Core i5-13600K vs Core Ultra 7 255HX
Core i5-13600K
Core Ultra 7 255HX
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 Ultra 7 255HX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-13600K | Core Ultra 7 255HX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-HX (2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-13600K | Core Ultra 7 255HX |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Core Ultra 7 255HX
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 Ultra 7 255HX
The Core Ultra 7 255HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2025-01-01. It is based on the Arrow Lake-HX (2025) architecture. It features 20 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2114. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 49,765 points. Launch price was $450.
Processing Power
The Core i5-13600K packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the Core Ultra 7 255HX offers 20 cores / 20 threads — the Core Ultra 7 255HX has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K versus 5.2 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 255HX — a 1.9% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 7 255HX (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i5-13600K uses the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core Ultra 7 255HX uses Arrow Lake-HX (2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13600K scores 37,655 against the Core Ultra 7 255HX's 49,765 — a 27.7% lead for the Core Ultra 7 255HX. L3 cache: 24 MB on the Core i5-13600K vs 30 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 7 255HX.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Core Ultra 7 255HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 20 | 20 / 20+43% |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz | 5.2 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+46% | 2.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB | 30 MB (total)+25% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 3 MB (per core)+50% |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 3 nm-57% |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) | Arrow Lake-HX (2025) |
| PassMark | 37,655 | 49,765+32% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,923 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 16,885 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-13600K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core Ultra 7 255HX uses FCBGA2114 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-5600 memory speed. Both support up to 192 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13600K) vs 24 (Core Ultra 7 255HX) — the Core Ultra 7 255HX offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i5-13600K) and Intel HM870,Intel WM880 (Core Ultra 7 255HX).
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Core Ultra 7 255HX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | FCBGA2114 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600 | DDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB | 192 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13600K) vs true (Core Ultra 7 255HX). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 770 (Core i5-13600K) and Intel Arc Xe-LPG (Core Ultra 7 255HX) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13600K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 7 255HX rivals Ryzen 9 9850HX.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Core Ultra 7 255HX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 770 | Intel Arc Xe-LPG |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
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