Core i9-13980HX vs EPYC 7542
Core i9-13980HX
EPYC 7542
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 i9-13980HX
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7542
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-13980HX | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($899) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-HX (2023) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-13980HX | EPYC 7542 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($899) |
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 i9-13980HX and EPYC 7542
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)+300% | 512K (per core) |
| 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 54.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7542 supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 192 — 182.1% 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 | ✅ | ✅ |
| 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 |
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