CPU
GPU
Xeon Gold 6346
Core i5-13600KF
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 Xeon Gold 6346
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13600KF
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6346 | Core i5-13600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,195) | ✅ More affordable ($258) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Ice Lake-SP (2021) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6346 | Core i5-13600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+744%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,195) | ✅ More affordable ($258) |
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 Xeon Gold 6346 and Core i5-13600KF
Xeon Gold 6346
The Xeon Gold 6346 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 37,739 points. Launch price was $800.
Core i5-13600KF
The Core i5-13600KF 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 (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 W, 181 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 37,434 points. Launch price was $294.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6346 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Core i5-13600KF offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon Gold 6346 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6346 versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600KF — a 34.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600KF (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6346 uses the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i5-13600KF uses Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6346 scores 37,739 against the Core i5-13600KF's 37,434 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon Gold 6346. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6346 vs 24 MB (total) on the Core i5-13600KF.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6346 | Core i5-13600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32+14% | 14 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 5.1 GHz+42% |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.5 GHz+13% |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total)+50% | 24 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 10 nm | Intel 7 nm-30% |
| Architecture | Ice Lake-SP (2021) | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) |
| PassMark | 37,739 | 37,434 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 23,960 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6346 uses the LGA4189 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i5-13600KF uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 3200 on the Xeon Gold 6346 versus DDR5-5600 on the Core i5-13600KF — the Xeon Gold 6346 supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6346 supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 192 GB — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon Gold 6346) vs 2 (Core i5-13600KF). PCIe lanes: 64 (Xeon Gold 6346) vs 20 (Core i5-13600KF) — the Xeon Gold 6346 offers 44 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C621A (Xeon Gold 6346) and Z790,B760 (Core i5-13600KF).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6346 | Core i5-13600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4189 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | 3200+63900% | DDR5-5600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144 | 192 GB+3276700% |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64+220% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-13600KF has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6346 rivals EPYC 73F3.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6346 | Core i5-13600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 6346 launched at $2708 MSRP, while the Core i5-13600KF debuted at $249. At current prices ($2195 vs $258), the Core i5-13600KF is $1937 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6346 delivers 17.2 pts/$ vs 145.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-13600KF — making the Core i5-13600KF the 157.6% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6346 | Core i5-13600KF |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2708 | $249-91% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $2195 | $258-88% |
| Performance per Dollar | 17.2 | 145.1+744% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2022 |
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