Core i5-13500 vs Ryzen 9 5900X
Core i5-13500
Ryzen 9 5900X
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. 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 Core i5-13500
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 9 5900X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-13500 | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($264) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-13500 | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+6%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($264) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) |
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 Core i5-13500 and Ryzen 9 5900X
Core i5-13500
The Core i5-13500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 31,109 points. Launch price was $242.
Ryzen 9 5900X
The Ryzen 9 5900X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 38,955 points. Launch price was $549.
Processing Power
The Core i5-13500 packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Core i5-13500 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core i5-13500 versus 4.8 GHz on the Ryzen 9 5900X — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i5-13500 uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13500 scores 31,109 against the Ryzen 9 5900X's 38,955 — a 22.4% lead for the Ryzen 9 5900X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 20,924 vs 21,000 (0.4% advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,419 vs 2,174, a 10.7% lead for the Core i5-13500 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 12,160 vs 11,888 (2.3% advantage for the Core i5-13500). L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core i5-13500 vs 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 5900X.
| Feature | Core i5-13500 | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 20+17% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz | 4.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.7 GHz+48% |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB (total) | 64 MB+167% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) | Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) |
| PassMark | 31,109 | 38,955+25% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 20,924 | 21,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,419+11% | 2,174 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 12,160+2% | 11,888 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-13500 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i5-13500 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 5900X — the Core i5-13500 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-13500 supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13500) vs 24 (Ryzen 9 5900X) — the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760,Z690,B660 (Core i5-13500) and A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,B550,X570 (Ryzen 9 5900X).
| Feature | Core i5-13500 | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800+25% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB+50% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 9 5900X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-13500) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 9 5900X). The Core i5-13500 includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen 9 5900X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13500 targets High-end Productivity / Gaming, Ryzen 9 5900X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i5-13500 rivals Ryzen 7 7700; Ryzen 9 5900X rivals Core i9-12900K.
| Feature | Core i5-13500 | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | AMD-V |
| Target Use | High-end Productivity / Gaming | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-13500 launched at $242 MSRP, while the Ryzen 9 5900X debuted at $549. At current prices ($264 vs $350), the Core i5-13500 is $86 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13500 delivers 117.8 pts/$ vs 111.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 5900X — making the Core i5-13500 the 5.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-13500 | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $242-56% | $549 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $264-25% | $350 |
| Performance per Dollar | 117.8+6% | 111.3 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2020 |
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