Intel Core i5-13600K vs AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
The Intel Core i5-13600K is the smarter buy for gaming, thanks to its 5.1 GHz boost clock that crushes the AMD Ryzen 7 5700X's 4.6 GHz. If you're into productivity, the 14-core setup of the i5-13600K offers plenty of power compared to the 8-core Ryzen 7 5700X. The Ryzen 7 5700X shines with its 65W power draw, making it an energy-efficient option for budget builds. In real-world use, this means you can save on your electricity bills without sacrificing too much performance, especially if you're not pushing the limits on CPU-intensive tasks.
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Intel Core i5-13600K
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
Comparison: Intel Core i5-13600K vs AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
Intel Core i5-13600K
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
| Criterion | Intel Core i5-13600K | AMD Ryzen 7 5700X |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,388)Amazon | ★4.8(10,543)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Raptor Lake (13th Gen Intel Core i5) | Zen 3 (Ryzen 5000 Series / Vermeer) |
Socket Platform | Socket LGA1700 (FCLGA1700) | Socket AM4 (PGA 1331) |
Cores Threads | 14 Cores (6P + 8E) / 20 Threads | 8 Cores / 16 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | P-Core: 3.5 / 5.1 GHz; E-Core: 2.6 / 3.9 GHz; Max Turbo: 5.1 GHz | 3.4 GHz Base / Up to 4.6 GHz Max Boost |
Cache L2 L3 | 20 MB L2 + 24 MB L3 (44 MB Total) | 32 MB L3 + 4 MB L2 (36 MB Total Cache) |
TDP Power | 125 W (Processor Base Power) | 65 W (Default TDP) |
Max Turbo Power | 181 W (Maximum Turbo Power) | 88 W (Package Power Tracking - PPT) |
Process Node | Intel 7 (10nm Enhanced SuperFin) | TSMC 7nm FinFET (Core Complex) / GlobalFoundries 12nm (I/O Die) |
Memory Support | DDR5-5600 or DDR4-3200; Dual-Channel; Up to 192 GB; ECC Support: Yes (W680 chipset required) | DDR4-3200 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 128 GB; ECC Supported (Motherboard Dependent) |
Memory Bandwidth Max | 89.6 GB/s (DDR5-5600) | 51.2 GB/s (at DDR4-3200) |
Pcie Version | PCIe 5.0 (x16 lanes) + PCIe 4.0 (x4 lanes) | PCIe 4.0 |
Pcie Lanes | 20 Total (16 CPU PCIe 5.0 + 4 CPU PCIe 4.0) | 24 (20 Usable PCIe 4.0 Lanes: 16 GPU + 4 Storage) |
Igpu | Intel UHD Graphics 770 (32 EUs, 300 – 1500 MHz) | None (Discrete GPU required) |
Instruction Features | Intel 64, AVX2, AES-NI, VT-x, VT-d, SSE4.1/4.2, Gaussian & Neural Accelerator 3.0 | AMD-V, AVX2, FMA3, SHA, AES-NI, SSE4.1/4.2 |
Cooler Included | No (Air cooler with 180W+ TDP rating or 240mm AIO recommended) | No (Cooling device not included) |
Max Temp | 100°C (212°F) TjMax | 90°C (194°F) TjMax |
Notes Limits | 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. | Requires discrete GPU. Excellent drop-in upgrade for B450/X470/B550 boards (BIOS update likely required). |
Chipset Support | Intel 700 Series (Z790, B760, etc.) & 600 Series (BIOS update required) | AMD 500 Series (X570/B550/A520), 400 Series (X470/B450), Select 300 Series (A320/B350/X370) |
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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
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AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
✓ Pros:
- • Highly efficient 65W TDP design runs cooler than the 5800X
- • Offers 8-core/16-thread performance nearly identical to higher-tier SKUs
- • Cost-effective upgrade extending the life of older AM4 builds
- • Unlocked multiplier allows for PBO tuning and overclocking
✗ Cons:
- • No integrated graphics (cannot output video without a GPU)
- • No stock cooler included (unlike the 5600X)
- • Limited to DDR4 memory and PCIe 4.0 (older platform generation)
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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 Ryzen 7 5700X. That said, grab the Ryzen 7 5700X if you need a cooler, more efficient build - it's 116W lighter on power draw.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Intel Core i5-13600K if: you want outstanding gaming performance, need powerful productivity for video editing, or plan to build a high-end gaming rig.
Choose the AMD Ryzen 7 5700X if: you want a cooler system with lower power consumption, you're upgrading an older AM4 build, or need a cost-effective option without integrated graphics.
Conclusion
Intel Core i5-13600K and AMD Ryzen 7 5700X are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Intel Core i5-13600K excels if you value outstanding gaming and productivity performance for the price. AMD Ryzen 7 5700X is better if you prioritize highly efficient 65w tdp design runs cooler than the 5800x. 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.
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