Microsoft SQ1 vs Core i5-13600K
Microsoft SQ1
Core i5-13600K
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. The Microsoft SQ1 is positioned at rank #877 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 Microsoft SQ1
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Microsoft SQ1 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($180) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) / 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Microsoft SQ1 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+252%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($180) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) |
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 Microsoft SQ1 and Core i5-13600K
Microsoft SQ1
The Microsoft SQ1 is manufactured by Microsoft. It was released in 2 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. Built on 7 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): + 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 6,039 points. Launch price was $149.
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.
Processing Power
The Microsoft SQ1 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-13600K offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i5-13600K has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Microsoft SQ1 versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K — a 51.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600K. The Microsoft SQ1 uses the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture (7 nm), while the Core i5-13600K uses Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Microsoft SQ1 scores 6,039 against the Core i5-13600K's 37,655 — a 144.7% lead for the Core i5-13600K. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Microsoft SQ1 vs 24 MB on the Core i5-13600K.
| Feature | Microsoft SQ1 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8 | 14 / 20+75% |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 5.1 GHz+70% |
| Base Clock | — | 3.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB | 24 MB+1100% |
| L2 Cache | — | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) |
| PassMark | 6,039 | 37,655+524% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Microsoft SQ1) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13600K). The Core i5-13600K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Microsoft SQ1 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13600K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Microsoft SQ1 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Microsoft SQ1 launched at $300 MSRP, while the Core i5-13600K debuted at $329. At current prices ($180 vs $319), the Microsoft SQ1 is $139 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Microsoft SQ1 delivers 33.5 pts/$ vs 118.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-13600K — making the Core i5-13600K the 111.5% better value option.
| Feature | Microsoft SQ1 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $300-9% | $329 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $180-44% | $319 |
| Performance per Dollar | 33.5 | 118.0+252% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2022 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Microsoft SQ1 and Core i5-13600K
