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Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs Core i9-13900KS

The Ryzen 9 7950X3D goes toe to toe with one of Intel's best chips
Last Updated on January 3, 2024
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The Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the Core i9-13900KS CPUs are designed to handle the most demanding tasks, whether it’s gaming, video editing, 3D rendering, or any other processor-intensive application. Both chips boast impressive specifications and are aimed at enthusiasts and professionals who require the best performance available, but how do they stack up against each other in the bout of the Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs Core i9-13900KS?

While these CPUs share some similarities, such as their high core counts and multithreading capabilities, there are some notable differences between the two. The Ryzen 9 7950X3D comes equipped with AMD’s Zen 4 architecture and features 12 cores and 24 threads, while the Core i9-13900KS utilizes Intel’s Raptor Lake architecture and offers 24 cores and 32 threads.

The Ryzen 9 7950X3D also features AMD’s V-Cache technology, which offers additional cache on the processor, resulting in improved performance in applications that require a large amount of cache. On the other hand, the Core i9-13900KS offers higher clock speeds, with a base clock speed of 3.2 GHz and a boost clock speed of 6 GHz.

In this comparison, we’ll take a closer look at the specifications of each CPU, as well as their performance in various applications and benchmarks. Whether you’re a gamer or a content creator, choosing the right CPU can make a big difference in your overall experience, and this comparison aims to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.

Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs Core i9-13900KS: Specs

Both the Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the Core i9-13900KS are incredibly powerful CPUs with top-of-the-line specifications. The Ryzen 9 7950X3D has a 12-core and 24-thread design built on AMD’s Zen 4 architecture and manufactured using TSMC’s 5nm process node. In comparison, the Core i9-13900KS is built on Intel’s Raptor Lake architecture and is manufactured using a 10nm process. It features an impressive 24 cores and 32 threads.

In terms of clock speed, the Core i9-13900KS has a base frequency of 3.2 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 6 GHz. Meanwhile, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D has a base frequency of 4.4 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 5.6 GHz. This means that the Core i9-13900KS has a slight edge in clock speed, which could translate into better single-core performance.

SpecsIntel Core i9-13900KSRyzen 9 7950X3D
ArchitectureRaptor LakeZen 4
Process nodeIntel 10 nmTSMC 5 nm
Cores/Threads24/3212 / 24
Frequency3.2 GHz4.4GHz
Boost clock speed6 GHz5.6GHz
SocketSocket 1700Socket AM5
Cache L3128MB
TDP150W120W
Launch MSRP$699$599
Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs Core i9-13900KS specs comparison

When it comes to power consumption, the Core i9-13900KS has a TDP of 150W, which is higher than the Ryzen 9 7950X3D’s TDP of 120W. This means that the Core i9-13900KS may require a more robust cooling solution to keep it running at optimal temperatures.

Another significant difference between the two CPUs is their price. The Core i9-13900KS has an MSRP of $699, while the Ryzen 9 7950X3D has an MSRP of $599. This makes the Ryzen 9 7950X3D a more affordable option, although it has fewer cores and a lower clock speed.

Finally, it’s worth noting that the Ryzen 9 7950X3D has a much larger L3 cache of 128MB, compared to the Core i9-13900KS, which has no L3 cache listed in its specifications. This could potentially give the Ryzen 9 7950X3D an advantage in tasks that rely heavily on cache memory.

Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs Core i9-13900KS: Performance

According to various reviews and benchmarks, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D has taken the crown as the fastest gaming CPU currently available in the market, which is a significant achievement since Intel has held the title for several years. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D was the first to disrupt Intel’s position, and now, with the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, Intel’s Core i9 13900KS has been dethroned.

While the Ryzen 9 7950X3D outperforms the Core i9-13900KS and 13900K, the performance difference isn’t night and day. On average, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D is around 5% faster than the Core i9-13900KS, although some review sites show that the 7950X3D can be approximately 10% to 13% faster than the Core i9-13900KS, depending on the testing methodology, games, and system setup.

The Ryzen 9 7950X3D performed remarkably well in games like Horizon Zero Dawn, F1 2021, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, but its performance in games like CS: GO and Rainbow Six was underwhelming. When it comes to productivity workloads, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D is a powerhouse, but it is slightly slower than the Core i9-13900KS or the Ryzen 9 7950X.

One of the most impressive features of the Ryzen 9 7950X3D is its power efficiency. The Core i9-13900KS can consume more than 200W in full load, while the Ryzen 9 7950X3D can operate well at around 100W, depending on the type of workload or game. The difference in power efficiency between the two CPUs is significant.

Overall, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D is a great choice for gamers and content creators looking for top-notch performance, especially in gaming. While it may not be the best for every use case, its power efficiency and performance make it a worthy contender in the high-end CPU market.

Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs Core i9-13900KS: Price

Additionally, it’s important to note that both CPUs are considered high-end processors and are priced accordingly. Therefore, the price difference may not be a significant factor for those who are looking for the best performance and are willing to invest in a top-of-the-line CPU.

That being said, for budget-conscious buyers, the Core i9-13900KS may be a more attractive option, as it is priced slightly lower than the Ryzen 9 7950X3D while still delivering impressive performance.

Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs Core i9-13900KS: Conclusion

In conclusion, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D is currently the fastest gaming CPU in the market, beating the Core i9-13900KS and its predecessor, the Core i9-13900K. While the performance difference may vary depending on the testing methodology and the system setup, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D is around 5% faster on average, and in some cases, up to 13% faster than the Core i9-13900KS.

In terms of productivity workloads, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D is slightly slower than the Core i9-13900KS or the Ryzen 9 7950X, but the difference is minimal. Moreover, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D has a significant advantage over the Core i9-13900KS in power efficiency, operating well at around 100W compared to the Core i9-13900KS’s 200W in a full load.

Overall, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D is a powerful CPU that delivers exceptional gaming performance and solid productivity performance while consuming less power than its Intel counterpart. However, it comes at a higher price point than the Core i9-13900KS, which may be a deciding factor for some users.

Camilo is a contributor for PC Guide. He's been into tech since he was a teen, surfing through the web and local stores trying to find the cheapest way to play the latest Half-Life on his old Windows