Intel i5-13600K Vs i5-13600KF [Benchmarks & Difference]

The Core i5-13600K and Core i5-13600KF are the processors of Intel’s latest (13th) generation, having Intel’s most advanced Raptor Lake architecture. Both are powerful processors with brilliant specifications and have many improvements compared to the Core i5 processors of Intel’s 12th generation. This guide will compare the productivity and gaming performance of Intel Core i5-13600K vs. Core i5-13600KF.

Major Differences Summarized 

• The Core i5-13600K and Core i5-13600KF have 14 cores, 20 threads, and a maximum clock speed of up to 5.1 GHz.
• Intel does not provide integrated graphics in Core i5-13600KF as it does in Core i5-13600K.
• Both CPUs’ turbo powers and max temperatures are equal, 100°C and 181 watts, respectively.
• With just one FPS average difference, Core i5-13600K and Core i5-13600KF perform pretty well in games.
• The Intel Core i5-13600KF costs $300, which is ~$20 less than the Core i5-13600K’s $319-$329. And Intel Core i5-13600KF provides a greater performance per dollar.

Specifications Difference

Intel launched the 13600K and 13600KF on the same date in Q4 of 2022. Since both are the core i5, they have nearly identical specifications. The number of cores, clock frequencies, memory specifications, architecture, sockets, and all other specifications is the same except for the integrated graphics. The Core i5-13600K offers in-built Intel UHD Graphics 770, while there are no integrated graphics in Core i5-13600KF. We get the following common specifications in Intel i5-13600K and Intel i5-13600KF.

Architecture: Raptor Lake

Intel provides the latest Raptor Lake architecture in Core i6-13600K and Core i5-13600KF. The new architecture has many noteworthy improvements, including a new microarchitecture, manufacturing method, and packaging technology.

Also Read: Best Motherboards For i5-13600K

The Raptor Lake has enhanced performance and power efficiency over the previous architecture (Alder Lake). It has various new and enhanced features, such as a new pipeline, instruction set, and cache structure. Smaller, more energy-efficient transistors are now possible thanks to new manufacturing techniques. Additionally, the new packaging method enables more compact and effective processors.

Integrated Graphics (13600K Vs. 13600KF)

The offer of integrated graphics with the CPU enables graphical processing to be carried out directly by the CPU, which the GPU previously handled. There are several benefits of CPU-integrated graphics, such as enhanced performance, reduced power consumption, and more compact form factors. Additionally, it creates new opportunities for software and applications that can benefit from enhanced CPU capabilities.

Intel does not offer any integrated graphics in Core i5-13600KF. However,  the Core i5-13600K appears with Intel UHD Graphics 770, which has the following specifications.

• Execution Units: 32
• GPU Base clock: 300 MHz
• GPU Max Dynamic clock: 1.50 GHz
• Multi-Format Codec Engines: 2
• Total no. of Displays Supported: 4
• DirectX* Support: 12
• Graphics Output: eDP 1.4b, DP 1.4a, HDMI 2.1
• Max Resolution (HDMI): 4096 x 2160 @ 60Hz
• Max Resolution (DP): 7680 x 4320 @ 60Hz
• Max Resolution (eDP – Integrated Flat Panel): 5120 x 3200 @ 120Hz

Installing a dedicated graphics card will enable Core i5-13600KF to tackle graphically intensive tasks efficiently. Please, read our guide on Nvidia’s latest fourth-generation RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 graphics cards for high-performance GPUs. However, if your budget is limited, you can choose Nvidia’s third-generation cards like RTX 3080 Ti, RTX 3080, RTX 3070, RTX 3060 Ti, and others.

Productivity Tests

Now, let’s talk about the performance of the Core i5-13600K vs. Core i5-13600KF in a few demanding activities and applications to see how well they execute. We have aggravated the performance results for these applications from PC Benchmarks.

Compression & Decompression

The data compressing and decompressing rates of the Core i5-13600K and Core i5-13600KF processors were measured for the 7-Zip File Manager.

During data compression, the Intel Core i5-13600K leads the performance with eight more scores than the Core i5-13600KF. The Intel i5-13600K achieved 119548 scores, while the Core i5-13600KF achieved 119540 scores.

However, during data decompression, the speed of Intel Core i5-13600KF was higher, with three more points than Core i5-13600K. The scores achieved by Core i5-13600K and i5-13600KF in the decompression test were 129585 and 129582, respectively.

Handbrake Test

This productivity test used Handbrake to convert 4K video to 1080p video.

The Intel Core i5-13600KF converted the 4K video to 1080p one second earlier than the Core i5-13600K. The time taken by Core i5-13600K was 301 seconds, while the Core i5-13600KF took 300 seconds in Handbrake.

Stress Test

The Core i5-13600K and Core i5-13600KF were tested by running taxing applications and playing demanding games to determine power usage.

During the stress test, the overall power consumed by Intel Core i5-13600KF was two watts lesser than the Core i5-13600K. The power consumed by Core i5-13600K vs. Core i5-13600KF was 204 watts and 202 watts, respectively.

The power consumed by these two CPUs in the stress test was different only by 1%. The CPU consuming more power makes the cost of electricity bills higher.

GeekBench 5

The single-core performance of the Intel Core i5-13600K was higher than Core i5-13600KF by one score. And in multi-core performance, both the CPUs had the same scores of 16668. These scores in Geekbench 5 are considered to be good.

Cinebench R23

The performance scores of Core i5-13600K and Core i5-13600KF in single-core and multi-core tests were the same. So, according to Cinebench R23, both CPUs have equal capabilities to handle intensive applications and high-stress conditions.

Gaming Benchmarks – 1080p

In this guide, we will compare the performance of the Intel Core i5-13600K and Core i5-13600KF at 1080p resolution. We will discuss the benchmarks of as many as 20 games because it will improve the accuracy of gaming performance results of 13600K vs. 13600KF. The benchmarks of these games have been collected from PC Benchmarks.

Gaming Rig

• GPU: ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 AMP Extreme AIRO 24GB GDDR6X
• Motherboard: ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard
• RAM: 2X16GB DDR5 6000MHz CL36 RAM

Apex Legends

• During GPU-reliant Apex Legends, the Intel i5-13600KF turned over one more FPS on average than the Core i5-13600K.
• The average frame rate of the Core i5-13600K was 299 FPS, while the Core i5-13600KF produced an average of 300 FPS.
• The minimum frame rate of both CPUs in Apex Legends was the same at 187 FPS.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

• During the GPU-intensive Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, the Core i5-13600K had a 1 FPS higher average frame rate.
• The Core i5-13600K retained an average of 221 FPS, while the Core i5-13600KF had an average frame rate of 220 FPS.
• In minimum performance, the Core i5-13600KF was 1 FPS lower than Intel i5-13600K.

Also Read: Best CPU Coolers For i5-13600K

Borderlands 3

• In Borderlands 3, no CPU could perform better than the other consistently.
• During the gameplay, the Core i5-13600K and Core i5-13600KF had the same average frame rate of 249 FPS.
• The minimum performance of both CPUs also collided at the same point of 125 FPS.

Call of Duty: Warzone

• In COD: Warzone, the Intel i5-13600KF produced three more FPS on average than the Core i5-13600K.
• The Core i5-13600K provided an average frame rate of 356 FPS, whereas the Core i5-13600KF generated an average of 353 FPS.
• The minimum frame rate of the Intel i5-13600K was 245 FPS during the gameplay, while the Intel i5-13600KF had 244 FPS at its minimum.

Cyberpunk 2077

• During Cyberpunk 2077, no CPU was consistently outperforming the rival.
• The Core i5-13600K and Core i5-13600KF had the same average frame rate of 212 FPS throughout the gameplay.
• The minimum performance of Core i5-13600K and Core i5-13600KF met at 183 FPS.

Death Stranding

• The average frame rate by the Core i5-13600K was 1 FPS higher than the Core i5-13600KF in Death Stranding.
• During the gameplay, the average frame rate for the Core i5-13600K remained at 237 FPS, while the average for Core i5-13600KF was 236 FPS.
• The minimum frame rate of the Core i5-13600KF was one frame per second less than that of the Intel i5-13600K.

Dying Light 2

• The Core 13600K and Core i5 13600KF were equally competitive in Dying Light 2.
• Throughout playing, the Core i5-13600K and Core i5-13600KF both maintained an average of 270 FPS.
• Additionally, the minimum frame rates for both CPUs were the same at 215 FPS during Dying Light 2.

F1 2022

• In CPU-intensive F1 2022, the Core 13600K and Core i5 13600KF delivered the same average performance.
• The Core i5-13600K and Core i5-13600KF maintained an average frame rate of 345 FPS throughout gameplay.
• During F1 2022, the minimum frame rates for both CPUs were the same at 286 FPS.

Also Read: Best Motherboards For i5-13600KF

Far Cry 6

• The Core 13600K and Core i5 13600KF had approximately the same average performance in demanding Far Cry 6.
• Throughout gameplay, the Core i5-13600K and Core i5-13600KF kept an average frame rate of 181 FPS.
• At the minimum performance, the Core i5-13600KF was one FPS more down than the Core i5-13600K.

Forza Horizon 5

• During GPU-agnostic Forza Horizon 5, the Core 13600K and Core i5 13600KF had an identical average performance.
• The Core i5-13600K and Core i5-13600KF retained an average frame rate of 265 FPS during the gameplay.
• In Forza Horizon 5, the minimum frame rates of both CPUs were also the same at 153 FPS.

God of War

• The Intel Core i5-13600K tried to lead during the intense God of War, but the two CPUs’ average performance was the same.
• The Intel i5-13600K and i5-13600KF had an average frame rate of 240 FPS in God of War.
• In terms of minimum performance, the Intel Core i5-13600K was two FPS higher than the competitor.

Halo Infinite

• During the GPU-intensive Halo Infinite,  the two CPUs’ average performance was the same.
• While gaming, both CPUs, the Intel i5-13600K and i5-13600KF, produced an average frame rate of 168 FPS.
• The Intel Core i5-13600KF outperformed the competition by one FPS in terms of minimum frame rate throughout the game.

Hitman 3

• The Core 13600K and Core i5 13600KF performed approximately the same in demanding Hitman 3.
• During the gameplay, the Core i5-13600K and Core i5-13600KF maintained an average frame rate of 223 FPS.
• The minimum frame rates of two CPUs in Forza Horizon 5 were also the same at 129 FPS.

Also Read: Intel i7-13700K Vs. Ryzen 9 7900X.

Horizon Zero Dawn

• In GPU-agnostic Horizon Zero Dawn, the Intel i5-13600KF delivered one FPS higher average than i5-13600K.
• The Core i5-13600KF turned over 199 average FPS, while the Core i5-13600K could manage an average of 198 FPS.
• The minimum frame rates made by both CPUs intersected at 146 FPS.

Rainbow Six Siege

• The Intel Core i5-13600KF delivered two FPS higher average than the rival in Rainbow Six Siege.
• During the gameplay, the Core i5-13600K and i5-13600KF had average frame rates of 439 and 441 FPS, respectively.
• At the minimum performance, the Core i5-12600KF was 1 FPS more down.

Red Dead Redemption 2

• In the taxing RDR 2, the Core 13600K and Core i5 13600KF performed almost the same, with no CPU leading the other.
• The Core i5-13600K and Core i5-13600KF kept a constant average frame rate of 183 FPS throughout the gameplay.
• During RDR 2, the minimum frame rates for both CPUs were 120 FPS.

Shadow Of The Tomb Raider

• The performance of the Intel i5-13600K was one FPS better than the Core i5-13600KF in Shadow Of The Tomb Raider.
• During the gameplay, Intel i5-13600K managed an average of 254 FPS, while the Intel i5-13600KF had an average of 253 FPS.
• The minimum performance of the Core i5-13600K was measured at 210 FPS, while the Core i5-13600KF had a minimum of 209 FPS.

Spiderman Remastered

• The Core 13600K and Core i5 13600KF performed almost identically in Spiderman Remastered.
• During the gameplay, the Core i5-13600K and Core i5-13600KF maintained an average frame rate of 138 FPS.
• The minimum frame rates delivered were 126 FPS by both CPUs in Spiderman Remastered.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

• In The Witcher 3, the average performance of Intel i5-13600KF was better than the rival, with a lead of one FPS.
• The average frame rate produced by Intel i5-13600KF was 409 FPS, while the Intel i5-13600K delivered an average of 408 FPS.
• The minimum performance of the Core i5-13600K was one FPS higher than the Core i5-13600KF.

Watch Dogs Legion

• The Core i5-13600K and Core i5-13600KF offered the same performance in Watch Dogs Legion.
• During the gameplay, the Intel i5-13600K and Intel i5-13600KF produced an average of 164 FPS.
• During the game, the minimum performance of Core i5-13600K and Core i5-13600KF was measured at 124 FPS.

Overall Gaming Performance

The performance of the Core i5-13600K vs. i5-13600KF was nearly similar in all the above-discussed games. To have a better sense, let’s discuss their total performance.

The estimations indicate that the overall performance of the Core i5-13600K yielded 253 average FPS, while the Core i5-13600KF performed at 252 average frames per second. The only 1 FPS led by the Intel Core i5-13600K for an average of 20 games is emphatically stating that the gaming capabilities of both CPUs are equal.

If we talk about the lowest performance of both processors, the Intel Core i5-13600KF was down by one FPS on average, which is not a notable difference. The temperature on both CPUs was also within safe boundaries, much lower than the maximum temperature they could bear.

In light of average and minimum rendition, the Intel Core i5-13600K was above the Core i5-13600KF but only by one FPS average.

Price And Availability

The Core i5-13600KF was launched by Intel at prices of $294.00 – $304.00, while the Core i5-13600K had a release cost of $319.00 – $329.00. The Core i5-13600K had a ~$20 higher price because of its integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770.

If we talk about the current price, the Core i5-13600K is available for sale at $319, while the Core i5-13600KF is available at $309.

Concerning availability, both processors are readily available in markets. You can also order them directly from Intel’s official store or use other online stores such as Amazon, AliExpress, eBay, etc.

Which One Should You Go For?

Before recommending a CPU to you, let’s wrap up the entire comparison of Core i5-13600K vs. Core i5-13600KF. The two processors offer 14 cores and 20 threads, with the same maximum turbo frequency of up to 5.1 GHz. They have the latest Raptor Lake architecture and FCLGA1700 socket.

The Core i5-13600K and Core i5-13600KF support DDR4 and DDR5 memories, opening the door for consumers on a tight budget to choose less expensive DDR4 memory. If we see the memory speed, both can perform up to 5600 MT/s for DDR5 memory.

The maximum turbo power of Core i5-13600K and Core i5-13600KF is 181 watts, and they can bear the highest junction temperature of up to 100°C.

Intel offers integrated graphics in Core i5-13600K. However, Core i5-13600KF does not have them. This specification difference makes the Core i5-13600K superior.

Both processors are equally effective in most tests when we see their productivity performance. In the stress test, the power consumption of Core i5-13600K was two watts higher than that of Core i5-13600KF.

Regarding gaming performance, we can not declare a CPU better than the other because there was not even a 1% overall performance difference between 13600K vs. 13600KF.

Following all this, we advise you to opt for the Intel Core i5-13600KF because of its cheaper pricing and greater value for money. However, the Intel Core i5-13600K is a reasonable option if you wish to have integrated graphics in your CPU. By paying $10 to $20 more, you can upgrade your CPU to include integrated graphics.

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