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.

Core i5-13600 vs Core i7-13700HX FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-13600 vs Core i7-13700HX: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-13600

2023

Why buy it

✅Costs $230 less on MSRP ($255 MSRP vs $485 MSRP).
✅Delivers 86.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 123.5 vs 66.3 PassMark/$ ($255 MSRP vs $485 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-13700HX.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (31,499 vs 32,157).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (24 MB vs 30 MB).
❌18.2% higher power demand at 65W vs 55W.

Core i7-13700HX

2023

Why buy it

✅+2.1% higher PassMark.
✅+25% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 24 MB).
✅Draws 55W instead of 65W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 66.3 vs 123.5 PassMark/$ ($485 MSRP vs $255 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-13600.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-13700HX better than Core i5-13600?

Yes. Core i7-13700HX is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-13700HX is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.1% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 24 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-13700HX is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-13600 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-13700HX comes in 90.2% more expensive on MSRP at $485 MSRP versus $255 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-13600 is also 86.3% better value on MSRP (123.5 vs 66.3 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-13700HX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 25% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 24 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 16 cores / 24 threads instead of 14/20. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-13600 vs Core i7-13700HX Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-13600

The Core i5-13600 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 5 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: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 31,499 points. Launch price was $255.

Core i7-13700HX

The Core i7-13700HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 32,157 points. Launch price was $485.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-13600 packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i7-13700HX offers 16 cores / 24 threads — the Core i7-13700HX has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i5-13600 versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-13700HX — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i5-13600 uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-13700HX uses Raptor Lake-HX (2023) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13600 scores 31,499 against the Core i7-13700HX's 32,157 — a 2.1% lead for the Core i7-13700HX. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core i5-13600 vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i7-13700HX.

Feature	Core i5-13600	Core i7-13700HX
Cores / Threads	14 / 20	16 / 24+14%
Boost Clock	5 GHz	5 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+29%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	24 MB (total)	30 MB (total)+25%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	2 MB (per core)+60%
Process	Intel 7 nm	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)	Raptor Lake-HX (2023)
PassMark	31,499	32,157+2%
Cinebench R23 Multi	21,000	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,900	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	12,000	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-13600 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-13700HX uses FCBGA1964 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. Both support up to 192 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760,Z690,B660 (Core i5-13600) and Mobile (Core i7-13700HX).

Feature	Core i5-13600	Core i7-13700HX
Socket	LGA1700	FCBGA1964
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800	DDR5-4800
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB	192 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	20

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-13700HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i7-13700HX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-13600) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-13700HX). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i5-13600) and UHD Graphics (Core i7-13700HX) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13600 targets High-end Productivity Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-13600 rivals Ryzen 7 7700.

Feature	Core i5-13600	Core i7-13700HX
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 770	UHD Graphics
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	High-end Productivity Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-13600 was priced at $255, while the Core i7-13700HX came in at $485. On launch pricing ($255 vs $485), Core i5-13600 was $230 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13600 delivers 123.5 pts/$ vs 66.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-13700HX — making the Core i5-13600 the 60.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-13600	Core i7-13700HX
MSRP	$255-47%	$485
Performance per Dollar	123.5+86%	66.3
Release Date	2023	2023

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