Core i5-13600K vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

The Core i5-13600K packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has 18 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — a 19.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i5-13600K uses the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses Zen+ (2018−2019) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13600K scores 37,655 against the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX's 31,945 — a 16.4% lead for the Core i5-13600K. L3 cache: 24 MB on the Core i5-13600K vs 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX.

The Core i5-13600K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i5-13600K versus DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — the Core i5-13600K supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 165.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-13600K) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13600K) vs 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 44 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i5-13600K) and X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX).

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13600K) vs AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). The Core i5-13600K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13600K targets Desktop, Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX targets Extreme Content Creation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX rivals Core i9-9980XE.

The Core i5-13600K launched at $329 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX debuted at $1799. At current prices ($319 vs $1247), the Core i5-13600K is $928 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13600K delivers 118.0 pts/$ vs 25.6 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — making the Core i5-13600K the 128.7% better value option.