Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 vs Core i5-13600K
Athlon 64 X2 TK-42
Core i5-13600K
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 is positioned at rank #1019 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 X2 TK-42
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Tyler (2007−2009) / 65 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+52%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 and Core i5-13600K
Athlon 64 X2 TK-42
The Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Tyler (2007−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 775 points. Launch price was $149.
Core i5-13600K
The Core i5-13600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 37,655 points. Launch price was $319.
Processing Power
The Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i5-13600K offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i5-13600K has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K — a 104.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600K. The Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 uses the Tyler (2007−2009) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i5-13600K uses Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 scores 775 against the Core i5-13600K's 37,655 — a 191.9% lead for the Core i5-13600K.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 14 / 20+600% |
| Boost Clock | 1.6 GHz | 5.1 GHz+219% |
| Base Clock | — | 3.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 24 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB | 2 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 65 nm | Intel 7 nm-89% |
| Architecture | Tyler (2007−2009) | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) |
| PassMark | 775 | 37,655+4759% |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 uses the S1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-13600K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-667 on the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 versus DDR5-5600 on the Core i5-13600K — the Core i5-13600K supports 85.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-13600K supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 184% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon 64 X2 TK-42) vs 20 (Core i5-13600K) — the Core i5-13600K offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD S1 (Athlon 64 X2 TK-42) and Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i5-13600K).
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | S1 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 5.0+150% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-667 | DDR5-5600+150% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 192 GB+2300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Athlon 64 X2 TK-42) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13600K). The Core i5-13600K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13600K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 launched at $60 MSRP, while the Core i5-13600K debuted at $329. At current prices ($10 vs $319), the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 is $309 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 delivers 77.5 pts/$ vs 118.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-13600K — making the Core i5-13600K the 41.5% better value option.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 TK-42 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $60-82% | $329 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10-97% | $319 |
| Performance per Dollar | 77.5 | 118.0+52% |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2022 |
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