Core i9-12900KS vs Core i7-13790F
Core i9-12900KS
Core i7-13790F
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 i9-12900KS
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-13790F
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900KS | Core i7-13790F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($385) | ✅ More affordable ($350) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900KS | Core i7-13790F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+10%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($385) | ✅ More affordable ($350) |
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 i9-12900KS and Core i7-13790F
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.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i9-12900KS and Core i7-13790F share an identical 16-core/24-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Core i9-12900KS versus 5.2 GHz on the Core i7-13790F — a 1.9% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900KS (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i9-12900KS uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-13790F uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900KS scores 43,528 against the Core i7-13790F's 43,549 — a 0% lead for the Core i7-13790F. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 27,796 vs 26,247 (5.7% advantage for the Core i9-12900KS). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,082 vs 2,815, a 29.9% lead for the Core i7-13790F that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900KS vs 33 MB (total) on the Core i7-13790F.
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | Core i7-13790F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24 | 16 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 5.3 GHz+2% | 5.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+62% | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | 33 MB (total)+10% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+60% |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-30% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 43,528 | 43,549 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 27,796+6% | 26,247 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,082 | 2,815+35% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 13,673 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to DDR5-4800 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: 20 (Core i9-12900KS) vs 16 (Core i7-13790F) — the Core i9-12900KS offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: LGA1700 (Core i9-12900KS) and Z790,B760 (Core i7-13790F).
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | Core i7-13790F |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | DDR5-5600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 192 GB+50% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
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 i9-12900KS | Core i7-13790F |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD 770 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-12900KS launched at $739 MSRP, while the Core i7-13790F debuted at $392. At current prices ($385 vs $350), the Core i7-13790F is $35 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900KS delivers 113.1 pts/$ vs 124.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-13790F — making the Core i7-13790F the 9.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | Core i7-13790F |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $739 | $392-47% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $385 | $350-9% |
| Performance per Dollar | 113.1 | 124.4+10% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2023 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i9-12900KS and Core i7-13790F
