Core i9-13900KS vs Xeon Gold 6542Y
Core i9-13900KS
Xeon Gold 6542Y
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 Xeon Gold 6542Y
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-13900KS | Xeon Gold 6542Y |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($580) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,878) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Emerald Rapids (2023) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-13900KS | Xeon Gold 6542Y |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+399%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($580) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,878) |
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 Xeon Gold 6542Y
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.
Xeon Gold 6542Y
The Xeon Gold 6542Y 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 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 60 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 250 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 60,144 points. Launch price was $2,878.
Processing Power
The Core i9-13900KS packs 24 cores / 32 threads, matching the Xeon Gold 6542Y's 24 cores. Boost clocks reach 5.8 GHz on the Core i9-13900KS versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6542Y — a 34.3% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900KS (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i9-13900KS uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6542Y uses Emerald Rapids (2023) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13900KS scores 60,543 against the Xeon Gold 6542Y's 60,144 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i9-13900KS. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900KS vs 60 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6542Y.
| Feature | Core i9-13900KS | Xeon Gold 6542Y |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 32 | 24 / 48 |
| Boost Clock | 5.8 GHz+41% | 4.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+10% | 2.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total) | 60 MB (total)+67% |
| 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 | 60,144 |
| 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 6542Y uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i9-13900KS versus 4800 on the Xeon Gold 6542Y — the Xeon Gold 6542Y supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6542Y 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 (Xeon Gold 6542Y). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13900KS) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 6542Y) — the Xeon Gold 6542Y offers 60 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760 (Core i9-13900KS) and C741 (Xeon Gold 6542Y).
| Feature | Core i9-13900KS | Xeon Gold 6542Y |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600 | 4800+95900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB+4915100% | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| 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 6542Y supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: true (Core i9-13900KS) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 6542Y). The Core i9-13900KS includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Xeon Gold 6542Y requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-13900KS rivals Ryzen 9 7950X; Xeon Gold 6542Y rivals EPYC 9354.
| Feature | Core i9-13900KS | Xeon Gold 6542Y |
|---|---|---|
| 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
The Core i9-13900KS launched at $699 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6542Y debuted at $2878.
| Feature | Core i9-13900KS | Xeon Gold 6542Y |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $699-76% | $2878 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $580 | — |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2023 |
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