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 i5-13600T vs Core i9-9940X 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 i5-13600T vs Core i9-9940X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-13600T

2023

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅+24.7% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 19 MB).
✅Costs $1,132 less on MSRP ($255 MSRP vs $1,387 MSRP).
✅Delivers 446.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 110.6 vs 20.3 PassMark/$ ($255 MSRP vs $1,387 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 165W, a 130W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-9940X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Core i9-9940X

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅120% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (28,088 vs 28,202).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 24 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.3 vs 110.6 PassMark/$ ($1,387 MSRP vs $255 MSRP).
❌371.4% higher power demand at 165W vs 35W.
❌Older platform position on LGA2066 with DDR4, while Core i5-13600T moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-13600T better than Core i9-9940X?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i9-9940X is ahead with a 4.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-13600T pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark. Core i5-13600T also has the bigger cache pool with 24.7% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 19 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-13600T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 24.7% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 19 MB).

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

Core i5-13600T is the better buy right now. Core i5-13600T comes in $1,132 cheaper on MSRP at $255 MSRP versus $1,387 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i9-9940X is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 4.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 446.1% better value on MSRP (110.6 vs 20.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-13600T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2018), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA2066, 24.7% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 19 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 20 threads instead of 14/28. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-13600T vs Core i9-9940X Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-13600T

The Core i5-13600T 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 1.8 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): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 28,202 points. Launch price was $255.

Core i9-9940X

The Core i9-9940X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 28,088 points. Launch price was $1,387.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-13600T packs 14 cores / 20 threads, matching the Core i9-9940X's 14 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core i5-13600T versus 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9940X — a 6.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600T (base: 1.8 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i5-13600T uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-9940X uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13600T scores 28,202 against the Core i9-9940X's 28,088 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-13600T. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core i5-13600T vs 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9940X.

Feature	Core i5-13600T	Core i9-9940X
Cores / Threads	14 / 20	14 / 28
Boost Clock	4.8 GHz+7%	4.5 GHz
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	3.3 GHz+83%
L3 Cache	24 MB (total)+25%	19.25 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)+25%	1 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	28,202	28,088
Cinebench R23 Multi	18,100	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,364	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	10,911	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-13600T uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-9940X uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-13600T versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9940X — the Core i5-13600T supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-13600T) vs 4 (Core i9-9940X). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13600T) vs 44 (Core i9-9940X) — the Core i9-9940X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i5-13600T	Core i9-9940X
Socket	LGA1700	LGA2066
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200+80%	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	20	44+120%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-9940X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i9-9940X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-13600T) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-9940X). The Core i5-13600T includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i9-9940X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13600T targets Quiet Desktop / SFF PC, Core i9-9940X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i5-13600T rivals Ryzen 5 7600.

Feature	Core i5-13600T	Core i9-9940X
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 770	—
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Quiet Desktop / SFF PC	Workstation

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-13600T was priced at $255, while the Core i9-9940X came in at $1387. On launch pricing ($255 vs $1387), Core i5-13600T was $1132 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13600T delivers 110.6 pts/$ vs 20.3 pts/$ for the Core i9-9940X — making the Core i5-13600T the 138.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-13600T	Core i9-9940X
MSRP	$255-82%	$1387
Performance per Dollar	110.6+445%	20.3
Release Date	2023	2018

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