CPU
GPU
Core i9-12900KF
Core i9-13900E
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 i9-12900KF
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-13900E
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900KF | Core i9-13900E |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($320) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($554) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900KF | Core i9-13900E |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+75%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($320) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($554) |
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 i9-12900KF and Core i9-13900E
Core i9-12900KF
The Core i9-12900KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 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): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 40,858 points. Launch price was $564.
Core i9-13900E
The Core i9-13900E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 36 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: 40,476 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The Core i9-12900KF packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i9-13900E offers 24 cores / 32 threads — the Core i9-13900E has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-12900KF versus 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-13900E — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.2 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i9-12900KF uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-13900E uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900KF scores 40,858 against the Core i9-13900E's 40,476 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i9-12900KF. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,585 vs 2,606, a 0.8% lead for the Core i9-13900E that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 15,300 vs 15,000 (2% advantage for the Core i9-12900KF). L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900KF vs 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900E.
| Feature | Core i9-12900KF | Core i9-13900E |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24 | 24 / 32+50% |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz | 5.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+78% | 1.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | 36 MB (total)+20% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+60% |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-30% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 40,858 | 40,476 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 27,472 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,585 | 2,606 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 15,300+2% | 15,000 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z690,Z790,B660,B760 (Core i9-12900KF) and W680,Q670,Z790,H770 (Core i9-13900E).
| Feature | Core i9-12900KF | Core i9-13900E |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 | DDR5-5600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-12900KF has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i9-12900KF) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-13900E). The Core i9-13900E includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i9-12900KF requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-12900KF targets Extreme Gaming / Content Creation, Core i9-13900E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i9-12900KF rivals Ryzen 9 5950X.
| Feature | Core i9-12900KF | Core i9-13900E |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Extreme Gaming / Content Creation | Embedded |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-12900KF launched at $564 MSRP, while the Core i9-13900E debuted at $554. At current prices ($320 vs $554), the Core i9-12900KF is $234 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900KF delivers 127.7 pts/$ vs 73.1 pts/$ for the Core i9-13900E — making the Core i9-12900KF the 54.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-12900KF | Core i9-13900E |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $564 | $554-2% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $320-42% | $554 |
| Performance per Dollar | 127.7+75% | 73.1 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2023 |
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