Core i7-13700K vs Ryzen 9 3900X
Core i7-13700K
Ryzen 9 3900X
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 i7-13700K
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 9 3900X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-13700K | Ryzen 9 3900X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($400) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($441) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-13700K | Ryzen 9 3900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+55%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($400) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($441) |
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 i7-13700K and Ryzen 9 3900X
Core i7-13700K
The Core i7-13700K 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 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). 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: 45,784 points. Launch price was $409.
Ryzen 9 3900X
The Ryzen 9 3900X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 32,517 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The Core i7-13700K packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Ryzen 9 3900X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Core i7-13700K has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Core i7-13700K versus 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 9 3900X — a 16% clock advantage for the Core i7-13700K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Core i7-13700K uses the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen 9 3900X uses Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-13700K scores 45,784 against the Ryzen 9 3900X's 32,517 — a 33.9% lead for the Core i7-13700K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,846 vs 1,300, a 74.6% lead for the Core i7-13700K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 18,980 vs 12,000 (45.1% advantage for the Core i7-13700K). L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i7-13700K vs 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 3900X.
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | Ryzen 9 3900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24+33% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 5.4 GHz+17% | 4.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz | 3.8 GHz+12% |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | 64 MB+113% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+300% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) | Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 45,784+41% | 32,517 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 31,000 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,846+119% | 1,300 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 18,980+58% | 12,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-13700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 9 3900X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i7-13700K versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 3900X — the Core i7-13700K supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-13700K supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-13700K) vs 24 (Ryzen 9 3900X) — the Ryzen 9 3900X offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel Z790,Intel H770,Intel B760,Intel Z690,Intel H670,Intel B660,Intel H610 (Core i7-13700K) and X570,B550 (Ryzen 9 3900X).
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | Ryzen 9 3900X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600+25% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB+50% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-13700K) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 9 3900X). The Core i7-13700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen 9 3900X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 9 3900X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-13700K rivals Ryzen 9 7900X.
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | Ryzen 9 3900X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-13700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Ryzen 9 3900X debuted at $499. At current prices ($400 vs $441), the Core i7-13700K is $41 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-13700K delivers 114.5 pts/$ vs 73.7 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 3900X — making the Core i7-13700K the 43.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | Ryzen 9 3900X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409-18% | $499 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $400-9% | $441 |
| Performance per Dollar | 114.5+55% | 73.7 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2019 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i7-13700K and Ryzen 9 3900X
