Core i9-13950HX vs Ryzen 9 5900X
Core i9-13950HX
Ryzen 9 5900X
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 i9-13950HX
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 9 5900X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-13950HX | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($199) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-HX (2023) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-13950HX | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+85%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($199) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) |
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 i9-13950HX and Ryzen 9 5900X
Core i9-13950HX
The Core i9-13950HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture. It features 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.5 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 41,012 points. Launch price was $590.
Ryzen 9 5900X
The Ryzen 9 5900X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 38,955 points. Launch price was $549.
Processing Power
The Core i9-13950HX packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Core i9-13950HX has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.5 GHz on the Core i9-13950HX versus 4.8 GHz on the Ryzen 9 5900X — a 13.6% clock advantage for the Core i9-13950HX (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i9-13950HX uses the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13950HX scores 41,012 against the Ryzen 9 5900X's 38,955 — a 5.1% lead for the Core i9-13950HX. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13950HX vs 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 5900X.
| Feature | Core i9-13950HX | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 32+100% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 5.5 GHz+15% | 4.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3.7 GHz+68% |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total) | 64 MB+78% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+300% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-HX (2023) | Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) |
| PassMark | 41,012+5% | 38,955 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 21,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,174 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 11,888 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-13950HX uses the FCBGA1964 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 5600 on the Core i9-13950HX versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 5900X — the Core i9-13950HX supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-13950HX supports up to 192 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13950HX) vs 24 (Ryzen 9 5900X) — the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Raptor Lake-HX (Core i9-13950HX) and A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,B550,X570 (Ryzen 9 5900X).
| Feature | Core i9-13950HX | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1964 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 5600+139900% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 | 128 GB+69904967% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Core i9-13950HX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-13950HX) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 9 5900X). The Core i9-13950HX includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics), while the Ryzen 9 5900X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 9 5900X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i9-13950HX rivals M3 Max 16-Core; Ryzen 9 5900X rivals Core i9-12900K.
| Feature | Core i9-13950HX | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-13950HX launched at $590 MSRP, while the Ryzen 9 5900X debuted at $549. At current prices ($199 vs $350), the Core i9-13950HX is $151 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13950HX delivers 206.1 pts/$ vs 111.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 5900X — making the Core i9-13950HX the 59.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-13950HX | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $590 | $549-7% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $199-43% | $350 |
| Performance per Dollar | 206.1+85% | 111.3 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2020 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i9-13950HX and Ryzen 9 5900X
