Core i9-13980HX vs Ryzen 9 5950X
Core i9-13980HX
Ryzen 9 5950X
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 Ryzen 9 5950X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-13980HX | Ryzen 9 5950X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-HX (2023) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-13980HX | Ryzen 9 5950X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ 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 i9-13980HX and Ryzen 9 5950X
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.
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)+300% | 512K (per core) |
| 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 54.5% 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 — 40% 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 | ✅ | ✅ |
| 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 |
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