AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs Intel Core i9-13900K: The Ultimate Gaming CPU Showdown

Comparing AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D and Intel Core i9-13900K, this article evaluates their gaming performance in 11 popular titles, with the Ryzen 9 7950X3D showing its strength in some titles and the Core i9-13900K taking the lead in others.

AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D features the second iteration of AMD's 3D V-Cache technology
Intel Core i9-13900K offers impressive specs with a base clock of 3.0GHz and a boost clock of 5.8GHz
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D outperformed the Core i9-13900K in some titles, while the Core i9-13900K took the lead in others

AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs Intel Core i9-13900K: The Ultimate Gaming CPU Showdown

When it comes to gaming CPUs, AMD and Intel have long been rivals, each offering their own lineup of powerful processors. In this article, we will be comparing two of the top contenders in the market: the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the Intel Core i9-13900K. Both CPUs promise exceptional gaming performance, but which one comes out on top? Let’s find out.

The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D features the second iteration of AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology, with a 7nm cache die stacked on top of a 5nm CCD. It boasts two 8-core dies, one optimized for gaming and the other for compute. The gaming-focused die comes with 96MB of L3 cache, including 64MB of 3D V-Cache, while the compute-focused die features a standard Zen 4 CCD with 32MB LLC. On the other hand, the Intel Core i9-13900K offers impressive specs as well, with a base clock of 3.0GHz and a boost clock of 5.8GHz.

To determine which CPU reigns supreme in gaming performance, we conducted a series of benchmarks using an ASUS ROG Maximus Hero Z790/X670 motherboard, 16GB x2 DDR5 6,000MT/s CL38 memory, and an nVidia Geforce 4090 24GB FE GPU. We tested 11 popular titles at 720p resolution, using the Ultra quality preset on both CPUs.

In “A Plague Tale: Requiem,” a CPU-intensive title, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D fell just short of the Core i9-13900K, averaging 194.5 FPS. However, the frametime graphs of the two CPUs were very similar, explaining the identical lows. Moving on to “Assassins’ Creed Valhalla,” the Ryzen 9 7950X3D showcased its prowess, being under 10% faster than the Core i9-13900K with superior lows. The frametime graph also revealed a more erratic chart for the Core i9-13900K, indicating frequent spikes compared to its X3D counterpart.

In “Cyberpunk 2077,” both processors performed equally well, with the Core i9-13900K recording higher lows. The frametime graphs were quite similar, but the Ryzen 9 7950X3D produced a cleaner result. “Dying Light 2” saw the Ryzen 9 7950X3D outperforming the Core i9-13900K with a satisfactory margin, while “F1 2022” favored the latter with a consistent lead. The frametime graphs once again revealed spikes in the case of the Core i9-13900K, while the Ryzen 9 7950X3D produced a more consistent result.

Moving on to “Ghostwire Tokyo” and “Hitman 3,” both CPUs performed similarly, with slight differences in average FPS and lows. The frametime graphs showed comparable performance, with a slight bit of inter-frame stutter. In “Hogwarts Legacy,” the Core i9-13900K took the lead by 14%, while in “Shadow of the Tomb Raider,” the Ryzen 9 7950X3D claimed victory with comparable 1% lows. The frametime graphs revealed recurring spikes for the Core i9-13900K, while its AMD counterpart had smoother results.

In the final two titles, “Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands” and an unnamed game, both CPUs won one each. The Core i9-13900K was 10% faster in one game, while the Ryzen 9 7950X3D was slightly faster (6%) with superior lows in the other. The frametime graphs once again favored the 7950X3D, showcasing lower spikes and a smoother overall result.

In conclusion, both the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the Intel Core i9-13900K offer exceptional gaming performance. While the Ryzen 9 7950X3D showcased its strength in some titles, the Core i9-13900K took the lead in others. Ultimately, the choice between these two CPUs will depend on individual preferences and specific gaming needs.

About Our Team

Our team comprises industry insiders with extensive experience in computers, semiconductors, games, and consumer electronics. With decades of collective experience, we’re committed to delivering timely, accurate, and engaging news content to our readers.

Background Information

About AMD: AMD, a large player in the semiconductor industry is known for its powerful processors and graphic solutions, AMD has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and user experience. With a customer-centric approach, the company has cultivated a reputation for delivering high-performance solutions that cater to the needs of gamers, professionals, and general users. AMD's Ryzen series of processors have redefined the landscape of desktop and laptop computing, offering impressive multi-core performance and competitive pricing that has challenged the dominance of its competitors. Complementing its processor prowess, AMD's Radeon graphics cards have also earned accolades for their efficiency and exceptional graphical capabilities, making them a favored choice among gamers and content creators. The company's commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology continues to shape the client computing landscape, providing users with powerful tools to fuel their digital endeavors.

About ASUS: ASUS, founded in 1989 by Ted Hsu, M.T. Liao, Wayne Hsieh, and T.H. Tung, has become a multinational tech giant known for its diverse hardware products. Spanning laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and more, ASUS has gained recognition for its innovation and commitment to high-performance computing solutions. The company has a significant presence in gaming technology, producing popular products that cater to enthusiasts and professionals alike. With a focus on delivering cutting-edge and reliable technology, ASUS maintains its position as a prominent player in the industry.

About Intel: Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, is renowned for its semiconductor innovations that power computing and communication devices worldwide. As a pioneer in microprocessor technology, Intel has left an indelible mark on the evolution of computing with its processors that drive everything from PCs to data centers and beyond. With a history of groundbreaking advancements, Intel's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the digital landscape, offering solutions that empower businesses and individuals to achieve new levels of productivity and connectivity.

About nVidia: NVIDIA has firmly established itself as a leader in the realm of client computing, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation in graphics and AI technologies. With a deep commitment to enhancing user experiences, NVIDIA's client computing business focuses on delivering cutting-edge solutions that power everything from gaming and creative workloads to enterprise applications. Renowned for its GeForce graphics cards, the company has redefined high-performance gaming, setting industry standards for realistic visuals, fluid frame rates, and immersive experiences. Complementing its gaming prowess, NVIDIA's Quadro and NVIDIA RTX graphics cards cater to professionals in design, content creation, and scientific fields, enabling real-time ray tracing and AI-driven workflows that elevate productivity and creativity to unprecedented heights. By seamlessly integrating graphics, AI, and software, NVIDIA continues to shape the landscape of client computing, fostering innovation and immersive interactions in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Technology Explained

CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the most important component of a computer system, as it is responsible for controlling all other components. CPUs are used in a wide range of applications, from desktop computers to mobile devices, gaming consoles, and even supercomputers. CPUs are used to process data, execute instructions, and control the flow of information within a computer system. They are also used to control the input and output of data, as well as to store and retrieve data from memory. CPUs are essential for the functioning of any computer system, and their applications in the computer industry are vast.

DDR5: DDR5 (Double Data Rate 5) is the next generation of memory technology for the computer industry. It is a modern day improvement on earlier DDR technologies, with faster speeds, greater bandwidth and higher capacities. DDR5 enables higher resolution, seamless gaming experiences and faster data transfer rates, making it an ideal choice for high-performance computing and 4K gaming. With its greater RAM compatibility, DDR5 provides faster buffering times and raised clock speeds, giving users an improved overall work system. DDR5 is also optimized for multi-tasking, allowing users to multitask without experiencing a significant drop in performance, increasing the productivity of digital tasks. As an ever-evolving technology, DDR5 is paving the way for the computer industry into a new and powerful era.

Geforce: Geforce is a line of graphics processing units (GPUs) developed by Nvidia. It is the most popular GPU used in the computer industry today. Geforce GPUs are used in gaming PCs, workstations, and high-end laptops. They are also used in virtual reality systems, artificial intelligence, and deep learning applications. Geforce GPUs are designed to deliver high performance and power efficiency, making them ideal for gaming and other demanding applications. They are also capable of rendering high-resolution graphics and providing smooth, realistic visuals. Geforce GPUs are used in a variety of applications, from gaming to professional workstations, and are the preferred choice for many computer users.

GPU: GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit and is a specialized type of processor designed to handle graphics-intensive tasks. It is used in the computer industry to render images, videos, and 3D graphics. GPUs are used in gaming consoles, PCs, and mobile devices to provide a smooth and immersive gaming experience. They are also used in the medical field to create 3D models of organs and tissues, and in the automotive industry to create virtual prototypes of cars. GPUs are also used in the field of artificial intelligence to process large amounts of data and create complex models. GPUs are becoming increasingly important in the computer industry as they are able to process large amounts of data quickly and efficiently.

L3 cache: L3 cache is a type of computer memory that is used to store frequently used data and instructions. It is located between the processor and main memory, and is used to reduce the amount of time it takes for the processor to access data from main memory. This helps to improve the overall performance of the computer. In the computer industry, L3 cache is used in many applications, such as gaming, video editing, and web browsing. It can also be used to improve the performance of servers and other high-performance computing tasks. By providing faster access to data, L3 cache can help to reduce the amount of time it takes for a computer to complete a task.

Z790: The Z790 chipset is a motherboard platform from Intel that supports the 12th Gen Core, 13th Gen Core CPUs and 14th Gen Core CPUs. It offers more PCIe Gen 4 lanes and USB 3.2x2 ports than the previous Z690 chipset, which can enable faster storage and connectivity options.