Core i7-13700F vs Xeon Gold 6346

Intel

Core i7-13700F

16 Cores24 Thrd65 WWMax: 5.2 GHz2023
Core family
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VS
Intel

Xeon Gold 6346

16 Cores32 Thrd205 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2021
Similar parts
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Core i7-13700F vs Xeon Gold 6346 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 i7-13700F vs Xeon Gold 6346 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 i7-13700F vs Xeon Gold 6346: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-13700F

2023

Why buy it

  • Costs $2,349 less on MSRP ($359 MSRP vs $2,708 MSRP).
  • Delivers 663.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 106.4 vs 13.9 PassMark/$ ($359 MSRP vs $2,708 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 205W, a 140W reduction.
  • Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA4189 and DDR4.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes (Intel Laminar RM1)), unlike Xeon Gold 6346.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (30 MB vs 36 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Gold 6346, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.
  • No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon Gold 6346

2021

Why buy it

  • +20% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 30 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 32 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 20.
  • 220% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (37,739 vs 38,212).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.9 vs 106.4 PassMark/$ ($2,708 MSRP vs $359 MSRP).
  • 215.4% higher power demand at 205W vs 65W.
  • Older platform position on LGA4189 with DDR4, while Core i7-13700F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-13700F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-13700F better than Xeon Gold 6346?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Gold 6346 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-13700F is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-13700F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.2% 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 i7-13700F is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 24 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-13700F is the better buy right now. Core i7-13700F comes in $2,349 cheaper on MSRP at $359 MSRP versus $2,708 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 663.8% better value on MSRP (106.4 vs 13.9 PassMark/$), 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 i7-13700F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2021), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA4189, and more multi-core headroom with 16 cores / 24 threads instead of 16/32. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-13700F vs Xeon Gold 6346 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-13700F

The Core i7-13700F 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: 38,212 points. Launch price was $359.

Intel

Xeon Gold 6346

The Xeon Gold 6346 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 37,739 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Core i7-13700F packs 16 cores / 24 threads, matching the Xeon Gold 6346's 16 cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i7-13700F versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6346 — a 36.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-13700F (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i7-13700F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6346 uses Ice Lake-SP (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-13700F scores 38,212 against the Xeon Gold 6346's 37,739 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i7-13700F. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i7-13700F vs 36 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6346.

FeatureCore i7-13700FXeon Gold 6346
Cores / Threads
16 / 24
16 / 32
Boost Clock
5.2 GHz+44%
3.6 GHz
Base Clock
2.1 GHz
3.1 GHz+48%
L3 Cache
30 MB (total)
36 MB (total)+20%
L2 Cache
2 MB (per core)+100%
1 MB (per core)
Process
Intel 7 nm-30%
10 nm
Architecture
Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
Ice Lake-SP (2021)
PassMark
38,212+1%
37,739
Cinebench R23 Multi
24,775
Geekbench 6 Single
2,676
Geekbench 6 Multi
14,254
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-13700F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 6346 uses LGA4189 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200 on the Core i7-13700F versus 3200 on the Xeon Gold 6346 — the Core i7-13700F supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6346 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB 3100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-13700F) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6346). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-13700F) vs 64 (Xeon Gold 6346) — the Xeon Gold 6346 offers 44 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i7-13700F) and C621A (Xeon Gold 6346).

FeatureCore i7-13700FXeon Gold 6346
Socket
LGA1700
LGA4189
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200+75%
3200
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB
6144 GB+3100%
RAM Channels
2
8+300%
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
20
64+220%
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon Gold 6346 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-13700F) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 6346). Primary use case: Core i7-13700F targets High-end Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i7-13700F rivals Ryzen 7 7700X; Xeon Gold 6346 rivals EPYC 73F3.

FeatureCore i7-13700FXeon Gold 6346
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
High-end Gaming
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-13700F was priced at $359, while the Xeon Gold 6346 came in at $2708. On launch pricing ($359 vs $2708), Core i7-13700F was $2349 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-13700F delivers 106.4 pts/$ vs 13.9 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6346 — making the Core i7-13700F the 153.7% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-13700FXeon Gold 6346
MSRP
$359-87%
$2708
Performance per Dollar
106.4+665%
13.9
Release Date
2023
2021

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