.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Good burst performance for office tasks, but 35W limits sustained multi-threaded workloads.
Adequate for word processing, spreadsheets, and light multitasking, but heavily threaded tasks will be slow due to the 15W limit.
Gaming
Not a gaming chip; relies on UHD 730 which is only suitable for very old or simple games.
The integrated 96EU Iris Xe can handle older or esports titles at low settings, but it is not built for modern AAA gaming.
Virtualization
10 cores are great for lightweight home lab VMs, but RAM and PCIe limits apply.
Can run basic VMs, but memory and core limits make it unsuitable for extensive virtualization.
Efficiency
Outstanding efficiency; runs very cool and draws minimal power at idle.
Exceptional power efficiency, drawing very little power under both idle and load conditions.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Sufficient for background noise cancellation
- Lacks dedicated NPU
- No AVX-512 support for AI workloads
- CPU-based AI inference will be extremely slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- UHD 730 lacks the execution units of the UHD 770
- 35W limit throttles boost clocks quickly in games
- Best paired with a low-profile discrete GPU for SFF gaming
- Relies entirely on integrated Iris Xe graphics
- Playable frame rates only in lightweight esports titles
- Modern AAA games will struggle significantly even at 720p low settings
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- 10 cores and 16 threads
- Runs very cool and quiet
- Modern DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support
- Includes UHD 730 graphics
Cons
- Very low base clock (1.3 GHz)
- UHD 730 iGPU is weak
- Locked multiplier
- Harder to find than standard 65W variants
Pros
- Extremely low 15W power consumption
- Capable 96EU Iris Xe integrated graphics
- Hybrid architecture handles multitasking well for its tier
- Supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory
- Operates with minimal cooling requirements
Cons
- Severely limited 8 direct PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Low base clock of 1.7 GHz
- Not suitable for modern gaming or heavy workloads
- Locked multiplier prevents any performance tuning
- Highly niche product with limited motherboard options
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-13400T
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4650GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-13500TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-13100TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GAlt
Much stronger integrated graphics for SFF gaming.
Higher base clocks and better sustained performance if you have the cooling.
Compare head-to-headCheaper 4-core alternative for basic NAS or HTPC duties.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700GAlt
8 strong cores and excellent integrated graphics for compact builds.
Intel Core 7 150UL
- AMD Ryzen 5 8500GRival
Desktop APU
- AMD Ryzen 3 8300GRival
Budget Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-13400TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GERival
Efficient Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-12100TRival
Entry-Level Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
A much faster standard 65W desktop CPU if your case allows a slightly larger cooler.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GAlt
Excellent budget alternative with strong multi-threaded performance and capable iGPU.
Delivers superior single-core gaming performance at a very low price point.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
An excellent low-power CPU for SFF builds, offering 10 cores and 16 threads that punch well above their 35W weight class.
Best for: The Core i5-13400T is highly recommended for builders creating small-form-factor PCs, home servers, or HTPCs. Its 35W TDP means it can be cooled almost silently with a low-profile cooler, and its 10 cores provide excellent parallel processing for NAS duties or multitasking. If you are building a mini-ITX system where thermals and noise are the primary constraints, the 13400T offers a superb balance of modern features and low power consumption without resorting to mobile parts.
Read the full reviewThe Core 7 150UL excels in power efficiency rather than raw performance, making it a niche but solid choice for ultra-small form factor desktops where thermal and power limits are strictly enforced.
Best for: Building a completely silent, ultra-compact mini-PC or small form factor desktop where absolute minimal power draw and heat output are the primary design constraints.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-13400T or Intel Core 7 150UL?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-13400T comes out ahead with a score of 8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-13400T or Intel Core 7 150UL?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-13400T leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Intel Core i5-13400T and Intel Core 7 150UL.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core 7 150UL has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-13400T (35 W), Intel Core 7 150UL (15 W).
Do Intel Core i5-13400T and Intel Core 7 150UL use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-13400T: LGA 1700, Intel Core 7 150UL: Intel Socket 1700), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-13400T posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-13400T (15,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.