Core i9-13900K
EPYC 7552
Core i9-13900K vs EPYC 7552 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 i9-13900K vs EPYC 7552 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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Among Us
Apex Legends
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Core i9-13900K vs EPYC 7552: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict
See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.
Core i9-13900K
2022Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +40.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Costs $3,426 less on MSRP ($599 MSRP vs $4,025 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 583.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 97.5 vs 14.3 PassMark/$ ($599 MSRP vs $4,025 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 125W instead of 200W, a 75W reduction.
- ✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of SP3 and DDR4.
Trade-offs
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (36 MB vs 192 MB).
- ❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 7552, which brings 48 cores / 96 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.
EPYC 7552
2019Why buy it
- ✅+433.3% larger total L3 cache (192 MB vs 36 MB).
- ✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 48 cores / 96 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 20.
- ✅540% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-13900K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower PassMark (57,414 vs 58,373).
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.3 vs 97.5 PassMark/$ ($4,025 MSRP vs $599 MSRP).
- ❌60% higher power demand at 200W vs 125W.
- ❌Older platform position on SP3 with DDR4, while Core i9-13900K moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.
Quick Answers
So, is Core i9-13900K better than EPYC 7552?
Which one is better for gaming?
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i9-13900K vs EPYC 7552 Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
Core i9-13900K
The Core i9-13900K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture. It features 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 5.7 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: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 58,373 points. Launch price was $589.
EPYC 7552
The EPYC 7552 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 48 cores and 96 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 192 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 57,414 points. Launch price was $4,025.
Processing Power
The Core i9-13900K packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the EPYC 7552 offers 48 cores / 96 threads — the EPYC 7552 has 24 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.7 GHz on the Core i9-13900K versus 3.3 GHz on the EPYC 7552 — a 53.3% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900K (base: 3 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i9-13900K uses the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 7552 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13900K scores 58,373 against the EPYC 7552's 57,414 — a 1.7% lead for the Core i9-13900K. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900K vs 192 MB (total) on the EPYC 7552.
| Feature | Core i9-13900K | EPYC 7552 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 32 | 48 / 96+100% |
| Boost Clock | 5.7 GHz+73% | 3.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz+36% | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total) | 192 MB (total)+433% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+300% | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 7 nm, 14 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 58,373+2% | 57,414 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 40,000 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,985 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 19,967 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-13900K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 7552 uses SP3 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i9-13900K versus 3200 on the EPYC 7552 — the Core i9-13900K supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7552 supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 2033.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-13900K) vs 8 (EPYC 7552). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13900K) vs 128 (EPYC 7552) — the EPYC 7552 offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel Z790,Intel Z690 (Core i9-13900K) and SP3 (EPYC 7552).
| Feature | Core i9-13900K | EPYC 7552 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | SP3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600+75% | 3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB | 4096 GB+2033% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | Yes | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 128+540% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-13900K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core i9-13900K) vs VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 7552). The Core i9-13900K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the EPYC 7552 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-13900K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: EPYC 7552 rivals Xeon Platinum 8362.
| Feature | Core i9-13900K | EPYC 7552 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
At launch, the Core i9-13900K was priced at $599, while the EPYC 7552 came in at $4025. On launch pricing ($599 vs $4025), Core i9-13900K was $3426 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13900K delivers 97.5 pts/$ vs 14.3 pts/$ for the EPYC 7552 — making the Core i9-13900K the 148.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-13900K | EPYC 7552 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $599-85% | $4025 |
| Performance per Dollar | 97.5+582% | 14.3 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2019 |
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