Core i7-13790F vs Core i9-13900T

The Core i7-13790F packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i9-13900T offers 24 cores / 32 threads — the Core i9-13900T has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i7-13790F versus 5.3 GHz on the Core i9-13900T — a 1.9% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900T (base: 2.1 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). Both are built on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture using a 10 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-13790F scores 43,549 against the Core i9-13900T's 42,735 — a 1.9% lead for the Core i7-13790F. L3 cache: 33 MB (total) on the Core i7-13790F vs 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900T.

Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i7-13790F versus 5600 on the Core i9-13900T — the Core i9-13900T supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 192 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-13790F) vs 20 (Core i9-13900T) — the Core i9-13900T offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760 (Core i7-13790F) and Raptor Lake-HX (Core i9-13900T).

Only the Core i9-13900T 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 i9-13900T includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics), while the Core i7-13790F requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-13900T rivals Ryzen 9 7945HX.

The Core i7-13790F launched at $392 MSRP, while the Core i9-13900T debuted at $549. At current prices ($350 vs $570), the Core i7-13790F is $220 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-13790F delivers 124.4 pts/$ vs 75.0 pts/$ for the Core i9-13900T — making the Core i7-13790F the 49.6% better value option.