PCPairs

Core i5-13400F + RTX 3090: bottleneck check

3%

Balanced at 1440p.

Well matched at 1440p. The RTX 3090 is the slightly busier part, by about 3%.

By resolution

ResolutionLimiting partSeverityVerdict
1080pCPU 5%balanced
1440pGPU 3%balanced
4KGPU 24%GPU-bound (normal)

This is the classic pattern: at 1080p the Core i5-13400F is the limit (5%), while at 4K the RTX 3090 takes over (24% GPU-limited). If you play at 1080p on a high-refresh monitor, a faster CPU is the upgrade that matters; at 1440p or 4K this pair is already well matched.

Specifications

Intel Core i5-13400F
Cores / threads10 / 16
Max boost4.6 GHz
SocketLGA1700
Maximum turbo power (MTP)148 W Intel's published maximum sustained turbo power, above its base power; the PSU estimate uses it, so it errs high · Intel ARK
Released2023
Gaming index70 / 100
Multi-core index58 / 100
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090
VRAM24 GB
Board power350 W
Released2020
1080p index51.7 / 100
1440p index46 / 100
4K index40.9 / 100

Power supply

The RTX 3090 measured 368 W average while gaming (485 W highest 20 ms spike, TechPowerUp). With the Core i5-13400F at its maximum turbo power of 148 W and about 75 W for the rest of the system, the sustained load is about 591 W. A 850 W unit is the safe choice. Details on the RTX 3090 PSU page or try other pairs in the PSU calculator.

Upgrade paths

Cards that use the Core i5-13400F fully

Best CPU for the RTX 3090 Best GPU for the Core i5-13400F RTX 3090 PSU requirements

Indexes are relative estimates aggregated from published reviews; real results vary by game, settings, memory speed and drivers. Methodology.