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.

Head-to-Head Verdict, Benchmarks, Value & Long-Term Outlook

This comparison brings together gaming FPS, productivity performance, platform differences, power efficiency, pricing context, and upgrade path so you can see which CPU actually makes more sense.

Core i7-13700K

2022

Why buy it

✅Costs $4,590 less on MSRP ($409 MSRP vs $4,999 MSRP).
✅Delivers 311.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 111.9 vs 27.2 PassMark/$ ($409 MSRP vs $4,999 MSRP).
✅Draws 125W instead of 350W, a 225W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 770, while Ryzen Threadripper 7980X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 7980X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (31,000 vs 98,427).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper 7980X, which brings 64 cores / 128 threads and 88 PCIe lanes.

Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 64 cores / 128 threads, plus 88 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅340% more PCIe lanes (88 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 27.2 vs 111.9 PassMark/$ ($4,999 MSRP vs $409 MSRP).
❌180% higher power demand at 350W vs 125W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-13700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-13700K

2022

Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

2023

Why buy it

✅Costs $4,590 less on MSRP ($409 MSRP vs $4,999 MSRP).
✅Delivers 311.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 111.9 vs 27.2 PassMark/$ ($409 MSRP vs $4,999 MSRP).
✅Draws 125W instead of 350W, a 225W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 770, while Ryzen Threadripper 7980X needs a discrete GPU.

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 64 cores / 128 threads, plus 88 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅340% more PCIe lanes (88 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 7980X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (31,000 vs 98,427).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper 7980X, which brings 64 cores / 128 threads and 88 PCIe lanes.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 27.2 vs 111.9 PassMark/$ ($4,999 MSRP vs $409 MSRP).
❌180% higher power demand at 350W vs 125W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-13700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper 7980X better than Core i7-13700K?

Not in a simple one-size-fits-all way. Ryzen Threadripper 7980X makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-13700K is the better mainstream desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and day-to-day practicality.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is the better pick here. According to our tests, it delivers 8.7% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests. It also has a big cache advantage at 256 MB vs 30 MB.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is the better fit. You are getting 217.5% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 64 cores and 128 threads. It also carries the larger cache pool with 753.3% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 30 MB).

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

Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i7-13700K makes more sense if price matters more than absolute performance. Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is 1122.2% more expensive on MSRP at $4,999 MSRP versus $409 MSRP, and it gives you a 8.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-13700K is also 311.6% better value on MSRP (111.9 vs 27.2 PassMark/$), which is why it is easier to justify for price-conscious builds on paper.

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

Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2022), 3D V-Cache and a much larger 256 MB L3 cache instead of 30 MB, more multi-core headroom with 64 cores / 128 threads instead of 16/24, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That extra cache should hold up really well in CPU-limited games and high-refresh builds.

Games Benchmarks

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Core i7-13700K Benchmark Check

Ryzen Threadripper 7980X Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	Core i7-13700K	Ryzen Threadripper 7980X
1080p
low	284 FPS	302 FPS
medium	268 FPS	279 FPS
high	223 FPS	230 FPS
ultra	190 FPS	195 FPS
1440p
low	238 FPS	268 FPS
medium	200 FPS	223 FPS
high	159 FPS	171 FPS
ultra	139 FPS	152 FPS
4K
low	159 FPS	185 FPS
medium	134 FPS	154 FPS
high	103 FPS	117 FPS
ultra	90 FPS	104 FPS

Open Core i7-13700K Open Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	Core i7-13700K	Ryzen Threadripper 7980X
1080p
low	689 FPS	787 FPS
medium	580 FPS	672 FPS
high	484 FPS	529 FPS
ultra	439 FPS	462 FPS
1440p
low	595 FPS	649 FPS
medium	525 FPS	577 FPS
high	441 FPS	469 FPS
ultra	378 FPS	380 FPS
4K
low	348 FPS	363 FPS
medium	314 FPS	327 FPS
high	295 FPS	302 FPS
ultra	261 FPS	265 FPS

Open Core i7-13700K Open Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	Core i7-13700K	Ryzen Threadripper 7980X
1080p
low	648 FPS	889 FPS
medium	530 FPS	728 FPS
high	467 FPS	654 FPS
ultra	405 FPS	556 FPS
1440p
low	591 FPS	693 FPS
medium	491 FPS	567 FPS
high	427 FPS	498 FPS
ultra	371 FPS	419 FPS
4K
low	434 FPS	490 FPS
medium	374 FPS	407 FPS
high	339 FPS	365 FPS
ultra	290 FPS	303 FPS

Open Core i7-13700K Open Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	Core i7-13700K	Ryzen Threadripper 7980X
1080p
low	970 FPS	1131 FPS
medium	883 FPS	1014 FPS
high	766 FPS	889 FPS
ultra	689 FPS	802 FPS
1440p
low	829 FPS	890 FPS
medium	740 FPS	783 FPS
high	642 FPS	688 FPS
ultra	566 FPS	599 FPS
4K
low	567 FPS	649 FPS
medium	515 FPS	579 FPS
high	463 FPS	514 FPS
ultra	404 FPS	437 FPS

Open Core i7-13700K Open Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-13700K and Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

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.

Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

The Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 19 October 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Storm Peak (2023) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: sTR5. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 135,949 points. Launch price was $4,999.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-13700K packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X offers 64 cores / 128 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X has 48 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Core i7-13700K versus 5.1 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-13700K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-13700K uses the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X uses Storm Peak (2023) (5 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-13700K scores 45,784 against the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X's 135,949 — a 99.2% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 31,000 vs 98,427 (104.2% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,846 vs 3,050, a 6.9% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 18,980 vs 26,000 (31.2% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X). L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i7-13700K vs 256 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X.

Feature	Core i7-13700K	Ryzen Threadripper 7980X
Cores / Threads	16 / 24	64 / 128+300%
Boost Clock	5.4 GHz+6%	5.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+6%	3.2 GHz
L3 Cache	30 MB (total)	256 MB (total)+753%
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)+100%	1 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm	5 nm-29%
Architecture	Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022)	Storm Peak (2023)
PassMark	45,784	135,949+197%
Cinebench R23 Multi	31,000	98,427+218%
Geekbench 6 Single	2,846	3,050+7%
Geekbench 6 Multi	18,980	26,000+37%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-13700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X uses sTR5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-5600 memory speed. The Ryzen Threadripper 7980X supports up to 1024 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 136.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-13700K) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 7980X). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-13700K) vs 88 (Ryzen Threadripper 7980X) — the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X offers 68 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 TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper 7980X).

Feature	Core i7-13700K	Ryzen Threadripper 7980X
Socket	LGA1700	sTR5
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-5600	DDR5-5200
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB	1024 GB+433%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	88+340%

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support true virtualization. The Core i7-13700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 7980X targets High-end Desktop / Content Creation. Direct competitor: Core i7-13700K rivals Ryzen 9 7900X; Ryzen Threadripper 7980X rivals Xeon w7-3465X.

Feature	Core i7-13700K	Ryzen Threadripper 7980X
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 770	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	true	true
Target Use	—	High-end Desktop / Content Creation

💰

Value Analysis

The Core i7-13700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X debuted at $4999. On MSRP ($409 vs $4999), the Core i7-13700K is $4590 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-13700K delivers 111.9 pts/$ vs 27.2 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X — making the Core i7-13700K the 121.8% better value option.