AMD Ryzen 9 5900X vs Intel Core i5-13600K
If you're looking for top-notch performance, the Intel Core i5-13600K takes the edge with its 14 cores compared to the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X's 12 cores. You get a higher boost clock of 5.1 GHz, which is fantastic for gaming and productivity tasks. However, the Ryzen 9 5900X excels in multi-threaded scenarios with its impressive 70MB cache, making it a powerhouse for rendering and compiling tasks. While the Ryzen runs hot, its 105W TDP is more manageable, especially if you invest in decent cooling. So, if you plan to push your CPU hard, consider your cooling options carefully.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
Intel Core i5-13600K
Comparison: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X vs Intel Core i5-13600K
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
Intel Core i5-13600K
| Criterion | AMD Ryzen 9 5900X | Intel Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(13,275)Amazon | ★4.7(1,388)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Zen 3 (Ryzen 5000 Series / Vermeer) | Raptor Lake (13th Gen Intel Core i5) |
Socket Platform | Socket AM4 (PGA 1331) | Socket LGA1700 (FCLGA1700) |
Cores Threads | 12 Cores / 24 Threads | 14 Cores (6P + 8E) / 20 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz Base / Up to 4.8 GHz Boost | P-Core: 3.5 / 5.1 GHz; E-Core: 2.6 / 3.9 GHz; Max Turbo: 5.1 GHz |
Cache L2 L3 | 6 MB L2 + 64 MB L3 (70 MB Total) | 20 MB L2 + 24 MB L3 (44 MB Total) |
TDP Power | 105 W | 125 W (Processor Base Power) |
Max Turbo Power | 142 W (PPT) | 181 W (Maximum Turbo Power) |
Process Node | TSMC 7nm FinFET (Core Complex) / GlobalFoundries 12nm (I/O Die) | Intel 7 (10nm Enhanced SuperFin) |
Memory Support | DDR4-3200 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 128 GB; ECC Support: Yes (Unbuffered UDIMM; requires mobo support) | DDR5-5600 or DDR4-3200; Dual-Channel; Up to 192 GB; ECC Support: Yes (W680 chipset required) |
Memory Bandwidth Max | N/A (Dependent on RAM config, theoretical max ~51.2 GB/s @ 3200 MT/s) | 89.6 GB/s (DDR5-5600) |
Pcie Version | PCIe 4.0 (Requires B550 or X570 chipset) | PCIe 5.0 (x16 lanes) + PCIe 4.0 (x4 lanes) |
Pcie Lanes | 24 Total (20 Usable: x16 Graphics, x4 NVMe) | 20 Total (16 CPU PCIe 5.0 + 4 CPU PCIe 4.0) |
Igpu | None (Discrete graphics card required) | Intel UHD Graphics 770 (32 EUs, 300 – 1500 MHz) |
Instruction Features | AMD-V, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES-NI, SHA, SSE4.1/4.2 | Intel 64, AVX2, AES-NI, VT-x, VT-d, SSE4.1/4.2, Gaussian & Neural Accelerator 3.0 |
Cooler Included | No (High-end air or liquid cooler recommended) | No (Air cooler with 180W+ TDP rating or 240mm AIO recommended) |
Max Temp | 90°C (194°F) TjMax | 100°C (212°F) TjMax |
Notes Limits | Dual-CCD design provides massive multi-core throughput. Requires a B550/X570 motherboard for PCIe 4.0 speeds. No integrated graphics. | Unlocked multiplier. Known as the 'value king' of 13th Gen for gaming. Performance is virtually identical to the 14600K (~2-5% difference). LGA1700 platform is end-of-life. |
Chipset Support | A520, B450, B550, X570, X470, X370, B350, A320 (BIOS update required for older chipsets) | Intel 700 Series (Z790, B760, etc.) & 600 Series (BIOS update required) |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
✓ Pros:
- • Exceptional multi-core performance for rendering and compiling
- • High gaming performance due to Zen 3 architecture and large cache
- • Cost-effective 'flagship' performance using affordable AM4 motherboards
✗ Cons:
- • No upgrade path to newer generations (AM4 is end-of-life for new architectures)
- • Runs hotter than single-CCD chips; requires substantial cooling
- • No integrated graphics
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Intel Core i5-13600K
✓ Pros:
- • Outstanding gaming and productivity performance for the price
- • Flexible memory support allows for budget builds with DDR4
- • Cheaper alternative to the 14600K with negligible performance loss
✗ Cons:
- • High power draw (up to 181W) compared to Ryzen 5 competitors
- • No stock cooler included; demands decent aftermarket cooling
- • LGA1700 platform has no future CPU upgrade path
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Which one is better?
The Intel Core i5-13600K is the better buy for most people - its 14 cores and 5.1 GHz boost clock crush the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X. That said, grab the Ryzen 9 5900X if you need superior multi-core performance for rendering tasks - it's a beast with a 70MB cache.
Who should buy each?
Choose the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X if: you need exceptional multi-core performance for rendering, you want a more energy-efficient option, or you have a budget-friendly AM4 motherboard.
Choose the Intel Core i5-13600K if: you prioritize gaming performance, you want the latest technology like PCIe 5.0, or you're building a system with flexible memory options (DDR4 and DDR5).
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X excels if you value exceptional multi-core performance for rendering and compiling. Intel Core i5-13600K is better if you prioritize outstanding gaming and productivity performance for the price. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.