Core i9-13900KS vs Ryzen 9 7950X
Core i9-13900KS
Ryzen 9 7950X
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 Ryzen 9 7950X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-13900KS | Ryzen 9 7950X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($580) | ✅ More affordable ($20) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raphael (Zen 4) (2022) / 5 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-13900KS | Ryzen 9 7950X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2886%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($580) | ✅ More affordable ($20) |
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 Ryzen 9 7950X
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.
Ryzen 9 7950X
The Ryzen 9 7950X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2022-09-27. It is based on the Raphael (Zen 4) (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 4.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.7 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 170 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 62,343 points. Launch price was $699.
Processing Power
The Core i9-13900KS packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the Ryzen 9 7950X offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Core i9-13900KS has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.8 GHz on the Core i9-13900KS versus 5.7 GHz on the Ryzen 9 7950X — a 1.7% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900KS (base: 3.2 GHz vs 4.5 GHz). The Core i9-13900KS uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen 9 7950X uses Raphael (Zen 4) (2022) (5 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13900KS scores 60,543 against the Ryzen 9 7950X's 62,343 — a 2.9% lead for the Ryzen 9 7950X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 40,998 vs 37,452 (9% advantage for the Core i9-13900KS). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 3,123 vs 2,976, a 4.8% lead for the Core i9-13900KS that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 21,421 vs 19,297 (10.4% advantage for the Core i9-13900KS). L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900KS vs 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen 9 7950X.
| Feature | Core i9-13900KS | Ryzen 9 7950X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 32+50% | 16 / 32 |
| Boost Clock | 5.8 GHz+2% | 5.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 4.5 GHz+41% |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total) | 64 MB (total)+78% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+100% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 5 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) | Raphael (Zen 4) (2022) |
| PassMark | 60,543 | 62,343+3% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 40,998+9% | 37,452 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 3,123+5% | 2,976 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 21,421+11% | 19,297 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-13900KS uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 9 7950X uses AM5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-5600 memory speed. The Core i9-13900KS supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13900KS) vs 24 (Ryzen 9 7950X) — the Ryzen 9 7950X offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760 (Core i9-13900KS) and X670E,X670,B650E,B650 (Ryzen 9 7950X).
| Feature | Core i9-13900KS | Ryzen 9 7950X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | AM5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600 | DDR5-5200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB+50% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Ryzen 9 7950X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-13900KS) and Radeon Graphics (2 Cores) (Ryzen 9 7950X) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-13900KS rivals Ryzen 9 7950X; Ryzen 9 7950X rivals Core i9-13900K.
| Feature | Core i9-13900KS | Ryzen 9 7950X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Radeon Graphics (2 Cores) |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | true | true |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-13900KS launched at $699 MSRP, while the Ryzen 9 7950X debuted at $194. At current prices ($580 vs $20), the Ryzen 9 7950X is $560 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13900KS delivers 104.4 pts/$ vs 3117.2 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 7950X — making the Ryzen 9 7950X the 187% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-13900KS | Ryzen 9 7950X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $699 | $194-72% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $580 | $20-97% |
| Performance per Dollar | 104.4 | 3117.2+2886% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2022 |
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