CPU
GPU
Core i9-10900K
Core i5-13500T
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 i9-10900K
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13500T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-10900K | Core i5-13500T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($500) | ✅ More affordable ($342) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-10900K | Core i5-13500T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+48%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($500) | ✅ More affordable ($342) |
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 i9-10900K and Core i5-13500T
Core i9-10900K
The Core i9-10900K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 22,382 points. Launch price was $488.
Core i5-13500T
The Core i5-13500T 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 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 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: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 22,622 points. Launch price was $232.
Processing Power
The Core i9-10900K packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i5-13500T offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i5-13500T has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-10900K versus 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13500T — a 12.2% clock advantage for the Core i9-10900K (base: 3.7 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core i9-10900K uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-13500T uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-10900K scores 22,382 against the Core i5-13500T's 22,622 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-13500T. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i9-10900K vs 24 MB (total) on the Core i5-13500T.
| Feature | Core i9-10900K | Core i5-13500T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 20 | 14 / 20+40% |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz+13% | 4.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+131% | 1.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total) | 24 MB (total)+20% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% |
| Process | 14 nm | Intel 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Comet Lake (2020−2025) | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 22,382 | 22,622+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 11,028 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,278 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 9,900 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-10900K uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-13500T uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2933 on the Core i9-10900K versus DDR5-4800 on the Core i5-13500T — the Core i5-13500T supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-13500T supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i9-10900K) vs 20 (Core i5-13500T) — the Core i5-13500T offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 400 series (Core i9-10900K) and 600-series,700-series (Core i5-13500T).
| Feature | Core i9-10900K | Core i5-13500T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933 | DDR5-4800+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 192 GB+50% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-10900K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i9-10900K) and UHD Graphics 770 (Core i5-13500T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-10900K targets Desktop, Core i5-13500T targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i5-13500T rivals Ryzen 7 5700X.
| Feature | Core i9-10900K | Core i5-13500T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 630 | UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Desktop | Productivity |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-10900K launched at $499 MSRP, while the Core i5-13500T debuted at $342. At current prices ($500 vs $342), the Core i5-13500T is $158 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-10900K delivers 44.8 pts/$ vs 66.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-13500T — making the Core i5-13500T the 38.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-10900K | Core i5-13500T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $499 | $342-31% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $500 | $342-32% |
| Performance per Dollar | 44.8 | 66.1+48% |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2023 |
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