Core i5-13600K vs Celeron G3900E
Core i5-13600K
Celeron G3900E
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 Celeron G3900E
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-13600K | Celeron G3900E |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-13600K | Celeron G3900E |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+103%) | ❌ 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 Celeron G3900E
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.
Celeron G3900E
The Celeron G3900E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 2,034 points. Launch price was $107.
Processing Power
The Core i5-13600K packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the Celeron G3900E offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core i5-13600K has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K versus 2.4 GHz on the Celeron G3900E — a 72% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600K. The Core i5-13600K uses the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Celeron G3900E uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13600K scores 37,655 against the Celeron G3900E's 2,034 — a 179.5% lead for the Core i5-13600K. L3 cache: 24 MB on the Core i5-13600K vs 2 MB on the Celeron G3900E.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Celeron G3900E |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 20+600% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+113% | 2.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB+1100% | 2 MB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+300% | 512 kB |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 37,655+1751% | 2,034 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 699 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 948 |
Memory & Platform
Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i5-13600K versus DDR4-2133 on the Celeron G3900E — 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 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13600K) vs 16 (Celeron G3900E) — 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 H110,B150,H170,Z170 (Celeron G3900E).
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Celeron G3900E |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | — |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600+25% | DDR4-2133 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB+200% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-13600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13600K) vs VT-x (Celeron G3900E). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 770 (Core i5-13600K) and HD Graphics 510 (Celeron G3900E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13600K targets Desktop, Celeron G3900E targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G3900E rivals Pentium G4400.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Celeron G3900E |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 770 | HD Graphics 510 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x |
| Target Use | Desktop | Budget |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-13600K launched at $329 MSRP, while the Celeron G3900E debuted at $107. At current prices ($319 vs $35), the Celeron G3900E is $284 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13600K delivers 118.0 pts/$ vs 58.1 pts/$ for the Celeron G3900E — making the Core i5-13600K the 68% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Celeron G3900E |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $329 | $107-67% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $319 | $35-89% |
| Performance per Dollar | 118.0+103% | 58.1 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2016 |
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