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 i7-13790F vs Core i9-12900KS 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 i7-13790F vs Core i9-12900KS: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-13790F

2023

Why buy it

✅Costs $347 less on MSRP ($392 MSRP vs $739 MSRP).
✅Delivers 88.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 111.1 vs 58.9 PassMark/$ ($392 MSRP vs $739 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 150W, a 85W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-12900KS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (26,247 vs 27,796).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i9-12900KS can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i9-12900KS

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD 770, while Core i7-13790F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 58.9 vs 111.1 PassMark/$ ($739 MSRP vs $392 MSRP).
❌130.8% higher power demand at 150W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-12900KS better than Core i7-13790F?

Yes. Core i9-12900KS is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 5.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-12900KS is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.0% 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 i9-12900KS is the stronger fit. You are getting 5.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 16 cores and 24 threads.

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

Core i9-12900KS is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i7-13790F is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i9-12900KS comes in 88.5% more expensive on MSRP at $739 MSRP versus $392 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-13790F is also 88.6% better value on MSRP (111.1 vs 58.9 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-13790F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2022). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-13790F vs Core i9-12900KS Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-13790F

The Core i7-13790F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 February 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: 33 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: 43,549 points. Launch price was $441.

Core i9-12900KS

The Core i9-12900KS is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 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): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 43,528 points. Launch price was $499.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-13790F and Core i9-12900KS share an identical 16-core/24-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i7-13790F versus 5.3 GHz on the Core i9-12900KS — a 1.9% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900KS (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i7-13790F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i9-12900KS uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-13790F scores 43,549 against the Core i9-12900KS's 43,528 — a 0% lead for the Core i7-13790F. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 26,247 vs 27,796 (5.7% advantage for the Core i9-12900KS). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,815 vs 2,082, a 29.9% lead for the Core i7-13790F that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 33 MB (total) on the Core i7-13790F vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900KS.

Feature	Core i7-13790F	Core i9-12900KS
Cores / Threads	16 / 24	16 / 24
Boost Clock	5.2 GHz	5.3 GHz+2%
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	3.4 GHz+62%
L3 Cache	33 MB (total)+10%	30 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)+60%	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	10 nm	Intel 7 nm-30%
Architecture	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)	Alder Lake-S (2022)
PassMark	43,549	43,528
Cinebench R23 Multi	26,247	27,796+6%
Geekbench 6 Single	2,815+35%	2,082
Geekbench 6 Multi	13,673	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i7-13790F versus DDR5-4800 on the Core i9-12900KS — the Core i7-13790F supports 16.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-13790F 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. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-13790F) vs 20 (Core i9-12900KS) — the Core i9-12900KS offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760 (Core i7-13790F) and LGA1700 (Core i9-12900KS).

Feature	Core i7-13790F	Core i9-12900KS
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-5600+17%	DDR5-4800
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB+50%	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	20+25%

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-12900KS 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. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i9-12900KS includes integrated graphics (UHD 770), while the Core i7-13790F requires a dedicated GPU.

Feature	Core i7-13790F	Core i9-12900KS
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	UHD 770
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-13790F was priced at $392, while the Core i9-12900KS came in at $739. On launch pricing ($392 vs $739), Core i7-13790F was $347 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-13790F delivers 111.1 pts/$ vs 58.9 pts/$ for the Core i9-12900KS — making the Core i7-13790F the 61.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-13790F	Core i9-12900KS
MSRP	$392-47%	$739
Performance per Dollar	111.1+89%	58.9
Release Date	2023	2022

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