Core i7-13790F vs Xeon Gold 6526Y

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 i7-13790F vs Xeon Gold 6526Y 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 i7-13790F vs Xeon Gold 6526Y: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-13790F

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +21.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $2,486 less on MSRP ($392 MSRP vs $2,878 MSRP).
✅Delivers 640.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 111.1 vs 15.0 PassMark/$ ($392 MSRP vs $2,878 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 195W, a 130W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Gold 6526Y, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 80 PCIe lanes.

Xeon Gold 6526Y

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 32 threads, plus 80 PCIe lanes vs 16.
✅400% more PCIe lanes (80 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-13790F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (43,195 vs 43,549).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.0 vs 111.1 PassMark/$ ($2,878 MSRP vs $392 MSRP).
❌200% higher power demand at 195W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-13790F better than Xeon Gold 6526Y?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Gold 6526Y makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-13790F is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-13790F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 21.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-13790F is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 24 threads.

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

Core i7-13790F is the better buy right now. Core i7-13790F comes in $2,486 cheaper on MSRP at $392 MSRP versus $2,878 MSRP, and it still gives you a 21.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 640.2% better value on MSRP (111.1 vs 15.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon Gold 6526Y is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i7-13790F vs Xeon Gold 6526Y Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-13790F

The Core i7-13790F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 33 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 43,549 points. Launch price was $441.

Xeon Gold 6526Y

The Xeon Gold 6526Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 December 2023 (1 year ago). It is based on the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 37.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 195 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 43,195 points. Launch price was $1,517.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-13790F packs 16 cores / 24 threads, matching the Xeon Gold 6526Y's 16 cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i7-13790F versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6526Y — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-13790F (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i7-13790F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6526Y uses Emerald Rapids (2023) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-13790F scores 43,549 against the Xeon Gold 6526Y's 43,195 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-13790F. L3 cache: 33 MB (total) on the Core i7-13790F vs 37.5 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6526Y.

Feature	Core i7-13790F	Xeon Gold 6526Y
Cores / Threads	16 / 24	16 / 32
Boost Clock	5.2 GHz+33%	3.9 GHz
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	2.8 GHz+33%
L3 Cache	33 MB (total)	37.5 MB (total)+14%
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)	2 MB (per core)
Process	10 nm	Intel 7 nm-30%
Architecture	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)	Emerald Rapids (2023)
PassMark	43,549	43,195
Cinebench R23 Multi	26,247	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,815	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	13,673	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-13790F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 6526Y uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i7-13790F versus 5200 on the Xeon Gold 6526Y — the Core i7-13790F supports 7.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6526Y supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 2033.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-13790F) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6526Y). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-13790F) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 6526Y) — the Xeon Gold 6526Y offers 64 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760 (Core i7-13790F) and C741 (Xeon Gold 6526Y).

Feature	Core i7-13790F	Xeon Gold 6526Y
Socket	LGA1700	LGA4677
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-5600+8%	5200
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB	4096 GB+2033%
RAM Channels	2	8+300%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	80+400%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6526Y rivals EPYC 9334.

Feature	Core i7-13790F	Xeon Gold 6526Y
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	—	None
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-13790F was priced at $392, while the Xeon Gold 6526Y came in at $2878. On launch pricing ($392 vs $2878), Core i7-13790F was $2486 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-13790F delivers 111.1 pts/$ vs 15.0 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6526Y — making the Core i7-13790F the 152.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-13790F	Xeon Gold 6526Y
MSRP	$392-86%	$2878
Performance per Dollar	111.1+641%	15.0
Release Date	2023	2023

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