Core i5-13600K vs Atom C3958
Core i5-13600K
Atom C3958
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 Atom C3958
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-13600K | Atom C3958 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Goldmont (2016−2017) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-13600K | Atom C3958 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 Atom C3958
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.
Atom C3958
The Atom C3958 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture. It features 16 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB. L2 cache: 16 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1310. Thermal design power (TDP): 31 Watt. Memory support: DDR4: 2400. Passmark benchmark score: 3,929 points. Launch price was $449.
Processing Power
The Core i5-13600K packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the Atom C3958 offers 16 cores / 16 threads — the Atom C3958 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K versus 2 GHz on the Atom C3958 — a 87.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-13600K uses the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Atom C3958 uses Goldmont (2016−2017) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13600K scores 37,655 against the Atom C3958's 3,929 — a 162.2% lead for the Core i5-13600K. L3 cache: 24 MB on the Core i5-13600K vs 16 MB on the Atom C3958.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Atom C3958 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 20 | 16 / 16+14% |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+155% | 2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+75% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB+50% | 16 MB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 16 MB+700% |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) | Goldmont (2016−2017) |
| PassMark | 37,655+858% | 3,929 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-13600K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Atom C3958 uses FCBGA1310 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i5-13600K versus DDR4-2400 on the Atom C3958 — the Core i5-13600K supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Atom C3958 supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 28.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13600K) vs 12 (Atom C3958) — the Core i5-13600K offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i5-13600K) and Intel FCBGA1310 (Atom C3958).
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Atom C3958 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | FCBGA1310 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600+25% | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB | 256 GB+33% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+67% | 12 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13600K) / not specified (Atom C3958). The Core i5-13600K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Atom C3958 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13600K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Atom C3958 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
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