CPU
GPU
Core i9-13900KS
EPYC 7642
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 i9-13900KS
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7642
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-13900KS | EPYC 7642 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($580) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($850) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-13900KS | EPYC 7642 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+50%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($580) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($850) |
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 i9-13900KS and EPYC 7642
Core i9-13900KS
The Core i9-13900KS is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.8 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): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 60,543 points. Launch price was $699.
EPYC 7642
The EPYC 7642 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 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 225 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 59,333 points. Launch price was $4,775.
Processing Power
The Core i9-13900KS packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the EPYC 7642 offers 48 cores / 96 threads — the EPYC 7642 has 24 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.8 GHz on the Core i9-13900KS versus 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7642 — a 52.2% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900KS (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i9-13900KS uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 7642 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13900KS scores 60,543 against the EPYC 7642's 59,333 — a 2% lead for the Core i9-13900KS. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900KS vs 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 7642.
| Feature | Core i9-13900KS | EPYC 7642 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 32 | 48 / 96+100% |
| Boost Clock | 5.8 GHz+71% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+33% | 2.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total) | 256 MB (total)+611% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+300% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 7 nm, 14 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 60,543+2% | 59,333 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 40,998 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 3,123 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 21,421 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-13900KS uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 7642 uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i9-13900KS versus 3200 on the EPYC 7642 — the EPYC 7642 supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7642 supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 192 GB — 182.1% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-13900KS) vs 8 (EPYC 7642). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13900KS) vs 128 (EPYC 7642) — the EPYC 7642 offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760 (Core i9-13900KS) and SP3 (EPYC 7642).
| Feature | Core i9-13900KS | EPYC 7642 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600 | 3200+63900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB+4915100% | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 128+540% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-13900KS has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core i9-13900KS) vs VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 7642). The Core i9-13900KS includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the EPYC 7642 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-13900KS rivals Ryzen 9 7950X; EPYC 7642 rivals Xeon Platinum 8380.
| Feature | Core i9-13900KS | EPYC 7642 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-13900KS launched at $699 MSRP, while the EPYC 7642 debuted at $4775. At current prices ($580 vs $850), the Core i9-13900KS is $270 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13900KS delivers 104.4 pts/$ vs 69.8 pts/$ for the EPYC 7642 — making the Core i9-13900KS the 39.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-13900KS | EPYC 7642 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $699-85% | $4775 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $580-32% | $850 |
| Performance per Dollar | 104.4+50% | 69.8 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2019 |
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