
Ryzen 9 7950X

Core i9-13900KS
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 7950X
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-13900KS
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 9 7950X | Core i9-13900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($580) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raphael (Zen 4) (2022) / 5 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 9 7950X | Core i9-13900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2886%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($580) |
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 7950X and Core i9-13900KS

Ryzen 9 7950X
The Ryzen 9 7950X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2022-09-27. It is based on the Raphael (Zen 4) (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 4.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.7 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 170 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 62,343 points. Launch price was $699.

Core i9-13900KS
The Core i9-13900KS is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.8 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 60,543 points. Launch price was $699.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 9 7950X packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Core i9-13900KS offers 24 cores / 32 threads — the Core i9-13900KS has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.7 GHz on the Ryzen 9 7950X versus 5.8 GHz on the Core i9-13900KS — a 1.7% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900KS (base: 4.5 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Ryzen 9 7950X uses the Raphael (Zen 4) (2022) architecture (5 nm), while the Core i9-13900KS uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 7950X scores 62,343 against the Core i9-13900KS's 60,543 — a 2.9% lead for the Ryzen 9 7950X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 37,452 vs 40,998 (9% advantage for the Core i9-13900KS). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,976 vs 3,123, a 4.8% lead for the Core i9-13900KS that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 19,297 vs 21,421 (10.4% advantage for the Core i9-13900KS). L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen 9 7950X vs 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900KS.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 7950X | Core i9-13900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 24 / 32+50% |
| Boost Clock | 5.7 GHz | 5.8 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 4.5 GHz+41% | 3.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total)+78% | 36 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 5 nm-29% | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Raphael (Zen 4) (2022) | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 62,343+3% | 60,543 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 37,452 | 40,998+9% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,976 | 3,123+5% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 19,297 | 21,421+11% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 9 7950X uses the AM5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-13900KS uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-5200 memory speed. The Core i9-13900KS 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 7950X) vs 20 (Core i9-13900KS) — the Ryzen 9 7950X offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X670E,X670,B650E,B650 (Ryzen 9 7950X) and Z790,B760 (Core i9-13900KS).
| Feature | Ryzen 9 7950X | Core i9-13900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM5 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5200 | DDR5-5600 |
| 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. Only the Ryzen 9 7950X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Radeon Graphics (2 Cores) (Ryzen 9 7950X) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-13900KS) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 7950X rivals Core i9-13900K; Core i9-13900KS rivals Ryzen 9 7950X.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 7950X | Core i9-13900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Radeon Graphics (2 Cores) | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 9 7950X launched at $194 MSRP, while the Core i9-13900KS debuted at $699. At current prices ($20 vs $580), the Ryzen 9 7950X is $560 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 9 7950X delivers 3117.2 pts/$ vs 104.4 pts/$ for the Core i9-13900KS — making the Ryzen 9 7950X the 187% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 7950X | Core i9-13900KS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $194-72% | $699 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $20-97% | $580 |
| Performance per Dollar | 3117.2+2886% | 104.4 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2023 |
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