Core i9-9990XE
VS
Core i9-13905H

Core i9-9990XE vs Core i9-13905H

Intel

Core i9-9990XE

14 Cores28 Thrd255 WWMax: 5.1 GHz2019
VS
Intel

Core i9-13905H

14 Cores20 Thrd45 WWMax: 5.4 GHz2023

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i9-9990XE

#1
Xeon Platinum 8454H
MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A
13781%
#1
Core i9-9990XE
MSRP: $2000|Avg: N/A
100%
#2
Xeon W-11855M
MSRP: $450|Avg: $200
257%
#3
Xeon W-11955M
MSRP: $623|Avg: $450
231%
#4
Xeon W-11865MLE
MSRP: $467|Avg: $350
226%
#5
Xeon W-11865MRE
MSRP: $600|Avg: $600
217%
#6
Xeon Gold 6240R
MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A
2602%
#10
Xeon 6337P
MSRP: $60|Avg: $5
2312%
#15
EPYC 9174F
MSRP: $194|Avg: $30
1786%
#16
EPYC 7302
MSRP: $978|Avg: $109
1777%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core i9-13905H

#153
Core i7-1370P
MSRP: $438|Avg: $280
107%
#158
Core i9-13900H
MSRP: $617|Avg: N/A
104%
#161
Core Ultra 7 268V
MSRP: $450|Avg: $400
102%
#162
Core Ultra 7 256V
MSRP: $450|Avg: $350
102%
#166
Core i9-13905H
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#167
Core Ultra 7 258V
MSRP: $450|Avg: $400
98%
#169
Core i7-1280P
MSRP: $482|Avg: $482
97%
#173
Core Ultra 5 238V
MSRP: $454|Avg: $454
94%
#176
Core i9-13900HK
MSRP: $697|Avg: N/A
91%
#178
Core i7-1360P
MSRP: $480|Avg: $280
90%
#179
Core i7-1260P
MSRP: $432|Avg: $432
90%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Performance Trade-off: The Core i9-13905H leads in gaming performance. However, the Core i9-9990XE is the stronger candidate for professional workloads, offering 1.2% greater multi-core processing power.
InsightCore i9-9990XECore i9-13905H
Gaming
Lower gaming performance
Superior gaming performance
Workstation
Better multi-core power
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Price
⚠️ Higher cost ($2,000)
More affordable ($0)
Longevity
✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm)
✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

InsightCore i9-9990XECore i9-13905H
Cost Efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost
⚠️ Higher cost ($2,000)
More affordable ($0)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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 i9-9990XE and Core i9-13905H

Intel

Core i9-9990XE

The Core i9-9990XE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 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): 255 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 30,162 points. Launch price was $2,800.

Intel

Core i9-13905H

The Core i9-13905H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1792. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200, DDR4-3200, LPDDR4x-4267. Passmark benchmark score: 29,807 points. Launch price was $697.

Processing Power

The Core i9-9990XE packs 14 cores / 28 threads, matching the Core i9-13905H's 14 cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-9990XE versus 5.4 GHz on the Core i9-13905H — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Core i9-13905H (base: 4 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i9-9990XE uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-13905H uses Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9990XE scores 30,162 against the Core i9-13905H's 29,807 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i9-9990XE. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,392 vs 2,300, a 49.2% lead for the Core i9-13905H that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 16,199 vs 14,000 (14.6% advantage for the Core i9-9990XE). L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9990XE vs 24 MB (total) on the Core i9-13905H.

FeatureCore i9-9990XECore i9-13905H
Cores / Threads
14 / 28
14 / 20
Boost Clock
5.1 GHz
5.4 GHz+6%
Base Clock
4 GHz+54%
2.6 GHz
L3 Cache
19.25 MB (total)
24 MB (total)+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-H (2023−2024)
PassMark
30,162+1%
29,807
Cinebench R23 Multi
19,384
Geekbench 6 Single
1,392
2,300+65%
Geekbench 6 Multi
16,199+16%
14,000
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-9990XE uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i9-13905H uses FCBGA1792 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9990XE versus DDR5-5200 on the Core i9-13905H — the Core i9-13905H supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-9990XE supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-9990XE) vs 2 (Core i9-13905H). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9990XE) vs 12 (Core i9-13905H) — the Core i9-9990XE offers 32 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i9-9990XE) and WM790,HM770 (Core i9-13905H).

FeatureCore i9-9990XECore i9-13905H
Socket
LGA2066
FCBGA1792
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
DDR5-5200+25%
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB+100%
64 GB
RAM Channels
4+100%
2
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
44+267%
12
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-9990XE has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i9-9990XE supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i9-13905H includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe 96EU), while the Core i9-9990XE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-9990XE targets HEDT, Core i9-13905H targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i9-9990XE rivals Threadripper 2970WX; Core i9-13905H rivals Ryzen 9 7940HS.

FeatureCore i9-9990XECore i9-13905H
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Iris Xe 96EU
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
Yes
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
HEDT
Workstation