Core i9-13900KS
24C/32T · 6.0 GHz · 150 W · PassMark #170
Ryzen 9 5950X
Zen 3 · 16C/32T · 105 W · AM4
Ryzen 9 5950X takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Core i9-13900KS lands at 33 and Ryzen 9 5950X at 88. That puts Ryzen 9 5950X ahead by 55 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Core i9-13900KS if…
- ✓PassMark #170 of 5,901 — capable workhorse
- ✓Current PassMark-tracked street price around $521
Pick Ryzen 9 5950X if…
- ✓AM4/AM5 longevity
- ✓Multi-thread value
- ✓Unlocked multipliers
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testValue for money
Ryzen 9 5950XSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Ryzen 9 5950X more score per dollar ($799 vs $521).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Core i9-13900KS | Ryzen 9 5950X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | ▲ 24 (8P + 16E) | 16 |
| Threads | 32 | 32 |
| Base clock | 3.2 GHz (P) / 2.4 GHz (E) | — |
| Boost clock | 6.0 GHz | — |
| L3 cache | 36 MB | — |
| TDP | 150 W base / 253 W max | 105 W |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | AM4 |
| Class | Desktop | — |
| PassMark rank | #170 of 5,901 | — |
| PassMark CPU Mark | 60,485 | — |
| Architecture | — | Zen 3 |
| Release year | — | 2020 |
Core i9-13900KS
- +PassMark #170 of 5,901 — capable workhorse
- +Current PassMark-tracked street price around $521
- −Requires recent-generation motherboard and DDR5 memory
- −Newer-generation parts pull ahead in current rankings
Ryzen 9 5950X
- +AM4/AM5 longevity
- +Multi-thread value
- +Unlocked multipliers
- −DDR5 required on AM5
- −iGPU optional
- −X3D variants better for gaming
FAQ: Core i9-13900KS vs Ryzen 9 5950X
Which is better, Core i9-13900KS or Ryzen 9 5950X? +
Ryzen 9 5950X scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 55. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Core i9-13900KS worth the price? +
At $521, Core i9-13900KS delivers a Specdex score of 33 — strongest in passmark.
Is Ryzen 9 5950X worth the price? +
At $799, Ryzen 9 5950X delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in multi.
Does Core i9-13900KS or Ryzen 9 5950X last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is the better value, Core i9-13900KS or Ryzen 9 5950X? +
Ryzen 9 5950X — more score per dollar ($799 vs $521). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.