Ryzen 9 3950X vs Core i7-13700K
Ryzen 9 3950X
Core i7-13700K
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 3950X
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-13700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 9 3950X | Core i7-13700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($389) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) |
| 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 3950X | Core i7-13700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+16%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($389) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) |
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 3950X and Core i7-13700K
Ryzen 9 3950X
The Ryzen 9 3950X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 14 November 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 38,519 points. Launch price was $799.
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.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 9 3950X packs 16 cores / 32 threads, matching the Core i7-13700K's 16 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Ryzen 9 3950X versus 5.4 GHz on the Core i7-13700K — a 13.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-13700K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Ryzen 9 3950X uses the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Core i7-13700K uses Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 3950X scores 38,519 against the Core i7-13700K's 45,784 — a 17.2% lead for the Core i7-13700K. L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 3950X vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i7-13700K.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3950X | Core i7-13700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 16 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 4.7 GHz | 5.4 GHz+15% |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+3% | 3.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB+113% | 30 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (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 | 38,519 | 45,784+19% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 31,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,846 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 18,980 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 9 3950X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-13700K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 3950X versus DDR5-5600 on the Core i7-13700K — 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: 24 (Ryzen 9 3950X) vs 20 (Core i7-13700K) — the Ryzen 9 3950X offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X570,B550 (Ryzen 9 3950X) and Intel Z790,Intel H770,Intel B760,Intel Z690,Intel H670,Intel B660,Intel H610 (Core i7-13700K).
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3950X | Core i7-13700K |
|---|---|---|
| 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 3950X) vs true (Core i7-13700K). The Core i7-13700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen 9 3950X requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-13700K rivals Ryzen 9 7900X.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3950X | Core i7-13700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | true |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 9 3950X launched at $749 MSRP, while the Core i7-13700K debuted at $409. At current prices ($389 vs $400), the Ryzen 9 3950X is $11 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 9 3950X delivers 99.0 pts/$ vs 114.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-13700K — making the Core i7-13700K the 14.5% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3950X | Core i7-13700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $749 | $409-45% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $389-3% | $400 |
| Performance per Dollar | 99.0 | 114.5+16% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2022 |
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