Core i9-13900 vs Ryzen 9 5950X
Core i9-13900
Ryzen 9 5950X
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 i9-13900
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 9 5950X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-13900 | Ryzen 9 5950X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($599) | ✅ More affordable ($350) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-13900 | Ryzen 9 5950X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+72%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($599) | ✅ More affordable ($350) |
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 i9-13900 and Ryzen 9 5950X
Core i9-13900
The Core i9-13900 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 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 5.5 GHz. L3 cache: 36 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: DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 45,252 points. Launch price was $549.
Ryzen 9 5950X
The Ryzen 9 5950X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 45,353 points. Launch price was $799.
Processing Power
The Core i9-13900 packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the Ryzen 9 5950X offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Core i9-13900 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.5 GHz on the Core i9-13900 versus 4.9 GHz on the Ryzen 9 5950X — a 11.5% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900 (base: 2 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i9-13900 uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen 9 5950X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13900 scores 45,252 against the Ryzen 9 5950X's 45,353 — a 0.2% lead for the Ryzen 9 5950X. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900 vs 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 5950X.
| Feature | Core i9-13900 | Ryzen 9 5950X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 32+50% | 16 / 32 |
| Boost Clock | 5.5 GHz+12% | 4.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 3.4 GHz+70% |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total) | 64 MB+78% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+300% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) |
| PassMark | 45,252 | 45,353 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-13900 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 9 5950X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 5600 on the Core i9-13900 versus 3200 on the Ryzen 9 5950X — the Core i9-13900 supports 54.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13900) vs 24 (Ryzen 9 5950X) — the Ryzen 9 5950X offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760 (Core i9-13900) and AM4 (Ryzen 9 5950X).
| Feature | Core i9-13900 | Ryzen 9 5950X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 5600+75% | 3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-13900) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen 9 5950X). The Core i9-13900 includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen 9 5950X requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-13900 rivals Ryzen 9 7900X; Ryzen 9 5950X rivals Core i9-10900K.
| Feature | Core i9-13900 | Ryzen 9 5950X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-13900 launched at $549 MSRP, while the Ryzen 9 5950X debuted at $799. At current prices ($599 vs $350), the Ryzen 9 5950X is $249 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13900 delivers 75.5 pts/$ vs 129.6 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 5950X — making the Ryzen 9 5950X the 52.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-13900 | Ryzen 9 5950X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $549-31% | $799 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $599 | $350-42% |
| Performance per Dollar | 75.5 | 129.6+72% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2020 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i9-13900 and Ryzen 9 5950X
