Core i9-13900KS vs EPYC 7642

CPU

GPU

Core i9-13900KS

24 Cores32 Thrd150 WWMax: 5.8 GHz2023

Popular choices:

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EPYC 7642

48 Cores96 Thrd225 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2019

Popular choices:

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Performance Spectrum - CPU

Core i9-13900KS

24 / 32

60,543

+2.0%

59,333

0.0%

Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370

Ryzen 9 5900X

Ryzen 9 5950X

Ryzen 9 9850HX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

Ryzen Threadripper 7970X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX

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.

Head-to-Head Verdict, Benchmarks, Value & Long-Term Outlook

This comparison brings together gaming FPS, productivity performance, platform differences, power efficiency, pricing context, and upgrade path so you can see which CPU actually makes more sense.

Core i9-13900KS

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +39.8% higher average FPS across 4 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $4,076 less on MSRP ($699 MSRP vs $4,775 MSRP).
✅Delivers 597.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 86.6 vs 12.4 PassMark/$ ($699 MSRP vs $4,775 MSRP).
✅Draws 150W instead of 225W, a 75W reduction.
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of TR4 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (36 MB vs 256 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 7642, which brings 48 cores / 96 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.

EPYC 7642

2019

Why buy it

✅+611.1% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 36 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 48 cores / 96 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅540% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-13900KS across 4 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (59,333 vs 60,543).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.4 vs 86.6 PassMark/$ ($4,775 MSRP vs $699 MSRP).
❌50% higher power demand at 225W vs 150W.
❌Older platform position on TR4 with DDR4, while Core i9-13900KS moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Core i9-13900KS

2023

EPYC 7642

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +39.8% higher average FPS across 4 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $4,076 less on MSRP ($699 MSRP vs $4,775 MSRP).
✅Delivers 597.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 86.6 vs 12.4 PassMark/$ ($699 MSRP vs $4,775 MSRP).
✅Draws 150W instead of 225W, a 75W reduction.
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of TR4 and DDR4.

Why buy it

✅+611.1% larger total L3 cache (256 MB vs 36 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 48 cores / 96 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅540% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (36 MB vs 256 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 7642, which brings 48 cores / 96 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-13900KS across 4 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (59,333 vs 60,543).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.4 vs 86.6 PassMark/$ ($4,775 MSRP vs $699 MSRP).
❌50% higher power demand at 225W vs 150W.
❌Older platform position on TR4 with DDR4, while Core i9-13900KS moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-13900KS better than EPYC 7642?

Not in a simple one-size-fits-all way. EPYC 7642 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-13900KS is the better mainstream desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and day-to-day practicality.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-13900KS is the better pick here. According to our tests, it delivers 39.8% more average FPS across 4 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-13900KS is the better fit. You are getting 2% better PassMark, backed by 24 cores and 32 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i9-13900KS is the smarter buy today. Core i9-13900KS is $4,076 cheaper on MSRP at $699 MSRP versus $4,775 MSRP, and it gives you a 39.8% average FPS lead across 4 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 597.0% better value on MSRP (86.6 vs 12.4 PassMark/$), so the better CPU is not just faster, it is also the cleaner value play on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i9-13900KS is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2019), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of TR4, and more multi-core headroom with 24 cores / 32 threads instead of 48/96. That should give you a better long-term upgrade path for motherboard, RAM, and future CPU swaps.

Games Benchmarks

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Core i9-13900KS Benchmark Check

EPYC 7642 Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	Core i9-13900KS	EPYC 7642
1080p
low	325 FPS	192 FPS
medium	314 FPS	172 FPS
high	246 FPS	138 FPS
ultra	207 FPS	110 FPS
1440p
low	281 FPS	157 FPS
medium	241 FPS	132 FPS
high	177 FPS	101 FPS
ultra	156 FPS	82 FPS
4K
low	194 FPS	72 FPS
medium	165 FPS	65 FPS
high	122 FPS	50 FPS
ultra	110 FPS	40 FPS

Open Core i9-13900KS Open EPYC 7642

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	Core i9-13900KS	EPYC 7642
1080p
low	790 FPS	427 FPS
medium	688 FPS	381 FPS
high	550 FPS	312 FPS
ultra	488 FPS	249 FPS
1440p
low	662 FPS	351 FPS
medium	597 FPS	321 FPS
high	490 FPS	271 FPS
ultra	400 FPS	210 FPS
4K
low	368 FPS	216 FPS
medium	336 FPS	202 FPS
high	312 FPS	171 FPS
ultra	275 FPS	139 FPS

Open Core i9-13900KS Open EPYC 7642

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	Core i9-13900KS	EPYC 7642
1080p
low	794 FPS	629 FPS
medium	660 FPS	536 FPS
high	572 FPS	486 FPS
ultra	493 FPS	415 FPS
1440p
low	711 FPS	524 FPS
medium	599 FPS	446 FPS
high	512 FPS	394 FPS
ultra	450 FPS	338 FPS
4K
low	522 FPS	389 FPS
medium	463 FPS	312 FPS
high	412 FPS	274 FPS
ultra	352 FPS	224 FPS

Open Core i9-13900KS Open EPYC 7642

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	Core i9-13900KS	EPYC 7642
1080p
low	1089 FPS	909 FPS
medium	975 FPS	829 FPS
high	853 FPS	715 FPS
ultra	760 FPS	619 FPS
1440p
low	899 FPS	714 FPS
medium	791 FPS	624 FPS
high	690 FPS	535 FPS
ultra	607 FPS	455 FPS
4K
low	661 FPS	505 FPS
medium	592 FPS	455 FPS
high	523 FPS	401 FPS
ultra	437 FPS	346 FPS

Open Core i9-13900KS Open EPYC 7642

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i9-13900KS and EPYC 7642

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.

EPYC 7642

The EPYC 7642 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 48 cores and 96 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 225 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 59,333 points. Launch price was $4,775.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i9-13900KS packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the EPYC 7642 offers 48 cores / 96 threads — the EPYC 7642 has 24 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.8 GHz on the Core i9-13900KS versus 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7642 — a 52.2% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900KS (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i9-13900KS uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 7642 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13900KS scores 60,543 against the EPYC 7642's 59,333 — a 2% lead for the Core i9-13900KS. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900KS vs 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 7642.

Feature	Core i9-13900KS	EPYC 7642
Cores / Threads	24 / 32	48 / 96+100%
Boost Clock	5.8 GHz+71%	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+33%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	36 MB (total)	256 MB (total)+611%
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)+300%	512K (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm	7 nm, 14 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)	Zen 2 (2017−2020)
PassMark	60,543+2%	59,333
Cinebench R23 Multi	40,998	—
Geekbench 6 Single	3,123	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	21,421	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-13900KS uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 7642 uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i9-13900KS versus 3200 on the EPYC 7642 — the EPYC 7642 supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7642 supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 192 GB — 182.1% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-13900KS) vs 8 (EPYC 7642). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13900KS) vs 128 (EPYC 7642) — the EPYC 7642 offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760 (Core i9-13900KS) and SP3 (EPYC 7642).

Feature	Core i9-13900KS	EPYC 7642
Socket	LGA1700	TR4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-5600	3200+63900%
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB+4915100%	4096
RAM Channels	2	8+300%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	128+540%

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-13900KS has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core i9-13900KS) vs VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 7642). The Core i9-13900KS includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the EPYC 7642 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-13900KS rivals Ryzen 9 7950X; EPYC 7642 rivals Xeon Platinum 8380.

Feature	Core i9-13900KS	EPYC 7642
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 770	None
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x, VT-d

💰

Value Analysis

The Core i9-13900KS launched at $699 MSRP, while the EPYC 7642 debuted at $4775. On MSRP ($699 vs $4775), the Core i9-13900KS is $4076 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13900KS delivers 86.6 pts/$ vs 12.4 pts/$ for the EPYC 7642 — making the Core i9-13900KS the 149.8% better value option.