Xeon W-1290TE vs Core i5-13600K
Xeon W-1290TE
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 Xeon W-1290TE
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon W-1290TE | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($552) | ✅ More affordable ($319) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon W-1290TE | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+349%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($552) | ✅ More affordable ($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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Xeon W-1290TE and Core i5-13600K
Xeon W-1290TE
The Xeon W-1290TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 13 May 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,505 points. Launch price was $552.
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 Xeon W-1290TE packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i5-13600K offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i5-13600K has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Xeon W-1290TE versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K — a 12.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600K (base: 1.8 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Xeon W-1290TE uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-13600K uses Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon W-1290TE scores 14,505 against the Core i5-13600K's 37,655 — a 88.8% lead for the Core i5-13600K. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Xeon W-1290TE vs 24 MB on the Core i5-13600K.
| Feature | Xeon W-1290TE | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 20 | 14 / 20+40% |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz | 5.1 GHz+13% |
| Base Clock | 1.8 GHz | 3.5 GHz+94% |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total) | 24 MB+20% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+700% |
| Process | 14 nm | Intel 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Comet Lake (2020−2025) | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) |
| PassMark | 14,505 | 37,655+160% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,507 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,478 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon W-1290TE uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-13600K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2933 on the Xeon W-1290TE 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: 16 (Xeon W-1290TE) vs 20 (Core i5-13600K) — the Core i5-13600K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: W480 (Xeon W-1290TE) and Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i5-13600K).
| Feature | Xeon W-1290TE | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933 | DDR5-5600+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 192 GB+50% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-13600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics P630 (Xeon W-1290TE) and UHD Graphics 770 (Core i5-13600K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon W-1290TE targets Workstation, Core i5-13600K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Xeon W-1290TE | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics P630 | UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Workstation | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon W-1290TE launched at $552 MSRP, while the Core i5-13600K debuted at $329. At current prices ($552 vs $319), the Core i5-13600K is $233 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon W-1290TE delivers 26.3 pts/$ vs 118.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-13600K — making the Core i5-13600K the 127.2% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon W-1290TE | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $552 | $329-40% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $552 | $319-42% |
| Performance per Dollar | 26.3 | 118.0+349% |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2022 |
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