Ryzen 9 3900 vs Core i5-13600K
Ryzen 9 3900
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. 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 Ryzen 9 3900
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 9 3900 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 9 3900 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+73%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ 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 Ryzen 9 3900 and Core i5-13600K
Ryzen 9 3900
The Ryzen 9 3900 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 24 September 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 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 30,588 points. Launch price was $499.
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 Ryzen 9 3900 packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i5-13600K offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i5-13600K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen 9 3900 versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K — a 17% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600K (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Ryzen 9 3900 uses the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Core i5-13600K uses Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 3900 scores 30,588 against the Core i5-13600K's 37,655 — a 20.7% lead for the Core i5-13600K. L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 3900 vs 24 MB on the Core i5-13600K.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3900 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24 | 14 / 20+17% |
| Boost Clock | 4.3 GHz | 5.1 GHz+19% |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.5 GHz+13% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB+167% | 24 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+300% |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) |
| PassMark | 30,588 | 37,655+23% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 17,700 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,713 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 10,983 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 9 3900 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i5-13600K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 3900 versus DDR5-5600 on the Core i5-13600K — the Core i5-13600K supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-13600K 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: 24 (Ryzen 9 3900) vs 20 (Core i5-13600K) — the Ryzen 9 3900 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X570,B550,X470,B450 (Ryzen 9 3900) and Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i5-13600K).
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3900 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR5-5600+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 192 GB+50% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24+20% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 9 3900) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13600K). The Core i5-13600K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen 9 3900 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 9 3900 targets Workstation Desktop (low power), Core i5-13600K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 3900 rivals Core i9-9900.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3900 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Workstation Desktop (low power) | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 9 3900 launched at $499 MSRP, while the Core i5-13600K debuted at $329. At current prices ($150 vs $319), the Ryzen 9 3900 is $169 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 9 3900 delivers 203.9 pts/$ vs 118.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-13600K — making the Ryzen 9 3900 the 53.3% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3900 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $499 | $329-34% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $150-53% | $319 |
| Performance per Dollar | 203.9+73% | 118.0 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2022 |
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