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 i9-13900 vs Xeon w5-3435X 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 i9-13900 vs Xeon w5-3435X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-13900

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $1,040 less on MSRP ($549 MSRP vs $1,589 MSRP).
✅Delivers 190.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 82.4 vs 28.4 PassMark/$ ($549 MSRP vs $1,589 MSRP).
✅Draws 125W instead of 270W, a 145W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 770, while Xeon w5-3435X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (36 MB vs 45 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon w5-3435X, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 112 PCIe lanes.
❌No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon w5-3435X

2023

Why buy it

✅+25% larger total L3 cache (45 MB vs 36 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 32 threads, plus 112 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅460% more PCIe lanes (112 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-13900 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (45,086 vs 45,252).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 28.4 vs 82.4 PassMark/$ ($1,589 MSRP vs $549 MSRP).
❌116% higher power demand at 270W vs 125W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i9-13900 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-13900 better than Xeon w5-3435X?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon w5-3435X makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-13900 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 i9-13900 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.3% 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 i9-13900 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 24 cores and 32 threads.

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

Core i9-13900 is the better buy right now. Core i9-13900 comes in $1,040 cheaper on MSRP at $549 MSRP versus $1,589 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 190.5% better value on MSRP (82.4 vs 28.4 PassMark/$), 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 w5-3435X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i9-13900 vs Xeon w5-3435X Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon w5-3435X

The Xeon w5-3435X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 45 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 270 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 45,086 points. Launch price was $1,589.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i9-13900 packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon w5-3435X 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 4.7 GHz on the Xeon w5-3435X — a 15.7% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900 (base: 2 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i9-13900 uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon w5-3435X uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13900 scores 45,252 against the Xeon w5-3435X's 45,086 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i9-13900. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900 vs 45 MB on the Xeon w5-3435X.

Feature	Core i9-13900	Xeon w5-3435X
Cores / Threads	24 / 32+50%	16 / 32
Boost Clock	5.5 GHz+17%	4.7 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz	3.1 GHz+55%
L3 Cache	36 MB (total)	45 MB+25%
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)	2 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)	Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024)
PassMark	45,252	45,086

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-13900 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon w5-3435X uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 5600 on the Core i9-13900 versus 4800 on the Xeon w5-3435X — the Core i9-13900 supports 16.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w5-3435X supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 128 — 3100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-13900) vs 8 (Xeon w5-3435X). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13900) vs 112 (Xeon w5-3435X) — the Xeon w5-3435X offers 92 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760 (Core i9-13900) and W790 (Xeon w5-3435X).

Feature	Core i9-13900	Xeon w5-3435X
Socket	LGA1700	LGA4677
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	5600+17%	4800
Max RAM Capacity	128	4096+3100%
RAM Channels	2	8+300%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	112+460%

🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Xeon w5-3435X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i9-13900 includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Xeon w5-3435X requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-13900 rivals Ryzen 9 7900X; Xeon w5-3435X rivals Threadripper PRO 7955WX.

Feature	Core i9-13900	Xeon w5-3435X
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 770	None
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-13900 was priced at $549, while the Xeon w5-3435X came in at $1589. On launch pricing ($549 vs $1589), Core i9-13900 was $1040 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13900 delivers 82.4 pts/$ vs 28.4 pts/$ for the Xeon w5-3435X — making the Core i9-13900 the 97.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-13900	Xeon w5-3435X
MSRP	$549-65%	$1589
Performance per Dollar	82.4+190%	28.4
Release Date	2023	2023

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