Core i9-13900KF vs Core Ultra 7 265KF

Intel

Core i9-13900KF

24 Cores32 Thrd125 WWMax: 5.7 GHz2022
VS
Intel

Core Ultra 7 265KF

20 Cores20 Thrd125 WWMax: 5.5 GHz2024

Core i9-13900KF vs Core Ultra 7 265KF 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 i9-13900KF vs Core Ultra 7 265KF 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 i9-13900KF vs Core Ultra 7 265KF: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-13900KF

2022

Why buy it

  • βœ…Better for gaming: +3.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • βœ…+20% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 30 MB).

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 96.4 vs 154.9 PassMark/$ ($599 MSRP vs $379 MSRP).

Core Ultra 7 265KF

2024

Why buy it

  • βœ…Costs $220 less on MSRP ($379 MSRP vs $599 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 60.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 154.9 vs 96.4 PassMark/$ ($379 MSRP vs $599 MSRP).
  • βœ…20% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-13900KF across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • ❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (35,315 vs 39,565).
  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (30 MB vs 36 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-13900KF better than Core Ultra 7 265KF?
Yes. Core i9-13900KF is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 12% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i9-13900KF is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.4% 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 i9-13900KF is the stronger fit. You are getting 12% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 24 cores and 32 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 20% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 30 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i9-13900KF is still the faster CPU overall, but Core Ultra 7 265KF is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i9-13900KF comes in 58.0% more expensive on MSRP at $599 MSRP versus $379 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core Ultra 7 265KF is also 60.6% better value on MSRP (154.9 vs 96.4 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible LGA1851 + DDR5 setup, Core Ultra 7 265KF can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core Ultra 7 265KF makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2022). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-13900KF vs Core Ultra 7 265KF Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Core Ultra 7 265KF

The Core Ultra 7 265KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024βˆ’2025) architecture. It features 20 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 5.5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 58,690 points. Launch price was $379.

⚑

Processing Power

The Core i9-13900KF packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the Core Ultra 7 265KF offers 20 cores / 20 threads β€” the Core i9-13900KF has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.7 GHz on the Core i9-13900KF versus 5.5 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 265KF β€” a 3.6% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900KF (base: 3 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core i9-13900KF uses the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core Ultra 7 265KF uses Arrow Lake-S (2024βˆ’2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13900KF scores 57,743 against the Core Ultra 7 265KF's 58,690 β€” a 1.6% lead for the Core Ultra 7 265KF. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 39,565 vs 35,315 (11.4% advantage for the Core i9-13900KF). Geekbench 6 single-core β€” the metric most relevant to gaming β€” records 2,946 vs 3,055, a 3.6% lead for the Core Ultra 7 265KF that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 19,878 vs 20,373 (2.5% advantage for the Core Ultra 7 265KF). L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900KF vs 30 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 7 265KF.

FeatureCore i9-13900KFCore Ultra 7 265KF
Cores / Threads
24 / 32+20%
20 / 20
Boost Clock
5.7 GHz+4%
5.5 GHz
Base Clock
3 GHz
3.9 GHz+30%
L3 Cache
36 MB (total)+20%
30 MB (total)
L2 Cache
2 MB (per core)
3 MB (per core)+50%
Process
Intel 7 nm
3 nm-57%
Architecture
Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022)
Arrow Lake-S (2024βˆ’2025)
PassMark
57,743
58,690+2%
Cinebench R23 Multi
39,565+12%
35,315
Geekbench 6 Single
2,946
3,055+4%
Geekbench 6 Multi
19,878
20,373+2%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-13900KF uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core Ultra 7 265KF uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i9-13900KF versus DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 7 265KF β€” the Core Ultra 7 265KF supports 14.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 192 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13900KF) vs 24 (Core Ultra 7 265KF) β€” the Core Ultra 7 265KF offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel Z790,Intel Z690 (Core i9-13900KF) and Intel Z890 (Core Ultra 7 265KF).

FeatureCore i9-13900KFCore Ultra 7 265KF
Socket
LGA1700
LGA1851
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-5600
DDR5-6400+14%
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB
192 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
20
24+20%
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Primary use case: Core i9-13900KF targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 7 265KF rivals Ryzen 7 9700X.

FeatureCore i9-13900KFCore Ultra 7 265KF
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
β€”
None
Unlocked
Yes
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
true
Target Use
Desktop
β€”
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-13900KF was priced at $599, while the Core Ultra 7 265KF came in at $379. On launch pricing ($599 vs $379), Core Ultra 7 265KF was $220 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13900KF delivers 96.4 pts/$ vs 154.9 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 7 265KF β€” making the Core Ultra 7 265KF the 46.5% better value option.

FeatureCore i9-13900KFCore Ultra 7 265KF
MSRP
$599
$379-37%
Performance per Dollar
96.4
154.9+61%
Release Date
2022
2024

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