Core i7-9700K vs Core i7-13700H

Intel

Core i7-9700K

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2018
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-13700H

14 Cores20 Thrd45 WWMax: 5 GHz2023
Core family
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Core i7-9700K vs Core i7-13700H 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 i7-9700K vs Core i7-13700H 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 i7-9700K vs Core i7-13700H: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

  • Costs $117 less on MSRP ($385 MSRP vs $502 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-13700H across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (14,397 vs 26,140).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 24 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 37.4 vs 52.1 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $502 MSRP).
  • 111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.

Core i7-13700H

2023

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +15.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +100% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Delivers 39.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 52.1 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($502 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
  • Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.
  • Newer platform on FCBGA1744 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1151 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • 30.4% HIGHER MSRP
    $502 MSRPvs$385 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-13700H better than Core i7-9700K?
Yes. Core i7-13700H is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 15.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 81.6% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-13700H is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 15.3% 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 i7-13700H is the stronger fit. You are getting 81.6% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 12 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-13700H is the better buy right now. Core i7-13700H comes in 30.4% more expensive on MSRP at $502 MSRP versus $385 MSRP, and it still gives you a 15.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 39.2% better value on MSRP (52.1 vs 37.4 PassMark/$), 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 i7-13700H makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2018), a healthier platform with FCBGA1744 and DDR5 instead of LGA1151, 100% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 12 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 20 threads instead of 8/8. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-9700K vs Core i7-13700H Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-9700K

The Core i7-9700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,397 points. Launch price was $374.

Intel

Core i7-13700H

The Core i7-13700H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 26,140 points. Launch price was $502.

Processing Power

The Core i7-9700K packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-13700H offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i7-13700H has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-13700H — a 2% clock advantage for the Core i7-13700H (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i7-9700K uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-13700H uses Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700K scores 14,397 against the Core i7-13700H's 26,140 — a 57.9% lead for the Core i7-13700H. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K vs 24 MB (total) on the Core i7-13700H.

FeatureCore i7-9700KCore i7-13700H
Cores / Threads
8 / 8
14 / 20+75%
Boost Clock
4.9 GHz
5 GHz+2%
Base Clock
3.6 GHz+50%
2.4 GHz
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
24 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)+12700%
2 MB (per core)
Process
14 nm
Intel 7 nm-50%
Architecture
Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024)
PassMark
14,397
26,140+82%
Cinebench R23 Multi
20,101
Geekbench 6 Single
2,279
Geekbench 6 Multi
13,208
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-13700H uses FCBGA1744 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K versus DDR5-5200 on the Core i7-13700H — the Core i7-13700H supports 95% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-9700K supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 96 GB 33.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-9700K) vs 28 (Core i7-13700H) — the Core i7-13700H offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K) and Mobile (Core i7-13700H).

FeatureCore i7-9700KCore i7-13700H
Socket
LGA1151
FCBGA1744
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
DDR5-5200+95%
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB+33%
96 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
28+75%
🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Core i7-13700H supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) and Iris Xe Graphics (96EU) (Core i7-13700H) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop.

FeatureCore i7-9700KCore i7-13700H
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 630
Iris Xe Graphics (96EU)
Unlocked
Yes
Yes
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9700K was priced at $385, while the Core i7-13700H came in at $502. On launch pricing ($385 vs $502), Core i7-9700K was $117 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9700K delivers 37.4 pts/$ vs 52.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-13700H — making the Core i7-13700H the 32.8% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-9700KCore i7-13700H
MSRP
$385-23%
$502
Performance per Dollar
37.4
52.1+39%
Release Date
2018
2023

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