Core Ultra 7 256V vs Core i5-13600K
Core Ultra 7 256V
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 Ultra 7 256V
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 7 256V | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) | ✅ More affordable ($319) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Lunar Lake (2024) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 7 256V | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+111%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) | ✅ 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 Ultra 7 256V and Core i5-13600K
Core Ultra 7 256V
The Core Ultra 7 256V is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 September 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 2.5 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2833. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 19,579 points. Launch price was $299.
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 Ultra 7 256V packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-13600K offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i5-13600K has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 256V versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K — a 6.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600K (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core Ultra 7 256V uses the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture (3 nm), while the Core i5-13600K uses Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 7 256V scores 19,579 against the Core i5-13600K's 37,655 — a 63.2% lead for the Core i5-13600K. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 7 256V vs 24 MB on the Core i5-13600K.
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 256V | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8 | 14 / 20+75% |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz | 5.1 GHz+6% |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3.5 GHz+59% |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 24 MB+100% |
| L2 Cache | 2.5 MB (per core)+25% | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-57% | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Lunar Lake (2024) | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) |
| PassMark | 19,579 | 37,655+92% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 10,065 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,658 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 11,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 7 256V uses the FCBGA2833 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-13600K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR5x 8533 MT/s on the Core Ultra 7 256V versus DDR5-5600 on the Core i5-13600K — the Core Ultra 7 256V supports 200% 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 16 GB — 169.2% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (Core Ultra 7 256V) vs 20 (Core i5-13600K) — the Core i5-13600K offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Lunar Lake (Core Ultra 7 256V) and Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i5-13600K).
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 256V | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA2833 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | LPDDR5x 8533 MT/s | DDR5-5600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 192 GB+1100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 8 | 20+150% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-13600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core Ultra 7 256V) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13600K). Both include integrated graphics — Intel Arc Graphics 140V (Core Ultra 7 256V) and UHD Graphics 770 (Core i5-13600K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 7 256V targets Mobile, Core i5-13600K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 256V | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel Arc Graphics 140V | UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Mobile | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core Ultra 7 256V launched at $450 MSRP, while the Core i5-13600K debuted at $329. At current prices ($350 vs $319), the Core i5-13600K is $31 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 7 256V delivers 55.9 pts/$ vs 118.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-13600K — making the Core i5-13600K the 71.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 256V | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $450 | $329-27% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $350 | $319-9% |
| Performance per Dollar | 55.9 | 118.0+111% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2022 |
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