CPU
GPU
Core i5-14600K
Ryzen 7 9800X3D
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 i5-14600K
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-14600K | Ryzen 7 9800X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($275) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($479) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Granite Ridge (2024−2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-14600K | Ryzen 7 9800X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+68%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($275) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($479) |
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 i5-14600K and Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Core i5-14600K
The Core i5-14600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 17 October 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). 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: 38,579 points. Launch price was $319.
Ryzen 7 9800X3D
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 November 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Granite Ridge (2024−2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 4.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 96 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 39,966 points. Launch price was $479.
Processing Power
The Core i5-14600K packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i5-14600K has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Core i5-14600K versus 5.2 GHz on the Ryzen 7 9800X3D — a 1.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-14600K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 4.7 GHz). The Core i5-14600K uses the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen 7 9800X3D uses Granite Ridge (2024−2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-14600K scores 38,579 against the Ryzen 7 9800X3D's 39,966 — a 3.5% lead for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core i5-14600K vs 96 MB (total) on the Ryzen 7 9800X3D.
| Feature | Core i5-14600K | Ryzen 7 9800X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 20+75% | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 5.3 GHz+2% | 5.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz | 4.7 GHz+34% |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB (total) | 96 MB (total)+300% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+100% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 4 nm-43% |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) | Granite Ridge (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 38,579 | 39,966+4% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 23,277 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 3,450 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 18,500 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-14600K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 7 9800X3D uses AM5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 5600 on the Core i5-14600K versus DDR5-5600 on the Ryzen 7 9800X3D — the Core i5-14600K supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 192 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-14600K) vs 28 (Ryzen 7 9800X3D) — the Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760 (Core i5-14600K) and X670E,B650E,X870E,B850 (Ryzen 7 9800X3D).
| Feature | Core i5-14600K | Ryzen 7 9800X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | AM5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 5600+111900% | DDR5-5600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 | 192 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 28+40% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Ryzen 7 9800X3D supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-14600K) vs AMD-V, AMD-Vi (Ryzen 7 9800X3D). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i5-14600K) and Radeon Graphics (Ryzen 7 9800X3D) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 7 9800X3D targets Extreme Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-14600K rivals Ryzen 7 7800X3D; Ryzen 7 9800X3D rivals Core i9-14900K.
| Feature | Core i5-14600K | Ryzen 7 9800X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Radeon Graphics |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V, AMD-Vi |
| Target Use | — | Extreme Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-14600K launched at $329 MSRP, while the Ryzen 7 9800X3D debuted at $479. At current prices ($275 vs $479), the Core i5-14600K is $204 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-14600K delivers 140.3 pts/$ vs 83.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D — making the Core i5-14600K the 50.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-14600K | Ryzen 7 9800X3D |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $329-31% | $479 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $275-43% | $479 |
| Performance per Dollar | 140.3+68% | 83.4 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2024 |
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