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 i5-13600K

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.8% higher average FPS across 11 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+24.7% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 19 MB).
✅Costs $660 less on MSRP ($329 MSRP vs $989 MSRP).
✅Delivers 422.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 114.5 vs 21.9 PassMark/$ ($329 MSRP vs $989 MSRP).
✅Draws 125W instead of 165W, a 40W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i9-9900X

2018

Why buy it

✅120% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-13600K across 11 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (21,655 vs 37,655).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 24 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.9 vs 114.5 PassMark/$ ($989 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
❌32% higher power demand at 165W vs 125W.

Core i5-13600K

2022

Core i9-9900X

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.8% higher average FPS across 11 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+24.7% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 19 MB).
✅Costs $660 less on MSRP ($329 MSRP vs $989 MSRP).
✅Delivers 422.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 114.5 vs 21.9 PassMark/$ ($329 MSRP vs $989 MSRP).
✅Draws 125W instead of 165W, a 40W reduction.

Why buy it

✅120% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-13600K across 11 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (21,655 vs 37,655).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 24 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.9 vs 114.5 PassMark/$ ($989 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
❌32% higher power demand at 165W vs 125W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-13600K better than Core i9-9900X?

Yes. Core i5-13600K is the better overall CPU here. You are getting a 11.8% average FPS lead across 11 shared CPU game tests in our data, 73.9% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which makes it the stronger all-around choice.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-13600K is the better pick here. According to our tests, it delivers 11.8% more average FPS across 11 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-13600K is the better fit. You are getting 73.9% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 20 threads. It also carries the larger cache pool with 24.7% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 19 MB).

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

Core i5-13600K is the smarter buy today. Core i5-13600K is $660 cheaper on MSRP at $329 MSRP versus $989 MSRP, and it gives you a 11.8% average FPS lead across 11 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 422.7% better value on MSRP (114.5 vs 21.9 PassMark/$), 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 i5-13600K is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2018), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA2066, 24.7% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 19 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 20 threads instead of 10/20. 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 i5-13600K Benchmark Check

Core i9-9900X Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	Core i5-13600K	Core i9-9900X
1080p
low	281 FPS	178 FPS
medium	264 FPS	143 FPS
high	220 FPS	116 FPS
ultra	188 FPS	96 FPS
1440p
low	235 FPS	148 FPS
medium	198 FPS	117 FPS
high	158 FPS	95 FPS
ultra	138 FPS	78 FPS
4K
low	159 FPS	81 FPS
medium	133 FPS	69 FPS
high	102 FPS	55 FPS
ultra	90 FPS	43 FPS

Open Core i5-13600K Open Core i9-9900X

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	Core i5-13600K	Core i9-9900X
1080p
low	632 FPS	516 FPS
medium	533 FPS	431 FPS
high	450 FPS	360 FPS
ultra	416 FPS	323 FPS
1440p
low	540 FPS	447 FPS
medium	474 FPS	384 FPS
high	403 FPS	323 FPS
ultra	351 FPS	279 FPS
4K
low	316 FPS	278 FPS
medium	282 FPS	239 FPS
high	269 FPS	220 FPS
ultra	238 FPS	192 FPS

Open Core i5-13600K Open Core i9-9900X

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	Core i5-13600K	Core i9-9900X
1080p
low	663 FPS	541 FPS
medium	543 FPS	541 FPS
high	477 FPS	541 FPS
ultra	414 FPS	527 FPS
1440p
low	600 FPS	541 FPS
medium	499 FPS	518 FPS
high	434 FPS	469 FPS
ultra	376 FPS	407 FPS
4K
low	441 FPS	458 FPS
medium	381 FPS	363 FPS
high	344 FPS	328 FPS
ultra	295 FPS	262 FPS

Open Core i5-13600K Open Core i9-9900X

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	Core i5-13600K	Core i9-9900X
1080p
low	941 FPS	541 FPS
medium	941 FPS	541 FPS
high	923 FPS	541 FPS
ultra	831 FPS	541 FPS
1440p
low	941 FPS	541 FPS
medium	850 FPS	541 FPS
high	738 FPS	541 FPS
ultra	651 FPS	541 FPS
4K
low	651 FPS	541 FPS
medium	588 FPS	541 FPS
high	529 FPS	506 FPS
ultra	437 FPS	437 FPS

Open Core i5-13600K Open Core i9-9900X

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-13600K and Core i9-9900X

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.

Core i9-9900X

The Core i9-9900X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 21,655 points. Launch price was $989.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-13600K packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i9-9900X offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Core i5-13600K has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K versus 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9900X — a 12.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i5-13600K uses the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-9900X uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13600K scores 37,655 against the Core i9-9900X's 21,655 — a 54% lead for the Core i5-13600K. L3 cache: 24 MB on the Core i5-13600K vs 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9900X.

Feature	Core i5-13600K	Core i9-9900X
Cores / Threads	14 / 20+40%	10 / 20
Boost Clock	5.1 GHz+13%	4.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz	3.5 GHz
L3 Cache	24 MB+25%	19.25 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)+100%	1 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	37,655+74%	21,655
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	13,985
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,459
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	9,475

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-13600K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-9900X uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i5-13600K versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9900X — 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. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-13600K) vs 4 (Core i9-9900X). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13600K) vs 44 (Core i9-9900X) — the Core i9-9900X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i5-13600K) and X299 (Core i9-9900X).

Feature	Core i5-13600K	Core i9-9900X
Socket	LGA1700	LGA2066
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-5600+25%	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB+50%	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	20	44+120%

🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Core i9-9900X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i5-13600K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i9-9900X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13600K targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i5-13600K	Core i9-9900X
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 770	—
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Desktop	—

💰

Value Analysis

The Core i5-13600K launched at $329 MSRP, while the Core i9-9900X debuted at $989. On MSRP ($329 vs $989), the Core i5-13600K is $660 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13600K delivers 114.5 pts/$ vs 21.9 pts/$ for the Core i9-9900X — making the Core i5-13600K the 135.8% better value option.