Ryzen 9 7950X3D Vs Intel i9-13900K: Which Is Better?

AMD has been trying to catch up to its rival, Intel, since the dawn of its Ryzen processors. We have often seen Intel and AMD processors tie in many games and creative tasks, but Intel usually grabs the gaming crown. However, the scenario might change with AMD’s latest Ryzen 7000 series 3D V-Cache stacked processors. Therefore, today let’s compare the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs Intel Core i9-13900K processors.

Also Read: Intel Core i9-12900K Vs AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D

Key Takeaways

• Ryzen 9 7950X3D only houses a more excellent L3 cache pool than the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X processor.
• Ryzen 9 7950X3D has a price tag of $699, while the Intel Core i9-13900K has a price tag of $589.
• At 1080P resolution, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D is ~2.53% faster than its competitor.
• Ryzen 9 7950X3D has lower power consumption and a more excellent performance-per-watt value.
• Although not by a lot, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D takes the performance crown from the Intel Core i9-13900K.

Intel And AMD Architectural Differences

With AMD’s latest Ryzen 7000 series processors, especially the 3D V-Cache processors, we see a lot of architectural differences. Similarly, Intel’s 13th gen processors have made remarkable progress from their previous-gen processors. Let’s dive in a bit deeper.

AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D Processor Architectural Differences

Outside of AMD’s conventional consumer processors, such as the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, it has created a new “3D V-Cache“ technology for a few CPUs. The “X3D” processors excel in gaming due to their gratified L3 Cache enhancements. For example, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X has 64MB of L3 Cache. On the other hand, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D has 128MB of L3 Cache, double that of the 7950X.

Other than that, the TDP requirements of the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D are a bit lower than the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X at 120W instead of 170W. The other specifications are the same for the processor, so we can’t expect the processor to showcase more excellent performance than the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X in creative tasks.

If you want to understand the 3D V-Cache technology more, we implore you to go through AMD’s explainer video on how 3D V-Cache works.

Moreover, if you want to compare other similar processors, please read our comparison article on the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D vs Intel Core i5-13600K.

Intel Core i9-13900K Processor Architectural Differences

We need to discuss Intel’s architectural differences when comparing Intel and AMD processors alongside the AMD architectural differences. Especially when comparing the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs Intel Core i9-13900K processors, we must discuss the Intel Core i9-13900K architecture.

Unlike Intel’s 12th gen processors, which first utilized the Hybrid Core Architecture, Intel’s 13th gen processors give us an improvement in the form of extra Efficiency (E) cores. Unlike conventional processors with a single core type, Intel’s latest processors utilize ARM’s big.LITTLE technology to provide users with Performance (P) and Efficiency (E) cores.

With Intel’s 13th gen processors, we see double E-cores than the 12th gen processors. So, if the Intel Core i9-12900K has 8 P-cores and 8 E-cores, the Intel Core i9-13900K has 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores. Subsequently, this also means a relative increase in threads and overall performance. Besides that, the base and boost clock speeds and the Instruction Per Clock (IPC) performance have increased marginally.

If you buy one of the latest Intel processors, you’ll need a CPU cooler to handle the heat. Therefore, you must understand CPU coolers before making a purchase. Please look through our list of the best CPU coolers for the Intel Core i9-13900K while you’re at it.

Ryzen 9 7950X3D Vs Intel i9-13900K Specifications

After discussing a few architectural differences, it’s essential to understand the specification differences between both processors. These differences help us figure out the performance-per-dollar ratio and compare the overall performance of both processors.

Looking at the above specifications, we see a set of peculiar differences between the processors. For example, starting from compatibility, the Intel Core i9-13900K has more excellent compatibility than its rival.

Besides that, the Intel Core i9-13900K has more cores, while the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D has a lower TDP. However, the latter shines in the L3 cache department, where the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D has almost 3.5 times the L3 cache than its opponent.

Regarding the price difference, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D is ~18.67% more expensive. Thus, the processor needs to be at least 18.67% faster in games to have a better performance-per-dollar ratio.

Also Read: AMD Vs Intel For Video Editing

Gaming Benchmarks

The best method to compare two similar pieces of hardware is through practical benchmark tests. Therefore, we shall test both processors in multiple games at 1080P resolution to stress the processors as much as possible.

Testing Rig

• Motherboard: Gigabyte X670E Aorus Master & ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming
• CPU cooler: Be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
• Graphics card: GeForce RTX 4090 24GB
• RAM: G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB 32GB DDR5 6000MHz CL32
• Power supply: Corsair RM850i 850W
• Storage: 2 x Samsung 970 Evo M.2 2280 1TB
• Processors: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D & Intel Core i9-13900K

Because both processors have different motherboard compatibilities, we have used two motherboards. However, we can rest assured that both motherboards are among the best in the market.

Looking at cooling, the be quiet Dark Rock Pro 4 is a fantastic air cooler that is enough to cool high-end processors that aren’t being overclocked. Moreover, the 6,000MHz DDR5 RAM is plenty for the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the Intel Core i9-13900K processors.

Furthermore, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU ensures no GPU bottleneck in the tests. Although the power supply might be weaker, considering the components, it should be enough to squeeze out enough power.

All-in-all, the test rig is excellent and should provide accurate results, but it is important to note that the figures can be slightly inaccurate due to being taken from a software overlay.

Microsoft Flight Simulator

• The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D averages 124 FPS, ~5.98% faster than the Intel Core i9-13900K averaging 117 FPS.
• The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D is more efficient, consuming only 46W power, while the Intel Core i9-13900K consumes 82W.
• The Intel Core i9-13900K is marginally colder, with a temperature of 57°C, while the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D has a temperature of 58°C.
• The Intel Core i9-13900K has better 1% lows, losing ~21.87% frames, while the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D loses 30.52%.

Hogwarts Legacy

• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D averages 78 FPS and is ~6.84% faster than the Intel Core i9-13900K averaging 73 FPS.
• While the Ryzen 9 7950X3D is more efficient by consuming 65W, the Intel Core i9-13900K consumes 88W.
• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D is slightly hotter, running at 63°C. On the other hand, the Intel Core i9-13900K’s temperatures are at 60°C.
• The Intel Core i9-13900K has greater 1% lows, losing ~40.38% frames, while the Ryzen 9 7950X3D loses 41.81%.

Also Read: Intel Core i9-13900K Vs Intel Core i7-13700K

Call Of Duty Warfare 2.0

• The Intel Core i9-13900K takes a slight lead by being 1.58% faster at 192 FPS. Meanwhile, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D averages 189 FPS.
• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D continues with its power efficiency, consuming 81W. However, the Intel Core i9-13900K consumes 103W.
• The Intel Core i9-13900K is slightly colder, with a temperature of 59°C. On the other hand, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D has a temperature of 61°C.
• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D has better 1% lows by losing 42.1% frames. In comparison, the Intel Core i9-13900K loses 43.28% of frames.

Cyberpunk 2077

• The Intel Core i9-13900K keeps its lead by staying ~3.57% faster by averaging 145 FPS. On the other hand, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D averages 140 FPS.
• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D is significantly more power efficient, consuming only 92W. Meanwhile, the Intel Core i9-13900K consumes 135W power.
• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D stays colder by keeping it at 61°C. In contrast, the Intel Core i9-13900K’s temperatures are at 65°C.
• The Intel Core i9-13900K has better 1% lows by losing ~19.83% frames. However, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D loses 21.73% of frames.

Also Read: AMD Ryzen 9 3900X Vs AMD Ryzen 9 5900X

Horizon Zero Dawn

• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D takes a massive leap in performance by being 21.91% faster, averaging 267 FPS. Meanwhile, the Intel Core i9-13900K averages 219 FPS.
• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D maintains its efficiency by consuming 98W power. On the other hand, the Intel Core i9-13900K is power-hungry, consuming 111W.
• The Intel Core i9-13900K has lower temperatures at 60°C. In contrast, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D is 8°C hotter at 68°C.
• The Intel Core i9-13900K has better 1% lows, losing 46.97% of frames, whereas the Ryzen 9 7950X3D loses 47.51% of frames.

Also Read: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X Vs AMD Ryzen 9 7900X

Hitman 3

• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D is ~3.84% faster, averaging 270 FPS. On the other hand, the Intel Core i9-13900K averages 260 FPS.
• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D has lower power consumption at 76W. Meanwhile, the Intel Core i9-13900K has a power consumption of 97W.
• Both processors have similar temperatures, with the Intel Core i9-13900K being 1°C colder at 59°C. In contrast, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D sits at 60°C.
• The Intel Core i9-13900K has better 1% lows by losing ~30.65% frames. In comparison, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D loses ~31.06% of frames.

God Of War

• The Intel Core i9-13900K takes back the lead by being ~2.49% faster, averaging 255 FPS. On the other hand, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D averages 243 FPS.
• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D consumes significantly lower power, at 95W. In contrast, the Intel Core i9-13900K consumes 128W power.
• The Intel Core i9-13900K is slightly colder at 65°C, whereas the Ryzen 9 7950X3D sits at 68°C.
• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D has better 1% lows, with a frame loss of ~22.11%. Meanwhile, the Intel Core i9-13900K loses ~23.78% of frames.

Also Read: AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT Vs NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080

Forza Horizon 5

• The Intel Core i9-13900K takes a slight lead by averaging 308 FPS and being ~1.31% faster. On the other hand, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D averages 304 FPS.
• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D maintains its power efficiency by consuming only 72W. In contrast, the Intel Core i9-13900K consumes 98W power.
• Both processors have similar temperatures, but the Intel Core i9-13900K is 1°C colder at 58°C. Meanwhile, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D sits at 59°C.
• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D has significantly better 1% lows by losing ~31.61% frames. In comparison, the Intel Core i9-13900K loses ~83.33% of frames.

Spider-Man Miles Morales

• The Intel Core i9-13900K leads by ~5.9%, averaging 125 FPS. On the other hand, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D averages 118 FPS.
• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D has a significantly lower power consumption at 91W. Meanwhile, the Intel Core i9-13900K consumes 129W power.
• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D is marginally colder at 63°C. In contrast, the Intel Core i9-13900K sits at 64°C.
• The Intel Core i9-13900K has better 1% lows where it loses ~48.8% frames. However, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D loses ~51.28% of frames.

Also Read: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Vs NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti

Witcher 3

• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D takes back the lead by ~6.9%, averaging 92 FPS. Meanwhile, the Intel Core i9-13900K averages 86 FPS.
• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D maintains its consistent power efficiency, consuming only 94W. On the other hand, the Intel Core i9-13900K consumes 106W.
• Both processors have the same temperatures at 63°C.
• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D has better 1% lows, losing ~37.31% frames. In contrast, the Intel Core i9-13900K loses ~40.98% of frames. 

Overall Gaming Performance

• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D averages 182.5 FPS at 1080P resolution in 10 games. On the other hand, the Intel Core i9-13900K averages 178 FPS.
• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D is ~2.52% faster than the Intel Core i9-13900K, while the former is ~18.67% more expensive.
• The Intel Core i9-13900K is the better option in performance-per-dollar value, while the Ryzen 9 7950X3D is faster overall.
• Both processors excel in 5 games each, but the Ryzen 9 7950X3D masses a greater FPS count.

Average Power Consumption

• Throughout 10 games, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D consistently showcased lower power consumption.
• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D is more power efficient, with an average power consumption of 81W. On the other hand, the Intel Core i9-13900K has an average power consumption of 108W.
• The Intel Core i9-13900K consumes ~33.33% more power than its rival but performs slower overall.
• The Ryzen 9 7950X3D has a better performance-per-watt value, gaining 22.53 FPS per 1W. Meanwhile, the Intel Core i9-13900K gains 16.48 FPS per 1W.

Average Thermal Statistics

• The Intel Core i9-13900K has slightly lower temperatures averaging 61°C than the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D, averaging 62°C.
• In percentages, the Intel Core i9-13900K is ~1.64% colder than the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. However, the latter is ~2.52% faster.

Also Read: Best 360mm AIO Coolers in 2023

Pricing And Availability

The component and competitor’s prices are one of the most critical purchase factors. Thus, when comparing two processors, we must examine their pricing and availability status. For example, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D has an MSRP cost of $699. Meanwhile, the Intel Core i9-13900K has an MSRP cost of $589.

So, the Intel Core i9-13900K has an advantageous price, as its competitor costs ~18.67% more. Therefore, if we discuss performance-per-dollar values, the Intel Core i9-13900K has a greater chance of having better value and catching the eye of the budget gamer.

On the other hand, when discussing availability, the Intel Core i9-13900K has been in the market for far longer than its rival. As such, the product has been re-shelved and used more. For that reason, you’re more likely to find the Intel processor more quickly than the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D in the market.

Intel Core i9-13900K Vs AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D: Which Is Better?

Purchase factors depend on the use-case scenario of the consumer. For instance, if consumers want to save as much money as possible while getting the most performance, they’re more likely to focus on the performance-per-dollar value.

If so, the Intel Core i9-13900K is the better option because it costs less and performs similarly to its competitor. To explain, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D costs ~18.57% more but only performs ~2.52% faster.

On the other hand, if a consumer requires a processor that consumes lower power, then the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D is the better option. While the Intel Core i9-13900K has a better performance-per-dollar value, its performance-per-watt value is worse, whereas the Ryzen 9 7950X3D gains 22.53 FPS per 1W, and the Intel i9-13900K gains 16.48 FPS per 1W.

Lastly, if a consumer requires a processor with the best performance, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D wins in raw performance. In conclusion, your purchase depends on your use-case scenario, which you must define before entering the market.