Core i5-13500
Intel
PassMark
31,109
MSRP
$242
AVG Price
$264
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.
Overview
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.
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 Core i5-13500
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core i5-13500 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
Destiny 2
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Genshin Impact
League of Legends
Monster Hunter Wilds
Overwatch 2
Path of Exile 2
Phasmophobia
Project Zomboid
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core i5-13500 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core i5-13500 is a 14-core / 20-thread processor based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture, manufactured on a Intel 7 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.8 GHz from a base frequency of 2.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 24 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 1.25 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 80K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 31,109, placing it in the High-End performance tier as a Recent generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 2,419, while multi-core reaches 12,160. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 20,924.
| Specification | Core i5-13500 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 14C / 20T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 4.8 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.5 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | Intel 7 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 24 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 80K (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 257 mm2 |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 154 MHz |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 31,109 |
| Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance | 20,924 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 2,419 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 12,160 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-13500 fits into the LGA1700 socket and supports PCIe 5.0 with 20 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4, DDR5 memory at speeds up to DDR5-4800 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 192 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 770 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | Core i5-13500 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA1700 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 5.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 20 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4, DDR5 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 192 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | Yes |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | Z790,B760,Z690,B660 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Advanced Features
The Core i5-13500 is primarily designed for High-end Productivity / Gaming. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Ryzen 7 7700.
| Specification | Core i5-13500 |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | High-end Productivity / Gaming |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer | Ryzen 7 7700 |
Power & Cooling
The Core i5-13500 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Intel Laminar RM1 stock cooler. Recommended cooling: High-performance Air Cooler.
| Specification | Core i5-13500 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 65 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | Intel Laminar RM1 |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | High-performance Air Cooler |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $264 (MSRP: $242), the Core i5-13500 delivers 118 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #408 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core i5-13500 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $242 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $264 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $242 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #408 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 4 January 2023 (2 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2023 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | Intel |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (12)
AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for Core i5-13500
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
Compare Core i5-13500 with other popular CPUs
Compare Core i5-13500
See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives
Better Alternatives (8)
Similar or Lower Performance (8)
