Core i9-13900KS vs Xeon Gold 5512U

Intel

Core i9-13900KS

24 Cores32 Thrd150 WWMax: 5.8 GHz2023
Core family
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VS
Intel

Xeon Gold 5512U

28 Cores56 Thrd185 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2023
Similar parts
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Core i9-13900KS vs Xeon Gold 5512U 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 i9-13900KS vs Xeon Gold 5512U 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 i9-13900KS vs Xeon Gold 5512U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-13900KS

2023

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +38.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $531 less on MSRP ($699 MSRP vs $1,230 MSRP).
  • Delivers 76.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 86.6 vs 49.1 PassMark/$ ($699 MSRP vs $1,230 MSRP).
  • Draws 150W instead of 185W, a 35W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 770, while Xeon Gold 5512U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (36 MB vs 53 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Gold 5512U, which brings 28 cores / 56 threads and 80 PCIe lanes.
  • No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon Gold 5512U

2023

Why buy it

  • +45.8% larger total L3 cache (53 MB vs 36 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 28 cores / 56 threads, plus 80 PCIe lanes vs 20.
  • 300% more PCIe lanes (80 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-13900KS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (60,367 vs 60,543).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 49.1 vs 86.6 PassMark/$ ($1,230 MSRP vs $699 MSRP).
  • 23.3% higher power demand at 185W vs 150W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i9-13900KS can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-13900KS better than Xeon Gold 5512U?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Gold 5512U makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-13900KS is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i9-13900KS is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 38.8% 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 i9-13900KS is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 24 cores and 32 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i9-13900KS is the better buy right now. Core i9-13900KS comes in $531 cheaper on MSRP at $699 MSRP versus $1,230 MSRP, and it still gives you a 38.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 76.5% better value on MSRP (86.6 vs 49.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon Gold 5512U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 45.8% larger total L3 cache (53 MB vs 36 MB) and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i9-13900KS vs Xeon Gold 5512U Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Xeon Gold 5512U

The Xeon Gold 5512U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 December 2023 (1 year ago). It is based on the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture. It features 28 cores and 56 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 52.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 185 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 60,367 points. Launch price was $1,230.

Processing Power

The Core i9-13900KS packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon Gold 5512U offers 28 cores / 56 threads — the Xeon Gold 5512U has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.8 GHz on the Core i9-13900KS versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Gold 5512U — a 44.2% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900KS (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i9-13900KS uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon Gold 5512U uses Emerald Rapids (2023) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13900KS scores 60,543 against the Xeon Gold 5512U's 60,367 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i9-13900KS. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900KS vs 52.5 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 5512U.

FeatureCore i9-13900KSXeon Gold 5512U
Cores / Threads
24 / 32
28 / 56+17%
Boost Clock
5.8 GHz+57%
3.7 GHz
Base Clock
3.2 GHz+52%
2.1 GHz
L3 Cache
36 MB (total)
52.5 MB (total)+46%
L2 Cache
2 MB (per core)
2 MB (per core)
Process
Intel 7 nm
Intel 7 nm
Architecture
Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
Emerald Rapids (2023)
PassMark
60,543
60,367
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 Xeon Gold 5512U uses LGA4677 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i9-13900KS versus 4800 on the Xeon Gold 5512U — the Core i9-13900KS supports 16.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 5512U supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB 2033.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-13900KS) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 5512U). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13900KS) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 5512U) — the Xeon Gold 5512U offers 60 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760 (Core i9-13900KS) and C741 (Xeon Gold 5512U).

FeatureCore i9-13900KSXeon Gold 5512U
Socket
LGA1700
LGA4677
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-5600+17%
4800
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB
4096 GB+2033%
RAM Channels
2
8+300%
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
20
80+300%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-13900KS has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon Gold 5512U supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: true (Core i9-13900KS) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 5512U). The Core i9-13900KS includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Xeon Gold 5512U requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-13900KS rivals Ryzen 9 7950X; Xeon Gold 5512U rivals EPYC 9354.

FeatureCore i9-13900KSXeon Gold 5512U
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel UHD Graphics 770
None
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
true
VT-x, VT-d
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-13900KS was priced at $699, while the Xeon Gold 5512U came in at $1230. On launch pricing ($699 vs $1230), Core i9-13900KS was $531 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13900KS delivers 86.6 pts/$ vs 49.1 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 5512U — making the Core i9-13900KS the 55.3% better value option.

FeatureCore i9-13900KSXeon Gold 5512U
MSRP
$699-43%
$1230
Performance per Dollar
86.6+76%
49.1
Release Date
2023
2023

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