EPYC 9254 vs Core i5-13600K
EPYC 9254
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 EPYC 9254
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 9254 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,099) | ✅ More affordable ($319) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Genoa (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 9254 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+102%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,099) | ✅ 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 EPYC 9254 and Core i5-13600K
EPYC 9254
The EPYC 9254 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 November 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.15 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 64,344 points. Launch price was $2,299.
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 EPYC 9254 packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Core i5-13600K offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the EPYC 9254 has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.15 GHz on the EPYC 9254 versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K — a 20.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600K (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The EPYC 9254 uses the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture (5 nm, 6 nm), while the Core i5-13600K uses Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9254 scores 64,344 against the Core i5-13600K's 37,655 — a 52.3% lead for the EPYC 9254. L3 cache: 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 9254 vs 24 MB on the Core i5-13600K.
| Feature | EPYC 9254 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48+71% | 14 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 4.15 GHz | 5.1 GHz+23% |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz | 3.5 GHz+21% |
| L3 Cache | 128 MB (total)+433% | 24 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 5 nm, 6 nm-29% | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Genoa (2022−2023) | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) |
| PassMark | 64,344+71% | 37,655 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,233 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 18,023 | — |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9254 uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-13600K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. The EPYC 9254 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9254) vs 2 (Core i5-13600K). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9254) vs 20 (Core i5-13600K) — the EPYC 9254 offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9254) and Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i5-13600K).
| Feature | EPYC 9254 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP5 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | DDR5-5600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144 GB+3100% | 192 GB |
| RAM Channels | 12+500% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+540% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-13600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the EPYC 9254 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (EPYC 9254) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13600K). The Core i5-13600K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the EPYC 9254 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: EPYC 9254 targets Enterprise Server, Core i5-13600K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: EPYC 9254 rivals Xeon Platinum 8468.
| Feature | EPYC 9254 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Enterprise Server | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 9254 launched at $3761 MSRP, while the Core i5-13600K debuted at $329. At current prices ($1099 vs $319), the Core i5-13600K is $780 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9254 delivers 58.5 pts/$ vs 118.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-13600K — making the Core i5-13600K the 67.4% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9254 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3761 | $329-91% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1099 | $319-71% |
| Performance per Dollar | 58.5 | 118.0+102% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2022 |
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