Core i9-13900KS vs Xeon Platinum 8380

Intel

Core i9-13900KS

24 Cores32 Thrd150 WWMax: 5.8 GHz2023
Core family
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VS
Intel

Xeon Platinum 8380

40 Cores80 Thrd270 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2021
Similar parts
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Core i9-13900KS vs Xeon Platinum 8380 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 Platinum 8380 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 Platinum 8380: 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: +28.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $1,311 less on MSRP ($699 MSRP vs $2,010 MSRP).
  • Delivers 179.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 86.6 vs 31.0 PassMark/$ ($699 MSRP vs $2,010 MSRP).
  • Draws 150W instead of 270W, a 120W reduction.
  • Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA4189 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (21,421 vs 40,000).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (36 MB vs 60 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Platinum 8380, which brings 40 cores / 80 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.

Xeon Platinum 8380

2021

Why buy it

  • +86.7% higher Geekbench multi-core.
  • +66.7% larger total L3 cache (60 MB vs 36 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 40 cores / 80 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 20.
  • 220% more PCIe lanes (64 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 per dollar, at 31.0 vs 86.6 PassMark/$ ($2,010 MSRP vs $699 MSRP).
  • 80% higher power demand at 270W vs 150W.
  • Older platform position on LGA4189 with DDR4, while Core i9-13900KS moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.
  • 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 Platinum 8380?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Platinum 8380 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 streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon Platinum 8380 is the stronger fit. You are getting 86.7% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 40 cores and 80 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 66.7% larger total L3 cache (60 MB vs 36 MB).
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 $1,311 cheaper on MSRP at $699 MSRP versus $2,010 MSRP, and it still gives you a 28.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon Platinum 8380 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 86.7% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 179.4% better value on MSRP (86.6 vs 31.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i9-13900KS makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2021) and a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA4189. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-13900KS vs Xeon Platinum 8380 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 Platinum 8380

The Xeon Platinum 8380 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2021-04-06. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 40 cores and 80 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 60 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 270 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 62,318 points. Launch price was $5,846.

Processing Power

The Core i9-13900KS packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon Platinum 8380 offers 40 cores / 80 threads — the Xeon Platinum 8380 has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.8 GHz on the Core i9-13900KS versus 3.4 GHz on the Xeon Platinum 8380 — a 52.2% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900KS (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i9-13900KS uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon Platinum 8380 uses Ice Lake-SP (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13900KS scores 60,543 against the Xeon Platinum 8380's 62,318 — a 2.9% lead for the Xeon Platinum 8380. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 3,123 vs 1,300, a 82.4% lead for the Core i9-13900KS that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 21,421 vs 40,000 (60.5% advantage for the Xeon Platinum 8380). L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900KS vs 60 MB (total) on the Xeon Platinum 8380.

FeatureCore i9-13900KSXeon Platinum 8380
Cores / Threads
24 / 32
40 / 80+67%
Boost Clock
5.8 GHz+71%
3.4 GHz
Base Clock
3.2 GHz+39%
2.3 GHz
L3 Cache
36 MB (total)
60 MB (total)+67%
L2 Cache
2 MB (per core)+100%
1 MB (per core)
Process
Intel 7 nm-30%
10 nm
Architecture
Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
Ice Lake-SP (2021)
PassMark
60,543
62,318+3%
Cinebench R23 Multi
40,998
Geekbench 6 Single
3,123+140%
1,300
Geekbench 6 Multi
21,421
40,000+87%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-13900KS uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Platinum 8380 uses LGA4189 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i9-13900KS versus DDR4-3200 on the Xeon Platinum 8380 — the Core i9-13900KS supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Platinum 8380 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB 3100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-13900KS) vs 8 (Xeon Platinum 8380). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13900KS) vs 64 (Xeon Platinum 8380) — the Xeon Platinum 8380 offers 44 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760 (Core i9-13900KS) and C621A (Xeon Platinum 8380).

FeatureCore i9-13900KSXeon Platinum 8380
Socket
LGA1700
LGA4189
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-5600+75%
DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB
6144 GB+3100%
RAM Channels
2
8+300%
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
20
64+220%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-13900KS has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon Platinum 8380 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: true (Core i9-13900KS) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Platinum 8380). The Core i9-13900KS includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Xeon Platinum 8380 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon Platinum 8380 targets Datacenter. Direct competitor: Core i9-13900KS rivals Ryzen 9 7950X; Xeon Platinum 8380 rivals EPYC 7543.

FeatureCore i9-13900KSXeon Platinum 8380
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel UHD Graphics 770
None
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
true
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Datacenter
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-13900KS was priced at $699, while the Xeon Platinum 8380 came in at $2010. On launch pricing ($699 vs $2010), Core i9-13900KS was $1311 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13900KS delivers 86.6 pts/$ vs 31.0 pts/$ for the Xeon Platinum 8380 — making the Core i9-13900KS the 94.6% better value option.

FeatureCore i9-13900KSXeon Platinum 8380
MSRP
$699-65%
$2010
Performance per Dollar
86.6+179%
31.0
Release Date
2023
2021

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