Core i5-13600K vs Xeon Max 9480
Core i5-13600K
Xeon Max 9480
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 Xeon Max 9480
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-13600K | Xeon Max 9480 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($319) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($12,980) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids HBM (2023) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-13600K | Xeon Max 9480 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1748%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($319) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($12,980) |
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 Xeon Max 9480
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.
Xeon Max 9480
The Xeon Max 9480 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids HBM (2023) architecture. It features 56 cores and 112 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 112.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 82,913 points. Launch price was $12,980.
Processing Power
The Core i5-13600K packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the Xeon Max 9480 offers 56 cores / 112 threads — the Xeon Max 9480 has 42 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon Max 9480 — a 37.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The Core i5-13600K uses the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon Max 9480 uses Sapphire Rapids HBM (2023) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13600K scores 37,655 against the Xeon Max 9480's 82,913 — a 75.1% lead for the Xeon Max 9480. L3 cache: 24 MB on the Core i5-13600K vs 112.5 MB on the Xeon Max 9480.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Xeon Max 9480 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 20 | 56 / 112+300% |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+46% | 3.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+84% | 1.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB | 112.5 MB+369% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-30% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) | Sapphire Rapids HBM (2023) |
| PassMark | 37,655 | 82,913+120% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,900 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 55,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-13600K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Max 9480 uses LGA4677 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-5600 memory speed. The Xeon Max 9480 supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 182.1% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-13600K) vs 8 (Xeon Max 9480). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13600K) vs 80 (Xeon Max 9480) — the Xeon Max 9480 offers 60 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i5-13600K) and C741 (Xeon Max 9480).
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Xeon Max 9480 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600 | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB | 4096 GB+2033% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 80+300% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-13600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon Max 9480 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i5-13600K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Xeon Max 9480 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13600K targets Desktop, Xeon Max 9480 targets HPC Server. Direct competitor: Xeon Max 9480 rivals EPYC 9684X.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Xeon Max 9480 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 770 | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Desktop | HPC Server |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-13600K launched at $329 MSRP, while the Xeon Max 9480 debuted at $12980. At current prices ($319 vs $12980), the Core i5-13600K is $12661 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13600K delivers 118.0 pts/$ vs 6.4 pts/$ for the Xeon Max 9480 — making the Core i5-13600K the 179.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Xeon Max 9480 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $329-97% | $12980 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $319-98% | $12980 |
| Performance per Dollar | 118.0+1744% | 6.4 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2023 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i5-13600K and Xeon Max 9480
