Core i7-13700K vs Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
Core i7-13700K
Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
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 Threadripper 3990X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-13700K | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($400) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,850) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-13700K | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+308%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($400) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,850) |
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 Threadripper 3990X
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 Threadripper 3990X
The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 February 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 79,889 points. Launch price was $3,999.
Processing Power
The Core i7-13700K packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X offers 64 cores / 128 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X has 48 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Core i7-13700K versus 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X — a 22.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-13700K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i7-13700K uses the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-13700K scores 45,784 against the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X's 79,889 — a 54.3% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 31,000 vs 64,366 (70% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,846 vs 1,961, a 36.8% lead for the Core i7-13700K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 18,980 vs 22,045 (14.9% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X). L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i7-13700K vs 256 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X.
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24 | 64 / 128+300% |
| Boost Clock | 5.4 GHz+26% | 4.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+17% | 2.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | 256 MB+753% |
| 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 (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 45,784 | 79,889+74% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 31,000 | 64,366+108% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,846+45% | 1,961 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 18,980 | 22,045+16% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-13700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X uses TR4 (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 Threadripper 3990X — the Core i7-13700K supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper 3990X supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 28.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-13700K) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-13700K) vs 88 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X) — the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X offers 68 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 TRX40 (Ryzen Threadripper 3990X).
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600+25% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB | 256 GB+33% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 88+340% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support true virtualization. The Core i7-13700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-13700K rivals Ryzen 9 7900X; Ryzen Threadripper 3990X rivals Core i9-10980XE.
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-13700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X debuted at $3990. At current prices ($400 vs $2850), the Core i7-13700K is $2450 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-13700K delivers 114.5 pts/$ vs 28.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X — making the Core i7-13700K the 121.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409-90% | $3990 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $400-86% | $2850 |
| Performance per Dollar | 114.5+309% | 28.0 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2019 |
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