Core i7-13700T vs Core i9-9940X

Intel

Core i7-13700T

16 Cores24 Thrd35 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2023
Core family
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VS
Intel

Core i9-9940X

14 Cores28 Thrd165 WWMax: 4.5 GHz2018
Similar parts
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Core i7-13700T vs Core i9-9940X 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 i7-13700T vs Core i9-9940X 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 i7-13700T vs Core i9-9940X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-13700T

2023

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +7.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +55.8% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 19 MB).
  • Costs $1,003 less on MSRP ($384 MSRP vs $1,387 MSRP).
  • Delivers 258.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 72.6 vs 20.3 PassMark/$ ($384 MSRP vs $1,387 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 165W, a 130W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (27,890 vs 28,088).

Core i9-9940X

2018

Why buy it

  • +0.7% higher PassMark.
  • 120% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-13700T across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 30 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.3 vs 72.6 PassMark/$ ($1,387 MSRP vs $384 MSRP).
  • 371.4% higher power demand at 165W vs 35W.
  • Older platform position on LGA2066 with DDR4, while Core i7-13700T moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-13700T better than Core i9-9940X?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-13700T is ahead with a 7.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-9940X pulls ahead with 0.7% better PassMark. Core i7-13700T also has the bigger cache pool with 55.8% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 19 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-9940X is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 28 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-13700T is the better buy right now. Core i7-13700T comes in $1,003 cheaper on MSRP at $384 MSRP versus $1,387 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i9-9940X is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.7% better PassMark. It is also 258.7% better value on MSRP (72.6 vs 20.3 PassMark/$), 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 i7-13700T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2018), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA2066, and 55.8% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 19 MB). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-13700T vs Core i9-9940X Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-13700T

The Core i7-13700T 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 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 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): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 27,890 points. Launch price was $384.

Intel

Core i9-9940X

The Core i9-9940X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 28,088 points. Launch price was $1,387.

Processing Power

The Core i7-13700T packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i9-9940X offers 14 cores / 28 threads — the Core i7-13700T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-13700T versus 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9940X — a 8.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-13700T (base: 1.4 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i7-13700T uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-9940X uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-13700T scores 27,890 against the Core i9-9940X's 28,088 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i9-9940X. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i7-13700T vs 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9940X.

FeatureCore i7-13700TCore i9-9940X
Cores / Threads
16 / 24+14%
14 / 28
Boost Clock
4.9 GHz+9%
4.5 GHz
Base Clock
1.4 GHz
3.3 GHz+136%
L3 Cache
30 MB (total)+56%
19.25 MB (total)
L2 Cache
2 MB (per core)+100%
1 MB (per core)
Process
Intel 7 nm-50%
14 nm
Architecture
Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark
27,890
28,088
Cinebench R23 Multi
11,611
Geekbench 6 Single
2,537
Geekbench 6 Multi
15,020
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-13700T uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-9940X uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i7-13700T versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9940X — the Core i7-13700T supports 110.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-13700T supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-13700T) vs 4 (Core i9-9940X). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-13700T) vs 44 (Core i9-9940X) — the Core i9-9940X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureCore i7-13700TCore i9-9940X
Socket
LGA1700
LGA2066
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+67%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-5600+110%
DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB+50%
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
4+100%
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
20
44+120%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-9940X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i9-9940X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-13700T includes integrated graphics (UHD 770), while the Core i9-9940X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-13700T targets Gaming, Core i9-9940X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-13700T rivals Ryzen 7 7700.

FeatureCore i7-13700TCore i9-9940X
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
UHD 770
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Gaming
Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-13700T was priced at $384, while the Core i9-9940X came in at $1387. On launch pricing ($384 vs $1387), Core i7-13700T was $1003 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-13700T delivers 72.6 pts/$ vs 20.3 pts/$ for the Core i9-9940X — making the Core i7-13700T the 112.8% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-13700TCore i9-9940X
MSRP
$384-72%
$1387
Performance per Dollar
72.6+258%
20.3
Release Date
2023
2018

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