Core i9-13900KS vs Core i5-13600K
Core i9-13900KS
Core i5-13600K
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 Core i5-13600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-13900KS | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($580) | ✅ More affordable ($319) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-13900KS | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+13%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($580) | ✅ More affordable ($319) |
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 Core i5-13600K
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.
Core i5-13600K
The Core i5-13600K 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 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB. 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: 37,655 points. Launch price was $319.
Processing Power
The Core i9-13900KS packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the Core i5-13600K offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-13900KS has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.8 GHz on the Core i9-13900KS versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K — a 12.8% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900KS (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i9-13900KS uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i5-13600K uses Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13900KS scores 60,543 against the Core i5-13600K's 37,655 — a 46.6% lead for the Core i9-13900KS. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900KS vs 24 MB on the Core i5-13600K.
| Feature | Core i9-13900KS | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 32+71% | 14 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 5.8 GHz+14% | 5.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.5 GHz+9% |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total)+50% | 24 MB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) |
| PassMark | 60,543+61% | 37,655 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 40,998 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 3,123 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 21,421 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to DDR5-5600 memory speed. Both support up to 192 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760 (Core i9-13900KS) and Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i5-13600K).
| Feature | Core i9-13900KS | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600 | DDR5-5600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB | 192 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i9-13900KS) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13600K). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-13900KS) and UHD Graphics 770 (Core i5-13600K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13600K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i9-13900KS rivals Ryzen 9 7950X.
| Feature | Core i9-13900KS | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-13900KS launched at $699 MSRP, while the Core i5-13600K debuted at $329. At current prices ($580 vs $319), the Core i5-13600K is $261 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13900KS delivers 104.4 pts/$ vs 118.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-13600K — making the Core i5-13600K the 12.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-13900KS | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $699 | $329-53% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $580 | $319-45% |
| Performance per Dollar | 104.4 | 118.0+13% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2022 |
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