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

With the Intel Raptor Lake lineup finally here, the Core i7-13700k sits in the middle, surrounded by the ultimate Core i9-13900K and the budget Core i5-13600K. The Core i9-13900K is undoubtedly a superior chipset with higher performance figures. Even when we put it against its predecessor, the Core i9-12900K, the chipset performed about 13.4% better.

However, can the flagship processor justify its price tag as well? Especially when put against the Intel i7-13700K? To figure out which Raptor Lake CPU you should go for, especially when you’re looking for the best bang for the buck, we will be covering an in-depth Intel i9-13900K Vs. Intel i7-13700K comparison.

Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

• During the benchmark test, the Intel i9-13900K stayed ahead of the Intel i7-13700K with an average of ~5.8% lead.
• Consequently, the Intel i7-13700K is a more efficient chipset than the Intel i9-13900K, as it consumed about 20.1% less power and stayed about 11.3% cooler on average.
• Seeing that the Intel i9-13900K costs $220 more, the better bang for the buck crown goes to the Intel i7-13700K.

To start off, let’s go over the core fundamentals of the two chipsets.

Comparison Table

Specifications Difference

Now that we have a general idea of how much the Core i9-13900K and the Intel i7-13700K are different from each other, let’s further explore their specifications in detail.

Core i9-13900K Specifications

• Socket Type: LGA 1700
• Architecture: The Raptor Lake
• # of Performance Cores: 8
• # of Efficiency Cores: 16
• Total Cores: 24 (8 Performance cores + 16 Efficiency cores)
• Total Threads: 32
• Performance-core Base Frequency: 3.00 GHz
• Performance-core Max Turbo Frequency: 5.40 GHz
• Efficient-core Base Frequency: 2.20 GHz
• Efficient-core Max Turbo Frequency: 4.30 GHz
• Max Turbo Frequency: 5.80 GHz
• Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost Frequency: 5.80 GHz
• Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 Frequency: 5.70 GHz
• L3 Cache: 36 MB (shared)
• L2 Cache: 32 MB (shared)
• L1 Cache: 80K (per core)
• Processor Base Power: 125 watts
• Processor Turbo Power: 253 watts
• Maximum Operating Temperature: 100 °C
• Release Date: Q4 2022

Graphics

• Integrated Graphics: Intel® UHD Graphics 770
• GPU Ground Frequency: 300 MHz
• GPU Turbo Frequency: 1650 MHz
• GPU Execution Units: 32
• Graphics Output: eDP 1.4b, DP 1.4a, HDMI 2.1

Memory

• Memory Type: DDR-5 | DDR-4
• Max No. of Memory: 2
• Max Memory Speed:
  • DDR5 up to 5600 MT/s
  • DDR4 up to 3200 MT/s

Core i7-13700K Specifications

• Socket Type: LGA 1700
• Architecture: The Raptor Lake
• # of Performance Cores: 8
• # of Efficiency Cores: 8
• Total Cores: 16 (8 Performance cores + 8 Efficiency cores)
• Total Threads: 24
• Performance-core Base Frequency: 3.40 GHz
• Performance-core Max Turbo Frequency: 5.30 GHz
• Efficient-core Base Frequency: 2.50 GHz
• Efficient-core Max Turbo Frequency: 4.20 GHz
• Max Turbo Frequency: 5.40 GHz
• L3 Cache: 30 MB (shared)
• L2 Cache: 24 MB (shared)
• L1 Cache: 80K (per core)
• Processor Base Power: 125 watts
• Processor Turbo Power: 253 watts
• Maximum Operating Temperature: 100 °C
• Release Date: Q4 2022

Graphics

• Integrated Graphics: Intel® UHD Graphics 770
• GPU Ground Frequency: 300 MHz
• GPU Turbo Frequency: 1600 MHz
• GPU Execution Units: 32
• Graphics Output: eDP 1.4b, DP 1.4a, HDMI 2.1

Memory

• Memory Type: DDR-5 | DDR-4
• Max No. of Memory: 2
• Max Memory Speed:
  • DDR5 up to 5600 MT/s
  • DDR4 up to 3200 MT/s

When going through the Intel i9-13900K vs. Intel i7-13700K detailed specifications, it is clear that the Intel i9-13900K packs more power than the Core i7-13700K in all aspects since it is the flagship chipset of the Raptor Lake lineup. For instance, the former comes with 24 total cores, while the latter has 16.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that both the Intel i9-13900K and the Intel i7-13700K have the same amount of Performance (P) cores, and the difference lies in the number of Efficient (E) cores where the Intel i9-13900K has 16 and the Intel i7-13700K has 8.

Consequently, the Intel i7-13700K also has fewer threads than the Intel i9-13900K, which has 32 threads. What may come as a surprise is that the Intel i7-13700K actually has higher base frequencies.

The mid-range chipset has a base frequency of 3.40 GHz for the Performance (P) cores and a base frequency of 2.50 GHz for the Efficient (E) cores. On the other hand, the top-tier Intel i9-13900K has a 3.00 GHz base frequency for the P cores and a 2.20 GHz base frequency for the E cores.

Intel has most likely toned down the overall base frequency of the Intel i9-13900K to maintain the base TDP of 125W, which is the same across all Raptor Lake CPUs. Apart from that, the max frequency of both the P and the E cores in the i9-13900K sits 0.10 GHz higher than the Intel i7-13700K at 5.40 GHz and 4.30 GHz, respectively.

When going over the cache capacities, the L1 and L2 cache sizes are the same for both chipsets. But, the Core i9-13900K has 6 MB more L3 cache capacity, which, while looks like a small difference, can have a considerable effect on the overall performance.

Another small change in the specifications of the two CPUs is that the Core i9-13900K has a slightly better iGPU clock speed. While both chipsets come with the Intel UHD Graphics 770, the Intel i9-13900K’s iGPU clocks at 1650 MHz boost frequency, whereas the Intel i7-13700K clocks at 1600 MHz.

Apart from these differences, everything else is pretty much the same in both chipsets. For instance, both CPUs have the same memory specifications, where they support DDR5 and DDR4 memory with memory transfer rates of up to 5600 MT/s and 3200 MT/s, respectively.

The Raptor Lake Architecture: Everything Improved

To best understand how Intel works on its CPU architectures, we need to go through the Intel Tick-Tock Model.

Simply put, Intel releases its CPU architecture in two cycles. The first one is where Intel introduces an advanced revolutionary process for manufacturing their chipsets, which in turn almost doubles the performance and cuts costs, basically delivering the fruits of Moore’s Law, and this cycle is called “Tick.”

The second cycle takes up the new technologies introduced in the Tick cycle and refines them for even better performance. Not only that, but this cycle also paves the way for the next Tick cycle, which will come with another revolutionary manufacturing process. This second cycle is called “Tock.”

So, if we wind the clock back a year, we will notice that the last-gen Alder Lake architecture was Intel’s Tick cycle, where the company introduced its innovative hybrid architectural design.

Consequently, this year, the Raptor Lake line-up is Intel’s Tock cycle, which contains everything the Alder Lake architecture introduced and improves it for even better performance.

Since the two chipsets we are talking about are built on the Raptor Lake architecture, both of them incorporate these features.

Larger Die And Double The E-Cores

While the Raptor Lake architecture uses the Intel 7 manufacturing process, the overall die area of the chipsets has been increased to 257 mm² from 208 mm². This, in turn, has allowed Intel to incorporate twice the Efficient (E) cores into their CPUs. For perspective, the Intel i7-13700K has the same number of cores as last year’s i9-12700K (8-P and 8-E cores).

Not only that, but a larger die and more cores also mean a higher cache capacity. So, while the Intel i9-13900K has the highest L3 cache size of 36 MB, the Intel i7-13700K has the same L3 cache size as the i9-12900K, which is 30 MB. Additionally, the Intel i7-13700K has a larger L2 cache capacity when compared to the i9-12900K (24 MB vs. 14MB).

As we mentioned earlier, the Raptor Lake architecture is based on the same Intel 7 process node that was introduced with the Alder Lake CPUs. But, it has also been improved with increased channel mobility and the 3rd-gen faster SuperFin transistors that have bumped up the overall performance to that of a full node.

The All-New Raptor Cove Microarchitecture

The Alder Lake architecture will go down in history as one of the most innovative CPU architectures of its time, with the highlight being its hybrid architectural design. Well, while the Raptor Lake architecture also incorporates the same fundamentals as its predecessor, there are a few changes here and there.

Apart from twice as many Efficient (E) cores, the Performance (P) cores have also been improved. They are now based on the all-new Raptor Cove microarchitecture instead of the previous generation’s Golden Cove microarchitecture. The new microarchitecture brings more optimization for the single- and light-threaded tasks, which ultimately means better efficiency and higher performance.

Everything Bumped Up

Intel has not only increased the sheer number of cores in their Raptor Lake CPUs but has also increased the clock speed to the point where the Intel i7-13700K has better base and boost frequencies than the i9-12900K.

Similarly, the transfer rate of DDR5 memory has also been bumped up to 5600 MT/s which was 4800 MT/s previously. When we say everything has bumped up in the Raptor Lake architecture, we mean everything.

For instance, Intel’s Thread Director Technology now uses better machine learning algorithms that have considerably improved the way Windows 11 will assign the Performance (P) or Efficient (E) cores to the tasks they are most optimized for.

Key Advantages

Before diving into the Intel i9-13900K vs. Intel i7-13700K benchmarks, let’s go over which chipset has the most key advantages over the other.

In essence, the Core i7-13700K has higher base frequencies, that is, 3.40 GHz and 2.50 GHz for the P- and E-cores, respectively. Additionally, the Intel i7-13700K also costs less than the Intel i9-13900K, which we will discuss in the pricing section.

On the other hand, the Intel i9-13900K has many advantages over the Intel i7-13700K, mainly:

• More total number of cores (24 vs. 16)
• Extra threads (32 vs. 24)
• Higher boost frequency (5.4 GHz vs. 5.3 GHz)
• More L3 cache size (36 MB vs. 30 MB)

However, what we really want to know is how much better the Intel i9-13900K is than the Intel i7-13700K in terms of sheer performance and which chipset offers more value for money in the Intel i9-13900K vs. Intel i7-13700K battle.

i9-13900K Vs. i7-13700K: Gaming Performance

To find out the answer, we will be doing an in-depth analysis of the two CPUs. We will go over their framerates, thermals, and power consumption and compare exactly how much better the flagship processor is.

Luckily, BENCHMARKS FOR GAMERS has tested the two chipsets against each other in the following rig:

• Processor: Core i9-13900K and Core i7-13700K
• Motherboard: ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus 
• RAM: G.Skill Trident Z5 2x16GB, 6000 CL36-36-36-96
• GPU: MSI RTX 4090 Suprim X
• CPU Cooler: Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360
• Resolution: 1080p

Since the Raptor Lake architecture uses the LGA 1700 socket, both the chipsets can work with a Z690 motherboard. Which, in this case, is the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus. To better understand what has changed between the Z790 and the Z690 motherboards, we have a detailed Z790 vs. Z690 guide.

The greatest RTX 4090 is paired with both CPUs, so we won’t run into any issues in that department. Similarly, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 is enough to prevent any thermal throttling.

All games are tested in 1080p resolution with maxed-out settings for the best analysis.

Forza Horizon 5

Let’s start off our i9-13900K vs. i7-13700K benchmark analysis with one of the most beautiful games out there — Forza Horizon 5.

In terms of gaming performance, it comes as no surprise that the i9-13900K is ahead with 263 average FPS. However, what is interesting to see is that the i7-13700K does not stay too much behind as it is running at 254 average FPS. That’s a performance difference of just about 3.5%, which can be neglected.

Even though the difference in the 1% lows is a bit more, it is not too much. Overall, the i9-13900K dipped to about 187 FPS, and the i7-137900K went as low as 179 FPS giving the flagship processor a ~4.4% lead.

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

While the ~3.5% difference in performance can be neglected, what’s significant is the ~17.8% difference in the temperatures of the two CPUs. While the i9-13900K is running at 66°C, the i7-13700K is relatively cooler at 56°C.

Helpful Read: Best CPU Coolers For i7-13700K

The power consumption figures help us understand why the i9-13900K is running 10°C hotter than the i7-13700K. Because the top-tier flagship chipset is consuming a whopping 149W of power while the i7-13700K is consuming 118W, which is about 26.2% less. 

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord

Next up, we have Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, a strategy-based game.

As expected, the Core i9-13900K outperforms the i7-13700K. But with a thin margin of ~4.8%. On average, the i9-13900K is running the game at a tremendous 300 FPS, and the i7-13700K is not so far behind either, as it is running it at 286 FPS.

Similarly, the 1% lows are not too different either, as the i9-13900K went as low as 167 FPS and the i7-13700K to about 160 FPS. Overall, both chipsets are running Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord with more than enough FPS.

Looking at the thermals, it is quite clear that the i9-13900K is running hotter at 73°C. In comparison, the i7-13700K is about 14% cooler at 64°C. 

Even though both chipsets are rated for the same TDP, the i9-13900K is firing up at all cylinders as it is consuming 195W of power. On the other hand, the i7-13700K is 25% more power efficient as it is consuming 156W.

Microsoft Flight Simulator

One of the most demanding games of all time is Microsoft Flight Simulator, and that’s what makes it the perfect game for the i9-13900K vs. i7-13700K comparison.

As expected, the i9-13900K yet again outperforms the i7-13700K, and this time the difference has increased. Throughout the entire gameplay, the i9-13900K ran Microsoft Flight Simulator at about 85 FPS, and the i7-13700K ran it at 78 FPS, giving the flagship CPU a ~8.9% lead, which is the biggest performance difference so far.

The 1% lows only differ by 2 FPS, where the i9-13900K is at 40 FPS and the i7-13700K is at 38 FPS.

Even though the FPS difference is the biggest, we have analyzed so far, the difference in temperatures is actually the lowest. That’s because the i9-13900K is running at 55°C, whereas the i7-13700K is just ~7.8% cooler at 51°C.

In terms of power consumption, the i9-13900K is consuming 113W, which is about 21.5% more than the i7-13700K as it is consuming 93W.

Far Cry 6

Let’s move on to Far Cry 6, another game where the i9-13900K stays ahead.

However, when we say ahead, we don’t mean by a lot. In fact, this is the smallest FPS difference we have seen so far, where the i9-13900K is running at 137 average FPS, and the i7-13700K is running just ~1.4% slower at 135 average FPS.

The difference of just 2 FPS carries on to the 1% lows as well, where the i9-13900K dropped to 113 FPS and the i7-13700K to 111 FPS.

When glancing over the thermal figures, it is quite evident that the i9-13900K is running hotter. Overall, the flagship processor is running at 58°C while the i7-13700K is running about 7.4% cooler at 54°C.

Just like thermal efficiency, the power efficiency figures of the two chipsets are not that different either, where the i9-13900K is consuming ~11.5% more power at 116W, whereas the i7-13700K is consuming 104W.

Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered

Coming up next is Spider-Man Remastered, a game that relies heavily on the CPU for all the swinging.

Yet again, the i9-13900K stays ahead of the i7-13700K, and this time, with a ~10.4% lead. On average, the i9-13900K is running Spider-Man at 135 FPS, while the i7-13700K does not stay too behind at 124 FPS.

The difference in 1% lows is not a lot because the i9-13900K dropped down to 110 FPS and the i7-13700K to 101 FPS.

When running Spider-Man, the Core i9-13900K seems to be running quite hot as the chipset is reaching 71°C. In contrast, the i7-13700K is about 20% cooler at 59°C.

The overall efficiency difference only increases when you go over the power consumption figures. That’s because while the i7-13700K is consuming 144W, the i9-13900K is consuming ~29% more power at 186W.

Cyberpunk 2077 

Everyone was looking forward to the release of Cyberpunk 2077, and the game has finally received big updates to iron out the bugs.

Well, to no one’s surprise, the i9-13900K yet again outperforms the i7-13700K, and this time with a 6.6% margin. Throughout the entire Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay, the i9-13900K average at about 145 FPS. On the other hand, the i7-13700K ran at about 136 average FPS, which is not too bad either.

There is about an 8.1% difference in the 1% lows where the i9-13900K is hitting 119 FPS, and the i7-13700K is at 110 FPS.

By now, we can see that there is a pattern in all the gaming benchmarks. Similarly, the pattern is evident here as well because the i9-13900K is again running hotter with about a 10% difference at 75°C. In comparison, the i7-13700K is running at 68°C.

Consequently, the Core i9-13900K is also consuming a whole lot of power at 186W, which is about 28% more than the i7-13700K as it is consuming 145W. Overall, it is clear that the i9-13900K not only runs hotter but also consumes more power.

Call of Duty: Warzone

One of the best shooter games out there is Call of Duty: Warzone and all of its combat action relies heavily on the CPU.

Here, the i7-13700K performs a bit well than the recent games we analyzed, as it is only behind by about 7.2%. On average, the i7-13700K is running COD: Warzone at 221 FPS, whereas its superior chipset, the i9-13900K, is running it at 237 FPS.

Similarly, the 1% lows difference is not too big either, as the i7-13700K went down to 156 FPS and the i9-13900K to 169 FPS.

In Call of Duty: Warzone, the i9-13900K seems to be running a bit cooler than what we saw in previous games. Overall, the chipset is running at 66°C, which is still ~8.1% hotter than the i7-13700K running at 61°C.

However, the difference in power consumption is not as small as the difference in thermal efficiency. That’s because while the i7-13700K is consuming 132W, the i9-13900K is consuming ~21% more power at 160W.

F1 22

If you’re into Formula 1, then you’re likely to drool over the graphics and realism of F1 22.

Well, the game is not too CPU-intensive. In fact, both chipsets have fairly less CPU usage as compared to the other games. However, despite the lower CPU usage, the i9-13900K is running at 372 average FPS which is about 2.47% better than the i7-13700K as it is running at 363 average FPS.

Similarly, the difference in 1% lows is about 2.8%, where the i7-13700K ran at 212 FPS and the i9-13900K at 218 FPS.

What is most surprising here is the thermal efficiency of the two CPUs. F1 22 is the first game where both chipsets are running at almost the same temperature with just a minor difference. Overall, the i9-13900K is at 54°C, and the i7-13700K is just ~1.8% cooler at 53°C.

The power consumption figures are relatively tamed as well, with just a small difference of ~5.4%. While the i7-13700K is still consuming less power of 110W, the i9-13900K is just a smidge higher at 116W.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

To bring our thorough Intel i9-13900K vs. Intel i7-13700K benchmarks analysis to an end, we will be reviewing one of the most popular online FPS games of all time, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

CSGO is not a demanding game, and it is also evident in the CPU usage of the two chipsets. On average, the Intel i9-13900K is running at a colossal 1088 FPS. Similarly, the Intel i7-13700K is running at 1010 FPS. In our last game, the i9-13900K leads again with a ~7.7% difference.

The 1% lows are quite low when compared to the average FPS. Nevertheless, the difference is just ~11.9% as the i9-13900K dropped to 263 FPS and the Intel i7-13700K to 235 FPS.

On the topic of thermal efficiency, both chipsets are running at normal temperatures. However, the i9-13900K is about 15.6% hotter at 59°C than the Intel i7-13700K at 51°C.

The lower CPU usage really reflects on the power consumption figure. That’s because both CPUs are quite a power efficient when running CSGO, especially the Intel i7-13700K, as it is taking up just 75W. On the other hand, the i9-13900K is consuming about 13.3% more power at 85W.

Overall Gaming Performance

Now that we have analyzed the Intel i9-13900K vs. Intel i7-13700K gaming benchmarks of 9 games, we can finally figure out how far ahead the Core i9-13900K is than the i7-13700K.

Overall, after taking an average of all the FPS figures, the i9-13900K performed about 5.8% better than the i7-13700K. The difference was the biggest in Spider-Man, where the i9-13900K was ahead with a ~10.4% lead, and the smallest in Far Cry 6, where it performed just ~1.4% better.

Since both chipsets have the same number of P-cores, it is understandable to see that there is not a significant difference in their gaming performance.

Nevertheless, the Core i9-13900K is undoubtedly the superior chipset. Its extra threads combined with the higher boost frequency and all the other bells and whistles have definitely given it an edge over the rest of the CPUs.

However, while praising the i9-13900K for its sheer gaming performance, we must also mention how commendable the i7-13700K performed. It stayed right behind the flagship processor in every game with more than playable FPS. The Core i7-13700K itself is a beast CPU that is capable of running every AAA title on ultra without any problems.

Power Consumption and Thermal Efficiency

What makes the Core i7-13700K even better is how thermal and power efficient it is, especially when placed next to the Core i9-13900K.

During our i9-13900K vs. i7-13700K gaming benchmarks, the i7-13700K consumed about 20% less power than the i9-13900K. The difference in power consumption was the biggest in Spider-Man, where the i7-13700K consumed a whopping ~29% less power.

Seeing that the i7-13700K only stayed about 5.8% behind in terms of FPS while consuming 20% less power, it doesn’t sound like a bad deal.

Not only that, but the Core i7-13700K also ran about 11.3% cooler than the i9-13900K, which is understandable as the chipset is consuming less power.

Also Read: Best CPU Coolers For i9-13900k

Overall, even though the i7-13700K is a more efficient CPU, the i9-13900K is not outrageously power-hungry or hot either. In fact, you can use the same PSU and the same cooler to power up and cool down both chipsets without any issues. For more information about the coolers, you can go over our guide on the best LGA 1700 CPU coolers.

Pricing and Availability

Coming back to the most important question, which CPU offers the most value for money? Well, even though the Core i9-13900K and the Core i7-13700K were launched with an MSRP of $589 and $409, respectively, they are available on Amazon for over their launch prices.

At the moment, you can get an i9-13900K for about $660 and an i7-13700K for about $440. So, for about $220 less, the i7-13700K offers about 5.8% less performance and not only that, but it also goes easy on the power consumption and runs relatively cooler, making it a better value for money.

Since both chipsets are based on the same architecture, you can pair them up with the same CPU cooler, motherboard, and PSU. So, the price difference really only lies in how much the processors cost. Of course, you can also factor in the fact that the i9-13900K will increase your electricity bill when compared to the i7-13700K.

All in all, the i7-13700K is a better bang for the buck, the chipset will save you a lot of money and you can still get phenomenal performance figures out of it.

Intel i9-13900K Vs. Intel i7-13700K: Which One Should You Go For?

So, which chipset should you go for? Well, it totally depends on your preference. By now, we have gone through everything there is to know about the i9-13900K and the i7-13700K. We know how different the two CPUs are, what features they come with, how well they perform against each other, and which one of them provides better value for the money.

Therefore, if you’re planning to build a suitable gaming rig that is capable of running all AAA titles without any issues and you don’t want to spend too much money, then you should definitely go with the i7-13700K. The chipset will not let you down in any way whatsoever, especially if your main use revolves around gaming.

However, if you are after the ultimate performance without any budget constraints, then the i9-13900K is a no-brainer. The processor is an absolute beast, and no matter which chipset you put it against, it will always come out on top.

With that said, our detailed Intel i9-13900K vs. Intel i7-13700K comparison comes to an end. We hope our guide will help you choose the right chipset for your next gaming build.

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