Core i7-13790F vs EPYC 7D12

Intel

Core i7-13790F

16 Cores24 Thrd65 WWMax: 5.2 GHz2023
Core family
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VS
AMD

EPYC 7D12

32 Cores64 Thrd85 WWMax: 3 GHz2020
EPYC family
·······

Core i7-13790F vs EPYC 7D12 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 i7-13790F vs EPYC 7D12 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 EPYC 7D12: 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

  • Better for gaming: +30.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $608 less on MSRP ($392 MSRP vs $1,000 MSRP).
  • Delivers 162.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 111.1 vs 42.3 PassMark/$ ($392 MSRP vs $1,000 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 85W, a 20W reduction.
  • Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of SP3 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 7D12, which brings 32 cores / 64 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.

EPYC 7D12

2020

Why buy it

  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 32 cores / 64 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 16.
  • 700% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-13790F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (42,285 vs 43,549).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 42.3 vs 111.1 PassMark/$ ($1,000 MSRP vs $392 MSRP).
  • 30.8% higher power demand at 85W vs 65W.
  • Older platform position on SP3 with DDR4, while Core i7-13790F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-13790F better than EPYC 7D12?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. EPYC 7D12 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-13790F 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 i7-13790F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 30.4% 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 i7-13790F is the stronger fit. You are getting 3% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 24 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-13790F is the better buy right now. Core i7-13790F comes in $608 cheaper on MSRP at $392 MSRP versus $1,000 MSRP, and it still gives you a 30.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 162.7% better value on MSRP (111.1 vs 42.3 PassMark/$), 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 i7-13790F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2020), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of SP3, and more multi-core headroom with 16 cores / 24 threads instead of 32/64. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-13790F vs EPYC 7D12 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

EPYC 7D12

The EPYC 7D12 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Rome (2020) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 42,285 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Core i7-13790F packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the EPYC 7D12 offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the EPYC 7D12 has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i7-13790F versus 3 GHz on the EPYC 7D12 — a 53.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-13790F (base: 2.1 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Core i7-13790F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (10 nm), while the EPYC 7D12 uses Rome (2020) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-13790F scores 43,549 against the EPYC 7D12's 42,285 — a 2.9% lead for the Core i7-13790F. L3 cache: 33 MB (total) on the Core i7-13790F vs 32 MB (total) on the EPYC 7D12.

FeatureCore i7-13790FEPYC 7D12
Cores / Threads
16 / 24
32 / 64+100%
Boost Clock
5.2 GHz+73%
3 GHz
Base Clock
2.1 GHz+91%
1.1 GHz
L3 Cache
33 MB (total)+3%
32 MB (total)
L2 Cache
2 MB (per core)+300%
512 kB (per core)
Process
10 nm
7 nm-30%
Architecture
Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
Rome (2020)
PassMark
43,549+3%
42,285
Cinebench R23 Multi
26,247
Geekbench 6 Single
2,815
Geekbench 6 Multi
13,673
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-13790F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 7D12 uses SP3 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i7-13790F versus 3200 on the EPYC 7D12 — the Core i7-13790F supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7D12 supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB 2033.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-13790F) vs 8 (EPYC 7D12). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-13790F) vs 128 (EPYC 7D12) — the EPYC 7D12 offers 112 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760 (Core i7-13790F) and SP3 (EPYC 7D12).

FeatureCore i7-13790FEPYC 7D12
Socket
LGA1700
SP3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-5600+75%
3200
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB
4096 GB+2033%
RAM Channels
2
8+300%
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
128+700%
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-13790F) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (EPYC 7D12). Direct competitor: EPYC 7D12 rivals Xeon Gold 6248.

FeatureCore i7-13790FEPYC 7D12
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
Yes
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-13790F was priced at $392, while the EPYC 7D12 came in at $1000. On launch pricing ($392 vs $1000), Core i7-13790F was $608 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-13790F delivers 111.1 pts/$ vs 42.3 pts/$ for the EPYC 7D12 — making the Core i7-13790F the 89.7% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-13790FEPYC 7D12
MSRP
$392-61%
$1000
Performance per Dollar
111.1+163%
42.3
Release Date
2023
2020

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