Core i7-12700K vs Core i7-13700E

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i7-12700K vs Core i7-13700E FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i7-12700K vs Core i7-13700E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-12700K

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (25 MB vs 30 MB).
❌
4.9% HIGHER MSRP
$409 MSRPvs$390 MSRP
❌92.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 65W.

Core i7-13700E

2023

Why buy it

✅+20% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 25 MB).
✅Costs $19 less on MSRP ($390 MSRP vs $409 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 125W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-12700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (33,824 vs 34,347).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-12700K better than Core i7-13700E?

Yes. Core i7-12700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 10.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-12700K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.8% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-12700K is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.5% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 20 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-12700K is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i7-13700E is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-12700K comes in 4.9% more expensive on MSRP at $409 MSRP versus $390 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-13700E is also 3.3% better value on MSRP (86.7 vs 84.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-13700E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2021) and 20% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 25 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-12700K vs Core i7-13700E Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i7-12700K

The Core i7-12700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. It features 12 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 34,347 points. Launch price was $409.

Core i7-13700E

The Core i7-13700E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 33,824 points. Launch price was $499.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i7-13700E offers 16 cores / 24 threads — the Core i7-13700E has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i7-13700E — a 2% clock advantage for the Core i7-13700E (base: 3.6 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i7-13700E uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the Core i7-13700E's 33,824 — a 1.5% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i7-13700E.

Feature	Core i7-12700K	Core i7-13700E
Cores / Threads	12 / 20	16 / 24+33%
Boost Clock	5 GHz	5.1 GHz+2%
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+89%	1.9 GHz
L3 Cache	25 MB (total)	30 MB (total)+20%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	2 MB (per core)+60%
Process	10 nm	10 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021)	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
PassMark	34,347+2%	33,824
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	24,775
Geekbench 6 Single	—	2,118
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	14,711

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i7-12700K versus DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200 on the Core i7-13700E — the Core i7-13700E supports 16.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K) and H610E,Q670E,R680E,W680 (Core i7-13700E).

Feature	Core i7-12700K	Core i7-13700E
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	4800	DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200+17%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	20

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-12700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-13700E). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-12700K) and UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-13700E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-13700E targets Embedded Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X; Core i7-13700E rivals Ryzen 7 7700.

Feature	Core i7-12700K	Core i7-13700E
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 770	UHD Graphics 770
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Embedded Workstation

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-12700K was priced at $409, while the Core i7-13700E came in at $390. On launch pricing ($409 vs $390), Core i7-13700E was $19 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700K delivers 84.0 pts/$ vs 86.7 pts/$ for the Core i7-13700E — making the Core i7-13700E the 3.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-12700K	Core i7-13700E
MSRP	$409	$390-5%
Performance per Dollar	84.0	86.7+3%
Release Date	2021	2023

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