Core i9-7940X vs Core i5-13600K
Core i9-7940X
Core i5-13600K
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 i9-7940X
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-7940X | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($275) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-7940X | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+28%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($275) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) |
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 i9-7940X and Core i5-13600K
Core i9-7940X
The Core i9-7940X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 25,452 points. Launch price was $1,399.
Core i5-13600K
The Core i5-13600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 37,655 points. Launch price was $319.
Processing Power
The Core i9-7940X packs 14 cores / 28 threads, matching the Core i5-13600K's 14 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i9-7940X versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K — a 14.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600K (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i9-7940X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-13600K uses Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-7940X scores 25,452 against the Core i5-13600K's 37,655 — a 38.7% lead for the Core i5-13600K. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-7940X vs 24 MB on the Core i5-13600K.
| Feature | Core i9-7940X | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 28 | 14 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz | 5.1 GHz+16% |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.5 GHz+13% |
| L3 Cache | 19.25 MB (total) | 24 MB+25% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 14 nm | Intel 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) |
| PassMark | 25,452 | 37,655+48% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-7940X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-13600K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i9-7940X | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR5-5600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 192 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 20 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i9-7940X) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13600K). The Core i5-13600K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i9-7940X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13600K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i9-7940X | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-7940X launched at $1399 MSRP, while the Core i5-13600K debuted at $329. At current prices ($275 vs $319), the Core i9-7940X is $44 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-7940X delivers 92.6 pts/$ vs 118.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-13600K — making the Core i5-13600K the 24.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-7940X | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1399 | $329-76% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $275-14% | $319 |
| Performance per Dollar | 92.6 | 118.0+27% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2022 |
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