Core i5-13600K vs Athlon X4 870K
Core i5-13600K
Athlon X4 870K
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 i5-13600K
Performance Per Dollar Athlon X4 870K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-13600K | Athlon X4 870K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) | ✅ More affordable ($35) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Godaveri (2014−2016) / 28 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-13600K | Athlon X4 870K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+20%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) | ✅ More affordable ($35) |
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 i5-13600K and Athlon X4 870K
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.
Athlon X4 870K
The Athlon X4 870K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 3,443 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i5-13600K packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the Athlon X4 870K offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-13600K has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K versus 4.1 GHz on the Athlon X4 870K — a 21.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core i5-13600K uses the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Athlon X4 870K uses Godaveri (2014−2016) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13600K scores 37,655 against the Athlon X4 870K's 3,443 — a 166.5% lead for the Core i5-13600K.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Athlon X4 870K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 20+250% | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+24% | 4.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.9 GHz+11% |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB | — |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 4 MB+100% |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-75% | 28 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) | Godaveri (2014−2016) |
| PassMark | 37,655+994% | 3,443 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-13600K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Athlon X4 870K uses FM2+ (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i5-13600K versus DDR3-2133 on the Athlon X4 870K — the Core i5-13600K supports 50% 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 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13600K) vs 16 (Athlon X4 870K) — the Core i5-13600K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i5-13600K) and AMD FM2+ (Athlon X4 870K).
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Athlon X4 870K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | FM2+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600+67% | DDR3-2133 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB+200% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13600K) / not specified (Athlon X4 870K). The Core i5-13600K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Athlon X4 870K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13600K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Athlon X4 870K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-13600K launched at $329 MSRP, while the Athlon X4 870K debuted at $90. At current prices ($319 vs $35), the Athlon X4 870K is $284 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13600K delivers 118.0 pts/$ vs 98.4 pts/$ for the Athlon X4 870K — making the Core i5-13600K the 18.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Athlon X4 870K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $329 | $90-73% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $319 | $35-89% |
| Performance per Dollar | 118.0+20% | 98.4 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2015 |
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