CPU
GPU
Core i7-13790F
Core i9-12900KS
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-13790F
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12900KS
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-13790F | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($350) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($385) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-13790F | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+10%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($350) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($385) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-13790F and Core i9-12900KS
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.
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 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to DDR5-5600 memory speed. The Core i7-13790F supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 40% 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 | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB+50% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| 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
The Core i7-13790F launched at $392 MSRP, while the Core i9-12900KS debuted at $739. At current prices ($350 vs $385), the Core i7-13790F is $35 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-13790F delivers 124.4 pts/$ vs 113.1 pts/$ for the Core i9-12900KS — making the Core i7-13790F the 9.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-13790F | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $392-47% | $739 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $350-9% | $385 |
| Performance per Dollar | 124.4+10% | 113.1 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2022 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i7-13790F and Core i9-12900KS
