Core i9-13900K vs Core i9-13900KF

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 i9-13900K vs Core i9-13900KF 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 i9-13900K vs Core i9-13900KF: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-13900K

2022

Why buy it

✅+1.3% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 770, while Core i9-13900KF needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i9-13900KF

2022

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (2,946 vs 2,985).
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (39,565 vs 40,000).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i9-13900K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-13900K better than Core i9-13900KF?

Yes. Core i9-13900K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 1.1% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 1.1% higher 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 i9-13900K has the edge because it leads the single-thread side of this matchup with 1.3% stronger Geekbench single-core performance.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-13900K is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 24 cores and 32 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i9-13900K is the better buy right now. Core i9-13900K comes in in basically the same MSRP band at $599 MSRP versus $599 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.1% higher PassMark. It is also 1.1% better value on MSRP (97.5 vs 96.4 PassMark/$), 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 i9-13900K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 24 cores / 32 threads instead of 24/32. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i9-13900K vs Core i9-13900KF Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-13900K

The Core i9-13900K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture. It features 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 5.7 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 58,373 points. Launch price was $589.

Core i9-13900KF

The Core i9-13900KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture. It features 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 5.7 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 W, 253 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 57,743 points. Launch price was $564.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i9-13900K and Core i9-13900KF share an identical 24-core/32-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5.7 GHz on the Core i9-13900K versus 5.7 GHz on the Core i9-13900KF — identical boost frequencies (base: 3 GHz vs 3 GHz). Both are built on the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture using a Intel 7 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i9-13900K scores 58,373 against the Core i9-13900KF's 57,743 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i9-13900K. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 40,000 vs 39,565 (1.1% advantage for the Core i9-13900K). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,985 vs 2,946, a 1.3% lead for the Core i9-13900K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 19,967 vs 19,878 (0.4% advantage for the Core i9-13900K). Both processors carry 36 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i9-13900K	Core i9-13900KF
Cores / Threads	24 / 32	24 / 32
Boost Clock	5.7 GHz	5.7 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz	3 GHz
L3 Cache	36 MB (total)	36 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)	2 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022)	Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022)
PassMark	58,373+1%	57,743
Cinebench R23 Multi	40,000+1%	39,565
Geekbench 6 Single	2,985+1%	2,946
Geekbench 6 Multi	19,967	19,878

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to DDR5-5600 memory speed. Both support up to 192 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel Z790,Intel Z690 (Core i9-13900K) and Intel Z790,Intel Z690 (Core i9-13900KF).

Feature	Core i9-13900K	Core i9-13900KF
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-5600	DDR5-5600
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB	192 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	20

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Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support true virtualization. The Core i9-13900K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i9-13900KF requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-13900K targets Desktop, Core i9-13900KF targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i9-13900K	Core i9-13900KF
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 770	—
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	true
Target Use	Desktop	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-13900K was priced at $599, while the Core i9-13900KF came in at $599. On launch pricing ($599 vs $599), Core i9-13900KF was $0 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13900K delivers 97.5 pts/$ vs 96.4 pts/$ for the Core i9-13900KF — making the Core i9-13900K the 1.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-13900K	Core i9-13900KF
MSRP	$599	$599
Performance per Dollar	97.5+1%	96.4
Release Date	2022	2022

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