Core i9-13980HX vs Ryzen 9 5950X

CPU

GPU

Core i9-13980HX

24 Cores32 Thrd55 WWMax: 5.5 GHz2023

Core family

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Ryzen 9 5950X

16 Cores32 Thrd105 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2020

Ryzen family

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Core i9-13980HX vs Ryzen 9 5950X Performance Spectrum

Core i9-13980HX

24 / 32

45,950

+1.3%

45,353

0.0%

Ryzen 5 8600G

Ryzen 9 8945H

Ryzen AI 9 HX 370

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9975WX

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 Ryzen 9 5950X 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 i9-13980HX vs Ryzen 9 5950X: 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

2023

Why buy it

✅Costs $131 less on MSRP ($668 MSRP vs $799 MSRP).
✅Delivers 21.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 68.8 vs 56.8 PassMark/$ ($668 MSRP vs $799 MSRP).
✅Draws 55W instead of 105W, a 50W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1964 with DDR5 support instead of AM4 and DDR4.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics, while Ryzen 9 5950X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (36 MB vs 64 MB).

Ryzen 9 5950X

2020

Why buy it

✅+77.8% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 36 MB).
✅20% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (45,353 vs 45,950).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 56.8 vs 68.8 PassMark/$ ($799 MSRP vs $668 MSRP).
❌90.9% higher power demand at 105W vs 55W.
❌Older platform position on AM4 with DDR4, while Core i9-13980HX moves to FCBGA1964 and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i9-13980HX can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-13980HX better than Ryzen 9 5950X?

Yes. Core i9-13980HX is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-13980HX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.1% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-13980HX is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 24 cores and 32 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i9-13980HX is the better buy right now. Core i9-13980HX comes in $131 cheaper on MSRP at $668 MSRP versus $799 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 21.2% better value on MSRP (68.8 vs 56.8 PassMark/$), 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 i9-13980HX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2020), a healthier platform with FCBGA1964 and DDR5 instead of AM4, and more multi-core headroom with 24 cores / 32 threads instead of 16/32. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-13980HX vs Ryzen 9 5950X 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.

Ryzen 9 5950X

The Ryzen 9 5950X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 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. Passmark benchmark score: 45,353 points. Launch price was $799.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-13980HX packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the Ryzen 9 5950X offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Core i9-13980HX has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.5 GHz on the Core i9-13980HX versus 4.9 GHz on the Ryzen 9 5950X — a 11.5% clock advantage for the Core i9-13980HX (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i9-13980HX uses the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen 9 5950X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13980HX scores 45,950 against the Ryzen 9 5950X's 45,353 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i9-13980HX. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13980HX vs 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 5950X.

Feature	Core i9-13980HX	Ryzen 9 5950X
Cores / Threads	24 / 32+50%	16 / 32
Boost Clock	5.5 GHz+12%	4.9 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	3.4 GHz+55%
L3 Cache	36 MB (total)	64 MB+78%
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)	512K (per core)+25500%
Process	Intel 7 nm	7 nm, 12 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake-HX (2023)	Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022)
PassMark	45,950+1%	45,353

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-13980HX uses the FCBGA1964 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 9 5950X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 5600 on the Core i9-13980HX versus 3200 on the Ryzen 9 5950X — the Core i9-13980HX supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-13980HX supports up to 192 of RAM compared to 128 — 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13980HX) vs 24 (Ryzen 9 5950X) — the Ryzen 9 5950X offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Raptor Lake-HX (Core i9-13980HX) and AM4 (Ryzen 9 5950X).

Feature	Core i9-13980HX	Ryzen 9 5950X
Socket	FCBGA1964	AM4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	5600+75%	3200
Max RAM Capacity	192+50%	128
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	24+20%

🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Core i9-13980HX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-13980HX) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen 9 5950X). The Core i9-13980HX includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics), while the Ryzen 9 5950X requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-13980HX rivals Ryzen 9 7945HX; Ryzen 9 5950X rivals Core i9-10900K.

Feature	Core i9-13980HX	Ryzen 9 5950X
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics	None
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	Yes	No
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 Ryzen 9 5950X came in at $799. On launch pricing ($668 vs $799), Core i9-13980HX was $131 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13980HX delivers 68.8 pts/$ vs 56.8 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 5950X — making the Core i9-13980HX the 19.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-13980HX	Ryzen 9 5950X
MSRP	$668-16%	$799
Performance per Dollar	68.8+21%	56.8
Release Date	2023	2020

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