Best GPU for i5-13600K: our top graphics cards for the Intel 13600K
Matching up your i5-13600K then you want the best GPU for the i5 13th Gen CPU
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The Core i5-13600K is one heck of a value proposition, it has all the muscle of Intel’s 13th-generation CPU cores, but it keeps costs down by not having too many of them – but still, this is a 14-core 20-thread machine. Owing most of its efficiency to the big.LITTLE architecture which was introduced in the 12th generation and improved upon ever since. For such a value-oriented CPU, you need the best GPU for i5-13600K, something that matches it in price to performance and causes no bottlenecks.
This CPU brought a significant multi-core performance improvement over the last gen, but what graphics card matches it best to bring out its full potential? We’ve listed some options below to cover a wide range of budgets. We strive to keep all our guides updated with the latest tech launches, ensuring that what you find below represents the best on the market. If you’re looking to make a quick purchase and don’t want to spend much time, the products at a glance are listed immediately below. Alternatively, read on for in-depth individual product reviews.
Products at a glance
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Best GPU for i5-13600K
ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Super OC
- Core clock speed: 2565 MHz boost, 1980 MHz base
- CUDA count: 7,168
- Memory: 12GB GDDR6X
- Dimensions: 301 x 139 x 63 mm
- PSU required: 750W
- TBP: 220W
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Runner UP
AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
- Core clock speed: 2,430MHz boost, 2,124MHz game
- Stream processors: 3,840
- Memory: 16GB GDDR6
- Dimensions: 267 x 111 x 50mm
- PSU required: 600W
- TBP: 263W
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Value Pick
Sapphire Pulse AMD RX 7700 XT
- Core clock speed: 1,900MHz, 2,171MHz Game, 2,544MHz max
- Stream processors: 3,456
- Memory: 12GB GDDR6
- Dimensions: 280 x 128.75 x 52.57 mm
- PSU required: 700W
- TBP: 245W
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Budget PickMSI RX 6750 XT MECH 2X
- Core Clock Speed: 2150 MHz base, 2496 MHz game, 2600 MHz boost
- Stream Processors: 2560
- Memory Size: 12GB GDDR6
- Dimensions: 249 x 132 x 52 mm
- PSU Required: 650W
How we test the best GPU for the Core i5-13600K
When considering the best GPU for Intel’s Core i5-13600K, the goal is to get a fine balance of power and efficiency to avoid system bottlenecks. So we test GPUs with that very same CPU to ensure complete compatibility. The 13600K is a highly versatile mid-range CPU, so it’s crucial to choose a GPU that can handle not only gaming but also productivity tasks like video editing and rendering.
To offer the best choices, we here at WePC rely on a mix of real-world applications and synthetic benchmarks. Gaming performance is tested across different resolutions to assess frame rates, while we also examine how the GPU performs under demanding synthetic tasks. Beyond raw power, factors like design, power consumption, and build quality play a role in making sure the GPU complements the 13600K, both in terms of energy efficiency and value for money.
We have tested hundreds of GPUs in our time so we know what to look out for, we have industry experts on hand to recommend the best GPUs for any situation.
Core i5 13600K specifications
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Intel Core i5-13600K
- Cores: 14
- Threads: 20
- Base speed: P-cores 3.5 GHz / E-cores 2.6 GHz
- Boost speed: P-cores 5.1 GHz / E-cores 3.9 GHz
- Cache: 20MB
- TDP: 125 W / 181 W boost.
We must know the specifications of the Core i5-13600K when choosing a GPU to pair it with, or else we are pairing in the dark, so to speak. This is clearly a CPU on the lower end of the generation, but it’d be perfect for gaming workloads. We Kept this in mind when selecting our picks.
Best GPU for Core i5-13600K
- Core clock speed: 2565 MHz boost, 1980 MHz base
- CUDA count: 7,168
- Memory: 12GB GDDR6X
- Dimensions: 301 x 139 x 63 mm
- PSU required: 750W
- TBP: 220W
- Memory clock: 21Gbps
- Memory bus: 192-bit
- Card bus: PCIe 4.0 x16
- Output : 1x HDMI 2.1a, 3x DP 1.4a
- Power connectors: 1x 16-pin
The 4070 super is, as you guessed it, the 4070 on steroids, it has more oomph, but as you may have guessed, consumes more power in the process. We wouldn’t recommend the 4070 Super to anyone who already has a 4070, but it’s a fantastic option for any one coming from the 30 series.
- Now cheaper and gives a great value choice
- Small compact build for the GPU
- Great energy efficiency
- Strong value for the performance with 1440p and above resolutions
- A high cost model as it is much higher than MSRP
- Requires 16pin power connector and so an adapter is needed
- Large size card can be harder to fit all cases
The introduction of Nvidia’s RTX 4070 Super represents a significant advancement in the Ada series of GPUs, providing enhanced value compared to the original 4070 model. While some may find its pricing less competitive, it effectively addresses criticisms that the initial 4070 got when it was released and improved upon. It does make it a great combination for the i5-13600K.
Sporting 7,168 CUDA cores, 12GB GDDR6X memory with 504GB/s bandwidth, and a 220W TBP, the RTX 4070 Super packs considerable power. Positioned within the lower end of the GPU lineup, it delivers exceptional performance across a variety of applications, not limited to gaming. Its impressive ray tracing and rendering capabilities make it a versatile option. Additionally, features such as DLSS 3 and frame generation further enhance performance, particularly in compatible games.
Our hands-on experience with the RTX 4070 Super confirms its standing as a top-tier GPU, offering a blend of contemporary features and robust performance. Its compatibility with DLSS 3 adds to its allure, making it an enticing choice for those seeking value in Nvidia’s offerings.
- Core clock speed: 2,430MHz boost, 2,124MHz game
- Stream processors: 3,840
- Memory: 16GB GDDR6
- Dimensions: 267 x 111 x 50mm
- PSU required: 600W
- TBP: 263W
- Launch price: $499
- Availability: September 6th, 2023
- GPU Name: NAVI 32
- Architecture : RDNA 3
- Process size: 5 nm
- Die size: 346mm
- L3 Cache: 64 MB
- Bandwidth: 624.1 GB/s
- Memory Bus: 256 bit
- Compute units: 60
- RT Cores: 60
The AMD RX 7800 XT is a fantastic choice if you want to game at 1440p resolutions, and sometimes 4K with the help of FSR upscaling. If you want to go the Ray tracing route, though RDNA 3 made many improvements over RDNA 2, Nvidia is still the best option for that.
- Dual fan makes it small but still capable of staying cool
- Great bang for the buck
- Good at 1440p
- Superseded by the 7900 XT that isn’t much more expensive nowadays.
- Dual fan design makes it shorter, but hotter than 3 fan designs.
For a runner-up choice for best GPU for Intel Core i5-13600K, the RX 7800 XT stands out. As part of the RDNA 3 lineup, it hits a sweet spot for those looking for strong performance at a reasonable price. Positioned just below the higher-end 7900 XT cards, it offers a solid balance between value and gaming performance, making it a strong contender in the mid-range market. Priced around $499, the 7800 XT is a smart choice for those who want to game comfortably at 1440p without breaking the bank.
The card is built around the Navi 32 GPU, featuring AMD’s MCM design, which uses both 5nm and 6nm TSMC processes for enhanced performance. With 3,840 stream processors, 60 compute units, and 60 RT cores, the card holds its own in rasterization-heavy games, though it may fall a bit short in ray tracing compared to NVIDIA’s offerings. It packs 16GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus, delivering a bandwidth of 624 GB/s, and draws 263W of power under load.
When compared to NVIDIA’s 4070 Super, the RX 7800 XT may not quite match its ray tracing prowess or 4K capabilities, but at $100 less, it offers excellent value, especially at 1440p where it excels. While you might need to tweak some settings for optimal performance at higher resolutions, the card remains highly competitive in its class, especially if you’re focused on rasterized gaming performance. Paired with the i5-13600K, this GPU offers a solid balance between cost and gaming capabilities, making it an excellent choice for gamers and content creators alike.
- Core clock speed: 1,900MHz, 2,171MHz Game, 2,544MHz max
- Stream processors: 3,456
- Memory: 12GB GDDR6
- Dimensions: 280 x 128.75 x 52.57 mm
- PSU required: 700W
- TBP: 245W
- Memory Clock: 18Gbps
- Memory Bus: 192-bit
- Card Bus: PCIe 4.0 x16
- Output: 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x DisplayPort 2.1
- Power connectors: 2 x 8-pin
The 7700 XT is one of the best budget cards that you can get on the AMD 7000 series. it continues AMD’s mission of being more power concise that NVIDIA, and it won’t break the bank in terms of price. If you use FSR, you’d manage a decent 1440p gaming experience out of the 7700 XT
- Great performance for a sub $500 GPUU
- Well-designed cooling keeps temps at less than 85°C
- Sapphire Pulse keeps the price low without unnecessary extras
- Only $50 less than the RX 7800 XT which has better framerates
- Ray tracing performance is still lackluster, but much improved
- Relatively high power draw even compared to its predecessor
An ideal companion for your i5-13600K setup could be an AMD GPU, especially with the introduction of RDNA 3 since the CPU’s debut. Meet the RX 7700 XT, a fantastic match for your processor, particularly if you’re aiming for an immersive 1440p experience without breaking the bank.
Featuring 54 compute units, 54 ray accelerators, 108 AI accelerators, 96 ROPs, 3,456 stream processors, and 216 texture units, along with 12GB of GDDR6 memory boasting a 432GB/s bandwidth, all packed within a 245W TBP. Running at a base clock speed of 1,785 MHz and a game clock that boosts up to 2,276 MHz (with potential peaks reaching 2,599MHz), this GPU ensures smooth performance, especially when pushing for high frame rates on a high refresh rate monitor.
Priced at $449, it offers gaming setups with commendable hardware options. Although its ray tracing capabilities may not match those of Nvidia GPUs, it still serves as an excellent complement to an Intel CPU. Dive into our comprehensive RX 7700 XT review for an in-depth, hands-on evaluation of its capabilities and performance.
- Core Clock Speed: 2150 MHz base, 2496 MHz game, 2600 MHz boost
- Stream Processors: 2560
- Memory Size: 12GB GDDR6
- Dimensions: 249 x 132 x 52 mm
- PSU Required: 650W
- Thermal Design: 2x Torx 3.0 fans, w/ triple slot heatsink
- Memory Clock: 18 Gbps
- Memory Interface: 192-bit
- Card Bus: PCIe 4.0 x16
- Output: 1x HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4a
- Power Connectors: 2x 8-pin
The 6750XT is one of the more budget GPUs that we’d usually recommend, but it’s far better than the iGPUs that feature in modern CPUs still. With some upscailing, this GPU can definitely hold it’s own in 1080p and even dabble in 1440p. But with that being said, don’t expect to pull off any ray tracing on this GPU.
- Cheaper option
- Solid build quality
- Upscaling really helps out here
- No overclock
- Very low RT performance
For those on the lookout for an ideal budget-friendly GPU pairing with the i5-13600K, the RX 6750 XT emerges as the frontrunner. Despite being an older choice, this RDNA 2 GPU benefits from a reduced price tag without sacrificing its performance, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users. It offers a compelling combination of AMD hardware that integrates seamlessly within its ecosystem.
Constructed on the Navi 22 KXT architecture and utilizing TSCM’s 7nm process, the card boasts 2,560 stream processors, 160 TMUs, 64 ROPs, 40 CUs, and 40 RTs. Paired with 12GB of GDDR6 memory featuring a 192-bit bus width and a bandwidth of 432 GB/s, thanks to its clock speed of 18 Gbps. The MSI Mech 2X variant showcases a boost clock of 2,600MHz, while the game clock maintains a speed of 2,496MHz. With dimensions measuring 249 x 132 x 52 mm and a TDP of 250W, it achieves a balance between performance and form factor.
In our comprehensive RX 6750 XT review, the card demonstrates commendable performance across various titles such as CSGO, Rainbow Six Siege, and Warzone, achieving high frame rates. Although it performs competently even in graphically demanding games, it lags slightly behind in ray tracing capabilities compared to competitors from Team Green and in synthetic benchmarks. Nevertheless, the significant reduction in price over time has largely mitigated this concern, making it a worthwhile investment.
is the 13600K good for gaming?
Gaming is more about CPU core speed than it is about core count. Since the 13600K has a P-Core boost speed of up to 5.1 GHz on a 10nm manufacturing process, it should have more than enough IPC to hold its own in games. Of Course, nothing compares to the current gaming champ, the 7800X3D, you just can’t compete with the 3D V-cache. If you’re serious about gaming, that’s the way to go.
Can you use Ray tracing with these GPUs?
Technically, all of the GPUs on this list are capable of ray tracing, but some are far better than others. The best GPU for ray tracing on this list would be the 4070 Super. Nvidia GPUs are generally the best at ray tracing and pioneered the technology with its 20 series Turing microarchitecture. AMD is ‘okay’ at ray tracing, but you need a higher-end card for better performance, though they are getting better by generation.
What iGPU does the i5-13600K have?
The Intel i5-13600K has Intel UHD Graphics 770 integrated into it. With 32 execution units, they have a clock of 300 MHz with a boost of up to 1.5GHz. So not entirely there for much more than basic display as the integrated graphics on the processor don’t match what a discrete card can achieve.
Final Word
When selecting the best GPU for any CPU, you must analyze the CPU’s specifications and performance in general to pick out an ideal GPU partner. With that being said, it’s easy to say that, harder to do so. We picked out the 4 best GPU pairs with the 13600K to suit any budget, so you don’t have to. Every pick on this list is fully compatible with the 13600K and would make a fantastic addition to your PC.
With the 13600K, it’s all about value, so we strived to pick the best GPUs that had good price-to-performance ratios to help maintain that philosophy. None of these GPUs if used in the targeted resolution should not bottlenecked the 13600K in any meaningful way.
