Core i7-13700 vs Ryzen 7 9700X

Intel

Core i7-13700

16 Cores24 Thrd65 WWMax: 5.2 GHz2023
Core family
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 7 9700X

8 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 5.5 GHz2024
Ryzen family
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Core i7-13700 vs Ryzen 7 9700X 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 Ryzen 7 9700X 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 Ryzen 7 9700X: 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

  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Ryzen 7 9700X.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 9700X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (36,230 vs 37,145).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 94.3 vs 103.5 PassMark/$ ($384 MSRP vs $359 MSRP).

Ryzen 7 9700X

2024

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +9.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $25 less on MSRP ($359 MSRP vs $384 MSRP).
  • Delivers 9.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 103.5 vs 94.3 PassMark/$ ($359 MSRP vs $384 MSRP).
  • 20% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-13700.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 9700X better than Core i7-13700?
Yes. Ryzen 7 9700X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2.5% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 7 9700X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.6% 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, Ryzen 7 9700X is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.5% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 7 9700X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 9700X comes in $25 cheaper on MSRP at $359 MSRP versus $384 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 9.7% better value on MSRP (103.5 vs 94.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible LGA1700 + DDR5 setup, Core i7-13700 can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 7 9700X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2023) and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 16/24. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-13700 vs Ryzen 7 9700X 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.

AMD

Ryzen 7 9700X

The Ryzen 7 9700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 8 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Granite Ridge (2024−2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.5 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 37,145 points. Launch price was $359.

Processing Power

The Core i7-13700 packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Ryzen 7 9700X offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i7-13700 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i7-13700 versus 5.5 GHz on the Ryzen 7 9700X — a 5.6% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 9700X (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Core i7-13700 uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen 7 9700X uses Granite Ridge (2024−2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-13700 scores 36,230 against the Ryzen 7 9700X's 37,145 — a 2.5% lead for the Ryzen 7 9700X. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i7-13700 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 7 9700X.

FeatureCore i7-13700Ryzen 7 9700X
Cores / Threads
16 / 24+100%
8 / 16
Boost Clock
5.2 GHz
5.5 GHz+6%
Base Clock
2.1 GHz
3.8 GHz+81%
L3 Cache
30 MB (total)
32 MB (total)+7%
L2 Cache
2 MB (per core)+100%
1 MB (per core)
Process
Intel 7 nm
4 nm-43%
Architecture
Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
Granite Ridge (2024−2025)
PassMark
36,230
37,145+3%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-13700 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 7 9700X uses AM5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-5600 memory speed. The Ryzen 7 9700X supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB 33.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-13700) vs 24 (Ryzen 7 9700X) — the Ryzen 7 9700X offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760 (Core i7-13700) and X870E,X670E,B650 (Ryzen 7 9700X).

FeatureCore i7-13700Ryzen 7 9700X
Socket
LGA1700
AM5
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-5600
5600
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB
256 GB+33%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
20
24+20%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 7 9700X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-13700) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen 7 9700X). Both include integrated graphics UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-13700) and AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core) (Ryzen 7 9700X) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Ryzen 7 9700X rivals Core i7-14700K.

FeatureCore i7-13700Ryzen 7 9700X
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 770
AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core)
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-13700 was priced at $384, while the Ryzen 7 9700X came in at $359. On launch pricing ($384 vs $359), Ryzen 7 9700X was $25 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-13700 delivers 94.3 pts/$ vs 103.5 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 9700X — making the Ryzen 7 9700X the 9.2% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-13700Ryzen 7 9700X
MSRP
$384
$359-7%
Performance per Dollar
94.3
103.5+10%
Release Date
2023
2024

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