Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 vs Core i5-13500
Ryzen 9 PRO 3900
Core i5-13500
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 PRO 3900
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13500
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 | Core i5-13500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($200) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($264) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 | Core i5-13500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+33%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($200) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($264) |
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 PRO 3900 and Core i5-13500
Ryzen 9 PRO 3900
The Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 30 September 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) 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: 6 MB. Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 31,251 points. Launch price was $499.
Core i5-13500
The Core i5-13500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 31,109 points. Launch price was $242.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i5-13500 offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i5-13500 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 versus 4.8 GHz on the Core i5-13500 — a 11% clock advantage for the Core i5-13500 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 uses the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Core i5-13500 uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 scores 31,251 against the Core i5-13500's 31,109 — a 0.5% lead for the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 17,500 vs 20,924 (17.8% advantage for the Core i5-13500). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,688 vs 2,419, a 35.6% lead for the Core i5-13500 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 10,000 vs 12,160 (19.5% advantage for the Core i5-13500). L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 vs 24 MB (total) on the Core i5-13500.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 | Core i5-13500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24 | 14 / 20+17% |
| Boost Clock | 4.3 GHz | 4.8 GHz+12% |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz+24% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB+167% | 24 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB+380% | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Zen 2 (2017−2020) | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 31,251 | 31,109 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 17,500 | 20,924+20% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,688 | 2,419+43% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 10,000 | 12,160+22% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i5-13500 uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 versus DDR5-4800 on the Core i5-13500 — the Core i5-13500 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-13500 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 PRO 3900) vs 20 (Core i5-13500) — the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X570,B550,X470,B450 (Ryzen 9 PRO 3900) and Z790,B760,Z690,B660 (Core i5-13500).
| Feature | Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 | Core i5-13500 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR5-4800+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 192 GB+50% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24+20% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 9 PRO 3900) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-13500). The Core i5-13500 includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 targets Professional Content Creation, Core i5-13500 targets High-end Productivity / Gaming. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 rivals Core i9-10900; Core i5-13500 rivals Ryzen 7 7700.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 | Core i5-13500 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Professional Content Creation | High-end Productivity / Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 launched at $499 MSRP, while the Core i5-13500 debuted at $242. At current prices ($200 vs $264), the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 is $64 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 delivers 156.3 pts/$ vs 117.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-13500 — making the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 the 28% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 | Core i5-13500 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $499 | $242-52% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $200-24% | $264 |
| Performance per Dollar | 156.3+33% | 117.8 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2023 |
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