Core i7-13700K
EPYC 7542
Core i7-13700K vs EPYC 7542 Performance Spectrum
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.
Core i7-13700K vs EPYC 7542 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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Among Us
Apex Legends
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Core i7-13700K vs EPYC 7542: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict
See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.
Core i7-13700K
2022Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +15.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Costs $2,991 less on MSRP ($409 MSRP vs $3,400 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 739.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 111.9 vs 13.3 PassMark/$ ($409 MSRP vs $3,400 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 125W instead of 225W, a 100W reduction.
- ✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of SP3 and DDR4.
Trade-offs
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (30 MB vs 128 MB).
- ❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 7542, which brings 32 cores / 64 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.
- ❌No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.
EPYC 7542
2019Why buy it
- ✅+326.7% larger total L3 cache (128 MB vs 30 MB).
- ✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 32 cores / 64 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 20.
- ✅540% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-13700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower PassMark (45,359 vs 45,784).
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.3 vs 111.9 PassMark/$ ($3,400 MSRP vs $409 MSRP).
- ❌80% higher power demand at 225W vs 125W.
- ❌Older platform position on SP3 with DDR4, while Core i7-13700K moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.
Quick Answers
So, is Core i7-13700K better than EPYC 7542?
Which one is better for gaming?
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-13700K vs EPYC 7542 Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
Core i7-13700K
The Core i7-13700K 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 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 30 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: 45,784 points. Launch price was $409.
EPYC 7542
The EPYC 7542 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 225 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 45,359 points. Launch price was $3,400.
Processing Power
The Core i7-13700K packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the EPYC 7542 offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the EPYC 7542 has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Core i7-13700K versus 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7542 — a 45.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-13700K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i7-13700K uses the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 7542 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-13700K scores 45,784 against the EPYC 7542's 45,359 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i7-13700K. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i7-13700K vs 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 7542.
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24 | 32 / 64+100% |
| Boost Clock | 5.4 GHz+59% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+17% | 2.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | 128 MB (total)+327% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 512K (per core)+25500% |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 7 nm, 14 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 45,784 | 45,359 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 31,000 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,846 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 18,980 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-13700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 7542 uses SP3 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i7-13700K versus 3200 on the EPYC 7542 — the Core i7-13700K supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7542 supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 2033.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-13700K) vs 8 (EPYC 7542). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-13700K) vs 128 (EPYC 7542) — the EPYC 7542 offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel Z790,Intel H770,Intel B760,Intel Z690,Intel H670,Intel B660,Intel H610 (Core i7-13700K) and SP3 (EPYC 7542).
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | SP3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600+75% | 3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB | 4096 GB+2033% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | Yes | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 128+540% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-13700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the EPYC 7542 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-13700K) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (EPYC 7542). The Core i7-13700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the EPYC 7542 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-13700K rivals Ryzen 9 7900X; EPYC 7542 rivals Xeon Gold 6248R.
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V |
Value Analysis
At launch, the Core i7-13700K was priced at $409, while the EPYC 7542 came in at $3400. On launch pricing ($409 vs $3400), Core i7-13700K was $2991 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-13700K delivers 111.9 pts/$ vs 13.3 pts/$ for the EPYC 7542 — making the Core i7-13700K the 157.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409-88% | $3400 |
| Performance per Dollar | 111.9+741% | 13.3 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2019 |
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