Core i9-13980HX
EPYC 7542
Core i9-13980HX vs EPYC 7542 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 i9-13980HX vs EPYC 7542 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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Among Us
Apex Legends
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Core i9-13980HX vs EPYC 7542: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict
See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.
Core i9-13980HX
2023Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +20.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Costs $2,732 less on MSRP ($668 MSRP vs $3,400 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 415.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 68.8 vs 13.3 PassMark/$ ($668 MSRP vs $3,400 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 55W instead of 225W, a 170W reduction.
- ✅Newer platform on FCBGA1964 with DDR5 support instead of SP3 and DDR4.
Trade-offs
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (36 MB vs 128 MB).
- ❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 7542, which brings 32 cores / 64 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.
EPYC 7542
2019Why buy it
- ✅+255.6% larger total L3 cache (128 MB vs 36 MB).
- ✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 32 cores / 64 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 20.
- ✅540% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-13980HX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower PassMark (45,359 vs 45,950).
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.3 vs 68.8 PassMark/$ ($3,400 MSRP vs $668 MSRP).
- ❌309.1% higher power demand at 225W vs 55W.
- ❌Older platform position on SP3 with DDR4, while Core i9-13980HX moves to FCBGA1964 and DDR5.
Quick Answers
So, is Core i9-13980HX better than EPYC 7542?
Which one is better for gaming?
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i9-13980HX vs EPYC 7542 Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
Core i9-13980HX
The Core i9-13980HX 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: 45,950 points. Launch price was $668.
EPYC 7542
The EPYC 7542 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 225 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 45,359 points. Launch price was $3,400.
Processing Power
The Core i9-13980HX packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the EPYC 7542 offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the EPYC 7542 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.5 GHz on the Core i9-13980HX versus 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7542 — a 47.2% clock advantage for the Core i9-13980HX (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i9-13980HX uses the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 7542 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13980HX scores 45,950 against the EPYC 7542's 45,359 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i9-13980HX. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13980HX vs 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 7542.
| Feature | Core i9-13980HX | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 32 | 32 / 64+33% |
| Boost Clock | 5.5 GHz+62% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 2.9 GHz+32% |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total) | 128 MB (total)+256% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 512K (per core)+25500% |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 7 nm, 14 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-HX (2023) | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 45,950+1% | 45,359 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-13980HX uses the FCBGA1964 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 7542 uses SP3 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 5600 on the Core i9-13980HX versus 3200 on the EPYC 7542 — the Core i9-13980HX supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7542 supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 192 — 2033.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-13980HX) vs 8 (EPYC 7542). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13980HX) vs 128 (EPYC 7542) — the EPYC 7542 offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Raptor Lake-HX (Core i9-13980HX) and SP3 (EPYC 7542).
| Feature | Core i9-13980HX | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1964 | SP3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 5600+75% | 3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 | 4096+2033% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | Yes | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 128+540% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-13980HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-13980HX) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (EPYC 7542). The Core i9-13980HX includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics), while the EPYC 7542 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-13980HX rivals Ryzen 9 7945HX; EPYC 7542 rivals Xeon Gold 6248R.
| Feature | Core i9-13980HX | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V |
Value Analysis
At launch, the Core i9-13980HX was priced at $668, while the EPYC 7542 came in at $3400. On launch pricing ($668 vs $3400), Core i9-13980HX was $2732 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13980HX delivers 68.8 pts/$ vs 13.3 pts/$ for the EPYC 7542 — making the Core i9-13980HX the 135% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-13980HX | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $668-80% | $3400 |
| Performance per Dollar | 68.8+417% | 13.3 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2019 |
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