Core i7-12700KF 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 i7-12700KF 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 i7-12700KF 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 i7-12700KF

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +12.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $6 less on MSRP ($384 MSRP vs $390 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (25 MB vs 30 MB).
❌92.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-13700E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-13700E

2023

Why buy it

✅+20% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 25 MB).
✅Draws 65W instead of 125W, a 60W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 770, while Core i7-12700KF needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-12700KF across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (33,824 vs 34,056).
❌
1.6% HIGHER MSRP
$390 MSRPvs$384 MSRP

Quick Answers

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

Yes. Core i7-12700KF is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 12.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-12700KF is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 12.0% 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 i7-12700KF is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 20 threads.

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

Core i7-12700KF is the better buy right now. Core i7-12700KF comes in $6 cheaper on MSRP at $384 MSRP versus $390 MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 2.3% better value on MSRP (88.7 vs 86.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit 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 i7-12700KF vs Core i7-13700E Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-12700KF

The Core i7-12700KF 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 Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 34,056 points. Launch price was $384.

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 i7-12700KF 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 i7-12700KF 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 i7-12700KF uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-13700E uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700KF scores 34,056 against the Core i7-13700E's 33,824 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-12700KF. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700KF vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i7-13700E.

Feature	Core i7-12700KF	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	Intel 7 nm-30%	10 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021)	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
PassMark	34,056	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 i7-12700KF 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 i7-12700KF) and H610E,Q670E,R680E,W680 (Core i7-13700E).

Feature	Core i7-12700KF	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 i7-12700KF has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700KF) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-13700E). The Core i7-13700E includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i7-12700KF requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-13700E targets Embedded Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700KF rivals Ryzen 7 5800X; Core i7-13700E rivals Ryzen 7 7700.

Feature	Core i7-12700KF	Core i7-13700E
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	None	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 i7-12700KF was priced at $384, while the Core i7-13700E came in at $390. On launch pricing ($384 vs $390), Core i7-12700KF was $6 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700KF delivers 88.7 pts/$ vs 86.7 pts/$ for the Core i7-13700E — making the Core i7-12700KF the 2.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-12700KF	Core i7-13700E
MSRP	$384-2%	$390
Performance per Dollar	88.7+2%	86.7
Release Date	2021	2023

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