Core i5-13600K vs Core i7-3820
Core i5-13600K
Core i7-3820
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 Core i7-3820
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-13600K | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-13600K | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+63%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
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 Core i7-3820
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.
Core i7-3820
The Core i7-3820 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Fevereiro 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,787 points. Launch price was $400.
Processing Power
The Core i5-13600K packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i7-3820 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i5-13600K has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3820 — a 29.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-13600K uses the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-3820 uses Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13600K scores 37,655 against the Core i7-3820's 5,787 — a 146.7% lead for the Core i5-13600K. L3 cache: 24 MB on the Core i5-13600K vs 10240 kB (total) on the Core i7-3820.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 20+250% | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+34% | 3.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.6 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB+140% | 10240 kB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+700% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-78% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) | Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 37,655+551% | 5,787 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 624 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-13600K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-3820 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i5-13600K versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3820 — 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. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-13600K) vs 4 (Core i7-3820). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13600K) vs 40 (Core i7-3820) — the Core i7-3820 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i5-13600K) and X79 (Core i7-3820).
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+150% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600+67% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB+200% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 40+100% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13600K) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3820). The Core i5-13600K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i7-3820 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13600K targets Desktop, Core i7-3820 targets HEDT Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3820 rivals FX-8350.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 770 | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Desktop | HEDT Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-13600K launched at $329 MSRP, while the Core i7-3820 debuted at $286. At current prices ($319 vs $30), the Core i7-3820 is $289 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13600K delivers 118.0 pts/$ vs 192.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-3820 — making the Core i7-3820 the 48.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $329 | $286-13% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $319 | $30-91% |
| Performance per Dollar | 118.0 | 192.9+63% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2012 |
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