Core i9-13900HX vs Ryzen 5 5600X

Intel

Core i9-13900HX

24 Cores32 Thrd55 WWMax: 5.4 GHz2023
Core family
·······
VS
AMD

Ryzen 5 5600X

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2020
Ryzen family
·······

Core i9-13900HX vs Ryzen 5 5600X Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i9-13900HX vs Ryzen 5 5600X 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 i9-13900HX vs Ryzen 5 5600X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-13900HX

2023

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +28.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 55W instead of 65W, a 10W reduction.
  • Newer platform on FCBGA1964 with DDR5 support instead of AM4 and DDR4.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 770, while Ryzen 5 5600X needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Laptop Integrated), unlike Ryzen 5 5600X.

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Ryzen 5 5600X

2020

Why buy it

  • 20% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-13900HX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (21,845 vs 42,437).
  • Launch MSRP is still $299 MSRP, while Core i9-13900HX mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 18.2% higher power demand at 65W vs 55W.
  • Older platform position on AM4 with DDR4, while Core i9-13900HX moves to FCBGA1964 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-13900HX better than Ryzen 5 5600X?
Yes. Core i9-13900HX is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 28.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 94.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i9-13900HX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 28.1% 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 i9-13900HX is the stronger fit. You are getting 94.3% better PassMark, backed by 24 cores and 32 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i9-13900HX is still the faster CPU overall, but Ryzen 5 5600X is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i9-13900HX comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $299 MSRP, and it still gives you a 28.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Ryzen 5 5600X is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (73.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i9-13900HX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2020), a healthier platform with FCBGA1964 and DDR5 instead of AM4, and more multi-core headroom with 24 cores / 32 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-13900HX vs Ryzen 5 5600X Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i9-13900HX

The Core i9-13900HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture. It features 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 42,437 points. Launch price was $668.

AMD

Ryzen 5 5600X

The Ryzen 5 5600X 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 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.

Processing Power

The Core i9-13900HX packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i9-13900HX has 18 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Core i9-13900HX versus 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X — a 16% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900HX (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i9-13900HX uses the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13900HX scores 42,437 against the Ryzen 5 5600X's 21,845 — a 64.1% lead for the Core i9-13900HX. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900HX vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X.

FeatureCore i9-13900HXRyzen 5 5600X
Cores / Threads
24 / 32+300%
6 / 12
Boost Clock
5.4 GHz+17%
4.6 GHz
Base Clock
2.2 GHz
3.7 GHz+68%
L3 Cache
36 MB (total)+13%
32 MB
L2 Cache
2 MB (per core)
512K (per core)+25500%
Process
Intel 7 nm
7 nm, 12 nm
Architecture
Raptor Lake-HX (2023)
Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022)
PassMark
42,437+94%
21,845
Cinebench R23 Multi
29,493
Geekbench 6 Single
2,878
Geekbench 6 Multi
14,944
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-13900HX uses the FCBGA1964 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200 on the Core i9-13900HX versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600X — the Core i9-13900HX supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-13900HX supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13900HX) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) — the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM770,WM790 (Core i9-13900HX) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X).

FeatureCore i9-13900HXRyzen 5 5600X
Socket
FCBGA1964
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200+75%
DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB+50%
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
20
24+20%
🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i9-13900HX) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600X). The Core i9-13900HX includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen 5 5600X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-13900HX targets Performance Gaming / Mobile Workstation, Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i9-13900HX rivals Ryzen 9 7945HX.

FeatureCore i9-13900HXRyzen 5 5600X
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 770
Unlocked
Yes
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
AMD-V
Target Use
Performance Gaming / Mobile Workstation
Desktop