Intel Core i5-14600K vs Intel Core i9-13980HX Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-threaded workloads?

A: The Intel Core i9-13980HX dominates in multi-threaded tests. It leads by 29.6% in Cinebench R15 multicore, 18.1% in Cinebench R20 multicore, and 23.6% in Cinebench R23 multicore. Its PassMark multithread score of 46409 is 20% ahead of the i5-14600K's 38682.

Q: Does the Intel Core i5-14600K win any benchmark at all?

A: Yes, in the PassMark single-thread test, the i5-14600K scores 4270 versus the i9-13980HX's 4252, a 0.4% edge. That is the only category where the i5 comes out ahead across the entire head-to-head comparison.

Q: What are the core and thread counts of each processor?

A: The i9-13980HX has 24 cores and 32 threads. The i5-14600K has 14 cores and 20 threads. Both are built on Intel's 10 nm process with a 257 mm² die size.

Q: How much cache does each processor have?

A: Both chips use 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 2 MB of L2 cache per core. The i9-13980HX has 36 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i5-14600K has 24 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: What sockets do these processors use?

A: The i9-13980HX is a mobile processor using Intel BGA 1964. The i5-14600K is a desktop part using Intel Socket 1700. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in dual-channel configuration.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory and overclocking?

A: Yes, both support ECC memory and have unlocked multipliers. Both also integrate UHD Graphics 770.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark split is heavily one-sided. Across 17 head-to-head comparisons, the i9-13980HX wins 15 while the i5-14600K wins only 2. The i5's victories are narrow and confined to a single metric, the PassMark single-thread test, where it scores 4270 against 4252. That is a 0.4% margin, well within run-to-run variance territory.

Every other workload category favors the i9-13980HX. The largest gaps appear in integer math, where the i9 leads by 32.4% (166455 versus 125737), and in Cinebench R15 multicore, where it leads by 29.6% (4717 versus 3640). Data encryption shows a 28.3% advantage for the i9 (35332 versus 27533), and floating-point math shows a 27.9% edge (118645 versus 92794). The i9 also leads by 27.3% in random string sorting, 23.6% in Cinebench R23 multicore, and 22.1% in data compression.

The i5-14600K is not without merit in the single-thread domain. Its 0.4% lead in PassMark single-thread is small, but it does indicate that the desktop chip's per-core performance is essentially on par with the mobile flagship. In Cinebench single-core tests, the i9 still wins, but by only 2.5% in R15 and 2.2% in R23. The i9's advantage in physics is modest at 4.1% (2575 versus 2473).

For users who prioritize heavily threaded workloads such as video rendering, code compilation, or scientific computing, the i9-13980HX is the clear choice. For workloads that are purely single-threaded, the two chips are effectively tied, with the i5 holding a negligible lead.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the Raptor Lake architecture and are manufactured by Intel on the same 10 nm process with a 257 mm² die. The fundamental difference lies in their implementation. The i9-13980HX uses the Raptor Lake-HX codename, which is a mobile variant, while the i5-14600K uses Raptor Lake-R, a desktop refresh design.

The core configuration is the primary architectural differentiator. The i9 packs 24 cores and 32 threads, a substantial increase over the i5's 14 cores and 20 threads. This explains the consistent multi-threaded advantage across all Cinebench and PassMark multithread tests. The i9 also benefits from a larger shared L3 cache at 36 MB versus 24 MB, which helps in workloads with large working sets.

Clock speeds tell a nuanced story. The i9 has a lower base clock of 2.20 GHz but boosts to 5.60 GHz. The i5 starts at a higher 3.50 GHz base but boosts to 5.30 GHz. The higher base clock on the i5 partially explains its competitive single-thread performance. The i9's higher boost clock, combined with more cores, gives it the edge in sustained all-core workloads.

Memory support is identical: both use dual-channel DDR4 and DDR5 with ECC support. The integrated graphics are also the same UHD Graphics 770. PCIe lane counts differ, with the i9 offering 20 CPU lanes at Gen 5 versus 16 lanes on the i5. Both have unlocked multipliers.

The power profile is a significant architectural consideration. The i9 is rated at 55 W TDP, reflecting its mobile design intent. The i5 draws 125 W, a desktop-class power envelope. This difference does not appear to hurt the i9 in benchmark results, as it still wins the vast majority of comparisons.

The release dates are about nine months apart. The i9 arrived on January 3, 2023, and the i5 followed on October 16, 2023. Both remain in active production.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specifications. Core count is the most obvious: 24 cores and 32 threads for the i9, versus 14 cores and 20 threads for the i5. Base clocks differ at 2.20 GHz for the i9 and 3.50 GHz for the i5. Boost clocks also differ, with the i9 reaching 5.60 GHz and the i5 reaching 5.30 GHz.

TDP ratings are markedly different. The i9 is rated at 55 W, while the i5 is rated at 125 W. This reflects their different market segments: mobile versus desktop. The sockets are incompatible, with the i9 using Intel BGA 1964 and the i5 using Intel Socket 1700.

L3 cache differs significantly. The i9 has 36 MB shared, while the i5 has 24 MB shared. PCIe lane counts also differ, with the i9 offering 20 CPU lanes and the i5 offering 16, both at Gen 5. The part numbers are distinct (SRME9 for the i9, SRN43 for the i5), and the release dates are about nine months apart.

The launch MSRP for the i9-13980HX is $668. The launch MSRP for the i5-14600K is $319.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data paints a clear picture of where each processor excels. The i9-13980HX wins 15 of 17 head-to-head comparisons, and the margins are often substantial.

The biggest win for the i9 comes in PassMark integer math, where it scores 166455 versus the i5's 125737, a 32.4% advantage. This workload is heavily dependent on core count and memory bandwidth, and the i9's 24 cores provide a decisive edge. Cinebench R15 multicore is the second-largest gap at 29.6%, with the i9 scoring 4717 against 3640.

Data encryption is another strong showing for the i9, with a 28.3% lead (35332 versus 27533). Floating-point math follows at 27.9% (118645 versus 92794), and random string sorting shows a 27.3% gap (66125 versus 51949). These results indicate that the i9's additional cores translate directly into throughput across a wide range of computational tasks.

Cinebench R23 multicore shows a 23.6% advantage for the i9 (30273 versus 24491), while data compression shows a 22.1% gap (588306 versus 482020). PassMark multithread is 20% higher on the i9 (46409 versus 38682). Extended instructions show an 18.6% lead (33868 versus 28546), and Cinebench R20 multicore is 18.1% ahead (16187 versus 13709).

The i9 also wins the remaining multicore tests. PassMark find prime numbers shows a 17.9% edge (191 versus 162). Physics is closer at 4.1% (2575 versus 2473). Cinebench R20 singlecore shows an 18.1% advantage for the i9 (2285 versus 1935), which is notable because single-core tests are usually expected to be closer.

Cinebench R15 singlecore and R23 singlecore are the tightest multicore-adjacent results. The i9 leads by 2.5% in R15 (304.5 versus 297) and by 2.2% in R23 (2110 versus 2064). These margins are small enough that they could be considered effectively tied, but the i9 still holds the lead.

The only wins for the i5-14600K come in the PassMark single-thread test and its duplicate, PassMark singlethread. Both record 4270 for the i5 against 4252 for the i9, a 0.4% difference. This is the sole benchmark category where the desktop chip outperforms the mobile flagship.

The overall average benchmark scores reflect the i9's dominance. The i9-13980HX has an average score of 50398, while the i5-14600K averages 48618. Both sit in the 90th percentile of all CPUs in the database.

In the context of their nearest rivals, the i9-13980HX sits within 1.1% of AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370, AMD Ryzen 9 5900XT, Intel Core i7-13850HX, and Intel Core 9 273PE. The i5-14600K is similarly competitive with its peer group, including Intel Xeon Gold 5318H, AMD EPYC 4345P, and Intel Core Ultra 5 variants. The data shows two capable processors, but the i9-13980HX is clearly the stronger performer in almost every measurable workload.