Intel i5-13600K Vs i9 12900K: We Tested Both

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Abde Manaf

At Tech4Gamers, I began as a comparison writer, analyzing GPU and CPU performance. Now, I focus on writing reviews and contributing to the best-ofs section, sharing personal insights after hands-on testing.

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Pros And Cons

Comparison Table

Architectural Difference

1. Architectural Difference: The Core i5 13600K represents Intel’s entry-level offering from the Raptor Lake lineup, while the Core i9 12900K stands as a high-end CPU from the previous Alder Lake series.
2. Clock Speeds: Core i5 13600K runs at a 3.5 GHz base, while Core i9 12900K hits a 5.2 GHz boost for potential single-threaded performance.
3. Chipset Support: Both work with Z690, but the i5 13600K adds compatibility with the newer Z790 for more motherboard choices.
4. Cores and Threads: The i9 12900K boasts 16 cores, and 24 threads, outdoing the i5 13600K’s 14 cores, and 20 threads for multitasking.
5. Memory Support: The i5 13600K offers DDR5 at speeds up to 5600 MHz, while the i9 12900K maxes out at 4800 MHz. Both support DDR4 up to 3200 MHz.

Gaming Performance Benchmarks

Let’s examine how these CPUs perform in some of the AAA games. All of the games will be tested at 1080p resolution so that you can better understand how each CPU performs. 

Testing Rig

• Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
• GPU: ZOTAC RTX 2070 Amp Extreme Edition
• Motherboard: MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX Motherboard
• Storage: CORSAIR MP700 PRO 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD
• RAM: XPG Lancer RGB 6000 MHz DDR5
• Power Supply: ENERMAX REVOLUTION D.F. X 1050W
• CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4

Cyberpunk 2077

• In our Cyberpunk 2077 benchmark, the i5 13600K impressively shows an average FPS of 176, just 3 FPS ahead of the 12900K, which stands at 173 FPS.
• Moreover, the 13600K got 1% lows averaging around 131 FPS, slightly edging out the 12900K, which delivers 130 FPS.

Forza Horizon 5

• In our test of Forza Horizon 5, the 13600K processor kept a steady frame rate of 253 FPS. The 12900K was a bit slower, averaging around 249 FPS. The 13600K was about 1.6% faster.
• But when we looked at the 1% lows, the 12900K was ahead, though only by a tiny bit. The 13600K was just 1 frame behind.

Battlefield 2042

• In Battlefield 2042, the 12900K took the lead with a difference of just 1.4%. It managed to maintain 221 FPS, while the 13600K fell just two frames short at 218 FPS.
• However, when it came to 1% lows, the tables turned. The 13600K outperformed the 12900K by 2.8%, delivering 180 FPS compared to the 12900K’s 175 FPS.

Call Of Duty Warzone Pacific

• In this session, the 12900K averages nearly 223 FPS, outshining the 13600K, which manages a respectable 220 FPS but still falls behind.
• In terms of 1% lows, the 13600K lead with a margin of 3.3%. It delivers 181 FPS in 1% lows, while the 12900K provides 175 FPS.

A Plague Tale Requiem

• In the A Plague Tale Requiem, the 13600K outperformed the 12900K, being 3.2% faster. It achieved an average of 156 FPS, while the 12900K lagged at an average of 151 FPS.
• In terms of 1% lows, the 12900K delivered a solid frame rate of 121 FPS, while the 13600K was just one step behind at 120 FPS.

God Of War 2018

• In this God Of War gaming benchmark, the 13600K performed a little better with a margin of 1.6%. It steadily pushed out an average of 190 FPS, while the 12900K got to 187 FPS.
• The difference in 1% lows was just 1.3%. On average, 13600K yielded 151 FPS for a 1% low, while the 12900K managed to deliver 149 FPS.

Red Dead Redemption 2

• In the Red Dead Redemption 2, the 13600K edged slightly ahead, approximately 1.3%. It provided 227 FPS on average, while the 12900K provided 224 FPS.
• In terms of 1% lows, the 13600K averaged around 181 FPS, whereas the 12900K at 185 FPS.

Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 2

• In our last benchmark, the 13600K provided 214 FPS, while the 12900K averaged around 209 FPS. This gave the 13600K a lead, being 2.3% better.
• There was a notable difference in 1% lows, the 12900K was approximately 6.7% ahead, delivering 170 FPS for 1% lows, while the 13600K only managed 159 FPS.

Overall Gaming Performance

At 1080p, the performance difference was minimal. The i5-13600K edged slightly ahead, delivering roughly 1.46% better average FPS compared to the i9-12900K. In tested games, it achieved an average FPS of 216.21, while the i9-12900K managed 213.07 FPS.

Both CPUs exhibited nearly identical 1% lows, differing by less than one frame. The i5-13600K averaged 170.28 FPS in 1% lows across games at 1080p, while the i9-12900K averaged 170 FPS.

Power Consumption

During testing, the 13600K consumed around 204 watts, while the 12900K drew slightly more at 217 watts. This was expected due to the 12900K’s higher core count. Despite this, the 13600K proved to be more power-efficient, drawing only 6% less power, highlighting its efficiency.

Thermal Efficiency 

During testing, the temperature variance between the CPUs was minimal. The 13600K ran cooler at 62.25°C compared to the 12900K at 65.37°C, showcasing a 4.8% thermal efficiency advantage for the 13600K. Despite this difference, both CPUs maintained acceptable temperatures throughout the testing process.

Pricing And Availability

The Intel Core i9 12900K can be found on websites such as Newegg for $377, while the Intel Core i5 13600K is listed at $299, highlighting that the Core i9 12900K carries a 23% higher price tag than the i5 13600K.

Final Verdict – What We Recommend?

Intel Core i9-12900K: The Intel Core i9-12900K is a high-end CPU offering powerful performance. With a performance difference of approximately 1.46% in gaming benchmarks and consuming 6% more power than the i5-13600K, the i9-12900K proves to be a compelling option for users prioritizing multi-core performance but comes at a premium cost.

Intel Core i5-13600K: With a lead of around 1.46% in gaming benchmarks and superior power efficiency, consuming approximately 6% less power than the i9-12900K, the i5-13600K presents itself as a compelling choice for gamers seeking great performance without breaking the bank. Additionally, running cooler by approximately 4.8% than the i9-12900K, it offers a notable advantage in thermal efficiency.

If you’re primarily focused on gaming and seeking the best value for your money, the Intel Core i5-13600K is the recommended choice. However, if you are willing to pay a premium for it, the Intel Core i9-12900K remains a viable option.

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Abde Manaf

[Comparisons Expert]

Abdemanaf is a skilled creative writer who has been honing his craft since 2011. While initially working in different fields, he found a passion for technology and has been exploring the tech world since early 2015. Over the years, he has developed an in-depth knowledge of the latest tech trends and product offerings by various companies.

Abdemanaf’s writing reflects his analytical mindset and ability to think critically. He has a knack for breaking down complex technical information into easily digestible pieces, making his articles engaging and accessible to readers from all backgrounds. In February 2022, he joined Tech4Gamers as a blog and product comparison writer, where he has been able to hone his skills further.

As a writer, Abdemanaf is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and trends, enabling him to provide readers with the most relevant and accurate information. He is always eager to learn more and is constantly seeking new challenges to improve his skills.

Get In Touch: manaf@tech4gamers.com