Core i7-13700 vs Core i9-12900F

Intel

Core i7-13700

16 Cores24 Thrd65 WWMax: 5.2 GHz2023
Core family
·······
VS
Intel

Core i9-12900F

16 Cores24 Thrd65 WWMax: 5.1 GHz2022
Core family
·······

Core i7-13700 vs Core i9-12900F Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 i7-13700 vs Core i9-12900F 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 i7-13700 vs Core i9-12900F: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-13700

2023

Why buy it

  • +1% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $110 less on MSRP ($384 MSRP vs $494 MSRP).
  • Delivers 29.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 94.3 vs 72.6 PassMark/$ ($384 MSRP vs $494 MSRP).
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 770, while Core i9-12900F needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i9-12900F.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-12900F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Core i9-12900F

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +5.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (35,873 vs 36,230).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 72.6 vs 94.3 PassMark/$ ($494 MSRP vs $384 MSRP).
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-13700 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-13700.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-13700 better than Core i9-12900F?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i9-12900F is ahead with a 5.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-13700 pulls ahead with 1% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-13700 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 24 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-13700 is the better buy right now. Core i7-13700 comes in $110 cheaper on MSRP at $384 MSRP versus $494 MSRP, and it still gives you 1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i9-12900F is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 5.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 29.9% better value on MSRP (94.3 vs 72.6 PassMark/$), 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 i7-13700 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2022) and more multi-core headroom with 16 cores / 24 threads instead of 16/24. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-13700 vs Core i9-12900F Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-13700

The Core i7-13700 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 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 36,230 points. Launch price was $384.

Intel

Core i9-12900F

The Core i9-12900F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 35,873 points. Launch price was $499.

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-13700 and Core i9-12900F share an identical 16-core/24-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i7-13700 versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-12900F — a 1.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-13700 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i7-13700 uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-12900F uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-13700 scores 36,230 against the Core i9-12900F's 35,873 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-13700. Both processors carry 30 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i7-13700Core i9-12900F
Cores / Threads
16 / 24
16 / 24
Boost Clock
5.2 GHz+2%
5.1 GHz
Base Clock
2.1 GHz
2.4 GHz+14%
L3 Cache
30 MB (total)
30 MB (total)
L2 Cache
2 MB (per core)+60%
1.25 MB (per core)
Process
Intel 7 nm
Intel 7 nm
Architecture
Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
Alder Lake-S (2022)
PassMark
36,230
35,873
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i7-13700 versus 4800 on the Core i9-12900F — the Core i7-13700 supports 16.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-13700 supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760 (Core i7-13700) and Z690,B660 (Core i9-12900F).

FeatureCore i7-13700Core i9-12900F
Socket
LGA1700
LGA1700
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-5600+17%
4800
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB+50%
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
20
20
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Core i7-13700 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-13700 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i9-12900F requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-12900F rivals Ryzen 9 5900X.

FeatureCore i7-13700Core i9-12900F
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 770
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
Yes
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-13700 was priced at $384, while the Core i9-12900F came in at $494. On launch pricing ($384 vs $494), Core i7-13700 was $110 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-13700 delivers 94.3 pts/$ vs 72.6 pts/$ for the Core i9-12900F — making the Core i7-13700 the 26% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-13700Core i9-12900F
MSRP
$384-22%
$494
Performance per Dollar
94.3+30%
72.6
Release Date
2023
2022

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.