Core i9-9990XE vs Core i5-13600K
Core i9-9990XE
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 i9-9990XE
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-9990XE | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,000) | ✅ More affordable ($319) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-9990XE | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+683%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,000) | ✅ More affordable ($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 i9-9990XE and Core i5-13600K
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.
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 i9-9990XE packs 14 cores / 28 threads, matching the Core i5-13600K's 14 cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-9990XE versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K — identical boost frequencies (base: 4 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i9-9990XE 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 i9-9990XE scores 30,162 against the Core i5-13600K's 37,655 — a 22.1% lead for the Core i5-13600K. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9990XE vs 24 MB on the Core i5-13600K.
| Feature | Core i9-9990XE | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 28 | 14 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz | 5.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4 GHz+14% | 3.5 GHz |
| 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 | 30,162 | 37,655+25% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,392 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 16,199 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-9990XE uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-13600K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9990XE versus DDR5-5600 on the Core i5-13600K — the Core i5-13600K supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-13600K supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-9990XE) vs 2 (Core i5-13600K). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9990XE) vs 20 (Core i5-13600K) — the Core i9-9990XE offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i9-9990XE) and Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i5-13600K).
| Feature | Core i9-9990XE | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR5-5600+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 192 GB+50% |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 44+120% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. 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 i5-13600K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i9-9990XE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-9990XE targets HEDT, Core i5-13600K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i9-9990XE rivals Threadripper 2970WX.
| Feature | Core i9-9990XE | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | HEDT | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-9990XE launched at $2000 MSRP, while the Core i5-13600K debuted at $329.
| Feature | Core i9-9990XE | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2000 | $329-84% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $319 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2022 |
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