Core i9-13900E vs Core i9-12900K
Core i9-13900E
Core i9-12900K
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 i9-13900E
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12900K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-13900E | Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($554) | ✅ More affordable ($322) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-13900E | Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+75%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($554) | ✅ More affordable ($322) |
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 i9-13900E and Core i9-12900K
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.
Core i9-12900K
The Core i9-12900K 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 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 41,180 points. Launch price was $589.
Processing Power
The Core i9-13900E packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the Core i9-12900K offers 16 cores / 24 threads — the Core i9-13900E has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-13900E versus 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-12900K — identical boost frequencies (base: 1.8 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i9-13900E uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i9-12900K uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13900E scores 40,476 against the Core i9-12900K's 41,180 — a 1.7% lead for the Core i9-12900K. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900E vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900K.
| Feature | Core i9-13900E | Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 32+50% | 16 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz | 5.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.8 GHz | 3.2 GHz+78% |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total)+20% | 30 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+60% | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 40,476 | 41,180+2% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,606 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 15,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to DDR5-5600 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: W680,Q670,Z790,H770 (Core i9-13900E) and Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i9-12900K).
| Feature | Core i9-13900E | Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600 | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-13900E) / not specified (Core i9-12900K). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-13900E) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-12900K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-13900E targets Embedded.
| Feature | Core i9-13900E | Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Embedded | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-13900E launched at $554 MSRP, while the Core i9-12900K debuted at $589. At current prices ($554 vs $322), the Core i9-12900K is $232 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13900E delivers 73.1 pts/$ vs 127.9 pts/$ for the Core i9-12900K — making the Core i9-12900K the 54.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-13900E | Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $554-6% | $589 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $554 | $322-42% |
| Performance per Dollar | 73.1 | 127.9+75% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2021 |
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