i9-12900KS Vs i9-13900K: Which Is Better In 2023?

In our last test, the Ryzen 5 5600X outperformed the Ryzen 9 3900X by 6.3%. Now, we’ll be doing a Core i9-12900KS vs Core i9-13900K comparison to see which processor reigns supreme.

Key Takeaways

• Starting off, the Core i9-12900KS comes with the Alder Lake-S technology. Meanwhile, the Core i9-13900K boasts the Raptor Lake-S technology.
• Moreover, the Core i9-13900K outperforms Core i9-12900KS in gaming benchmarks with a 10.6% higher average FPS (187.3 vs 168.4).
• Additionally, the Core i9-12900KS consumes 7.3% less power than the Core i9-13900K, making it more power-efficient.
• Finally, the Core i9-12900KS outperformed the Core i9-13900K in thermal efficiency during benchmark tests, with an 11.4% higher efficiency.

Comparison Table

Architectural Background

Intel Core i9-12900KS

Intel has recently introduced one of its latest processors, the Core i9-12900KS, which promises to deliver excellent performance with its impressive specs. Codenamed Alder Lake-S, the i9-12900KS boasts 16 cores and 24 threads, making it a powerhouse for gaming enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Its base clock speed of 3.4 GHz and boost clock of up to 5.5 GHz ensure that the processor can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease. Additionally, the i9-12900KS also supports ECC memory, which adds an extra layer of data integrity and reliability to the system.

The Intel Core i9-13900K, also known as Raptor Lake-S, is the latest flagship processor from Intel. With 24 cores and 32 threads, it offers an impressive amount of processing power, making it ideal for heavy-duty tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming.

With a base clock speed of 3 GHz and a turbo clock speed of up to 5.8 GHz, the i9-13900K is incredibly fast and efficient. The processor also supports PCIe Gen 5, providing faster data transfer rates for high-performance applications.

Also Read: Ryzen 9 7900X3D Vs i9-13900K

Core i9-12900KS Vs Core i9-13900K: Gaming Benchmarks

Now that we have scrutinized the specs of the Core i9-12900KS and the Core i9-13900K, it’s time to investigate which of these processors is better for gaming. We conducted extensive testing on several popular games to compare their gaming capabilities and find out which one can deliver top-notch performance with consistent results.

Testing Rig

• Operating System: Windows 11
• GPU: GeForce RTX 4090 24GB
• RAM: G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB 32GB DDR5 6000MHz CL38
• Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming
• SSD: SAMSUNG 970 EVO M.2 2280 1TB
• Power Supply: CORSAIR HX Series HX1200 1200W
• CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4

To provide an impartial evaluation of the Core i9-12900KS and Core i9-13900K, we will be conducting detailed benchmark tests. Our testing will take into account critical factors such as average FPS, 1% lows, and vital performance indicators, including temperatures and power consumption at 1080p on ultra settings.

Note: It’s important to keep in mind that the Core i9-12900KS vs Core i9-13900K benchmark results can be affected by a variety of external factors, such as the hardware components and software configurations used in the testing process.

Cyberpunk 2077

• In terms of average FPS, the Core i9-13900K surpasses the Core i9-12900KS, with an 8.6% increase, delivering an impressive 144 FPS, while the latter struggles with 132 FPS.
• Moreover, there is a 4.47% difference between the Core i9-13900K and the Core i9-12900KS in terms of 1% lows, with the former delivering 137 FPS and the latter offering 131 FPS.
• Furthermore, the Core i9-12900KS is more power-efficient than the Core i9-13900K, consuming only 132 W compared to the latter’s 149 W, with a 12% difference.
• While checking thermal efficiency, the Core i9-12900KS outperforms the Core i9-13900K, producing an average temperature of 70°C compared to the latter’s 73°C with a 4.1% difference.

The Witcher 3

• After extensive FPS testing, the Core i9-13900K outperforms the Core i9-12900KS, providing a 13.1% boost in average FPS, resulting in 81 FPS, compared to the latter’s 71 FPS.
• Furthermore, the Core i9-13900K outperforms the Core i9-12900KS by 7% in 1% lows, with 59 FPS compared to 55 FPS, respectively.
• Moreover, the Core i9-12900KS boasts better power efficiency than the Core i9-13900K, drawing only 100 W in contrast to the latter’s 111 W with a 10.4% discrepancy.
• Notably, the Core i9-12900KS offers superior thermal efficiency, with an average of 60°C, compared to the Core i9-13900K, which has an average of 65°C, resulting in an 8% increase.

Also Check: Ryzen 9 7950X3D Vs Intel i9-13900K

Forza Horizon 5

• Starting off, the Core i9-13900K has an 11.3% average FPS advantage over the Core i9-12900KS, with an average of 325 FPS, while the latter falls behind with 290 FPS.
• In addition, the Core i9-13900K produces better 1% lows performance with a 5.7% lead over the Core i9-12900KS, delivering 233 FPS versus 220 FPS.
• Additionally, the Core i9-12900KS outperforms the Core i9-13900K in terms of power efficiency, using only 104 W compared to the latter’s 109 W, with a difference of 4.6%.
• Furthermore, the Core i9-12900KS operates at a cooler temperature, producing an average of 57°C, while the Core i9-13900K generates an average of 61°C, which is 6.7% hotter.

Microsoft Flight Simulator

• Firstly the Core i9-13900K outshines the Core i9-12900KS in terms of average FPS, with an 8.1% increase, delivering a remarkable 64 FPS, while the latter manages 59 FPS.
• Also, the Core i9-13900K outshines the Core i9-12900KS in terms of 1% lows, with 54 FPS compared to 40 FPS, representing a 29.7% difference.
• In terms of power consumption, the Core i9-12900KS is the clear winner over the Core i9-13900K, consuming only 60 W in comparison to the latter’s 64 W, resulting in a 6.4% gap.
• Moreover, the Core i9-12900KS delivers better thermal performance, with an average of 47°C, compared to the Core i9-13900K, which has an average of 52°C, representing a 10% increase.

Hogwarts Legacy

• During the average FPS test, the Core i9-13900K surpasses the Core i9-12900KS, providing a 5.7% boost in average FPS, achieving an impressive 71 FPS, while the latter manages 67 FPS.
• Besides, there is a 7.6% gap in 1% lows performance between the Core i9-13900K and the Core i9-12900KS, with the former providing 54 FPS and the latter giving 50 FPS.
• Compared to the Core i9-13900K, the Core i9-12900KS is more efficient in power usage, using 95 W as opposed to the latter’s 97 W with a 2% difference.
• In terms of temperature performance, the Core i9-12900KS is the cooler option, with an average of 60°C, while the Core i9-13900K runs at an average of 62°C, resulting in a 3.2% difference.

Players Unknown Battleground

• Firstly, the Core i9-13900K delivers a better average FPS than the Core i9-12900KS, providing a 12.4% boost and reaching 324 FPS, while the latter trails with 286 FPS, according to our thorough benchmark tests.
• Additionally, the Core i9-13900K exhibits better 1% lows performance than the Core i9-12900KS, delivering 195 FPS compared to 183 FPS. A 6.3% advantage over its counterpart.
• When it comes to power efficiency, the Core i9-12900KS outshines the Core i9-13900K, consuming 80 W compared to the latter’s 91 W, creating a 12.8% discrepancy.
• In terms of thermal output, the Core i9-12900KS is the cooler option, producing an average of 56°C, while the Core i9-13900K generates an average of 62°C, which is 10.1% higher.

Also Read: Intel i7-12700k Vs Ryzen 7 5800x

Spider-Man Miles Morales

• Firstly, using a 7% increase in average FPS, the Core i9-13900K delivers a remarkable 133 FPS, surpassing the Core i9-12900KS, which reaches 124 FPS, according to our comprehensive benchmark tests.
• Furthermore, the Core i9-13900K boasts a better 1% lows performance than the Core i9-12900KS, producing 102 FPS, which is 6% higher than the latter’s 96 FPS.
• Regarding power efficiency, the Core i9-12900KS is more economical than the Core i9-13900K, using only 135 W compared to the latter’s 144 W, resulting in a difference of 6.4%.
• Notably, the Core i9-12900KS outperforms the Core i9-13900K in terms of thermal efficiency, operating at an average temperature of 70°C, compared to 73°C, representing a 4.1% difference.

Hitman 3

• Again, the Core i9-13900K performs better in terms of average FPS than the Core i9-12900KS, providing a 15.8% boost and reaching 273 FPS, while the latter struggles with only 233 FPS.
• Additionally, the Core i9-13900K exhibits superior 1% lows performance compared to the Core i9-12900KS, resulting in a 14.1% increase in FPS with a rate of 235, while the latter lags at 204 FPS.
• When it comes to power consumption, the Core i9-12900KS takes the lead over the Core i9-13900K, utilizing only 106 W versus 118 W, giving it an edge of 10.7% in terms of energy efficiency.
• Remarkably the Core i9-12900KS has better thermal efficiency than the Core i9-13900K, with an average temperature of 62°C versus 66°C, showing a 6.2% difference.

Also Check: i9-13900K Vs i7-13700K [Benchmarks & Overall]

God Of War

• In terms of average FPS, the Core i9-13900K outshines the Core i9-12900KS with a 6.4% increase, achieving 271 FPS compared to the latter’s 254 FPS.
• Moreover, the Core i9-13900K outperforms the Core i9-12900KS in terms of 1% lows performance, generating a 2.2% increase in FPS with 185 FPS, while the latter lags behind with only 181 FPS.
• Furthermore, the Core i9-12900KS proves to be the more power-efficient processor when compared to the Core i9-13900K, drawing 132 W, compared to 133 W, leading to a 0.7% gap between the two.
• Additionally, the Core i9-12900KS has a better thermal performance than the Core i9-13900K, with an average of 72°C, compared to 73°C, which is a 1.3% variance.

Overall Gaming Performance

Following an extensive analysis of the Core i9-12900KS vs Core i9-13900K benchmarks across multiple games, we’ve procured notable data to identify the superior processor among the two.

• Starting off, during the benchmarks, it was found that the Intel Core i9-13900K consistently performed better than the Intel Core i9-12900KS, with higher average FPS and 1% lows.
• Furthermore, it’s important to note that the Core i9-12900KS demonstrated close performance in certain games, such as Spider-Man Miles Morales, Hogwarts Legacy, and Microsoft Flight Simulator.
• Moreover, in our benchmark tests, the Core i9-13900K showcased an average FPS of 187.3, surpassing the Core i9-12900KS’s 168.4 FPS.
• Therefore, selecting the Core i9-13900K over the Core i9-12900KS can lead to a 10.6% increase in FPS performance, making it a smart decision for gamers who value high performance.

Average Power Consumption

After conducting comprehensive tests on the Core i9-12900KS and Core i9-13900K processors, we acquired valuable data concerning their power usage while playing games. The following are the key takeaways from our findings:

• Firstly, the Core i9-12900KS’s high thermal design power (TDP) of 150 W is a notable downside. It requires a minimum of a 750 W power supply for maximum output, leading to a significant expense.
• In contrast, the Core i9-13900K exhibits a lower TDP of 125 W. This translates to lower power demand, requiring a 650 W power supply for optimal performance.
• Therefore, the Core i9-13900K offers an 18% more power-efficient TDP than the Core i9-12900KS.
• Surprisingly, during the benchmark test, the Core i9-13900K constantly drew more power, with an average of 112.8 W compared to 104.8 W of the Core i9-12900KS.
• Moreover, this leads to the Core i9-12900KS having a 7.3% more power efficiency compared to the Core i9-13900K.

Also Read: Intel i9-13900k Vs Ryzen 9 7900X 

Average Thermal Statistics

During our rigorous testing, we analyzed several factors, including temperature. Here are the key characteristics that we found:

• Starting off, the Core i9-13900K generates more heat than the Core i9-12900KS, according to our thermal benchmarks.
• During our benchmark tests, we also found that the Core i9-12900KS exhibited better thermal performance than the Core i9-13900K with an average temperature of 61.5°C instead of 69°C.
• Furthermore, based on our benchmark tests, the Core i9-12900KS demonstrated 11.4% better thermal efficiency than the Core i9-13900K, as indicated by their average temperatures.

Pricing And Availability

After examining the benchmarks, we analyzed the availability and cost of the Core i9-12900KS and Core i9-13900K processors. While both are high priced, the Core i9-12900KS is more expensive, with an MSRP of $739, while the Core i9-13900K costs $589, which is 22.5% less.

It’s worth noting that the Core i9-13900K not only delivers better performance but is also a fantastic option for budget-conscious buyers looking to save some money. Therefore, regardless of your priorities, this processor can meet your needs.

Which Offers Better Performance?

• The Core i9-13900K has an advantage in FPS production, providing a 10.6% increase in average FPS relative to the Core i9-12900KS.
• Additionally, the Core i9-13900K is more budget-friendly, costing 22.5% less than its counterpart.
• However, in terms of thermal efficiency, the Core i9-12900KS outperforms the Core i9-13900K, being 11.4% more thermally efficient.
• Moreover, the processor also utilizes 7.3% less power than the Core i9-13900K.

Finally, your choice will depend on whether you want superior FPS performance or saving electric bills. As the Core i9-13900K is a more affordable and better-performing option, while the Core i9-12900KS is the better option for those seeking power efficiency and thermal performance. In any case, we hope our Core i9-12900KS vs Core i9-13900K is going to assist you in making the right choice.