Core i9-13900KF vs Core Ultra 7 265KF
Core i9-13900KF
Core Ultra 7 265KF
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 i9-13900KF
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 7 265KF
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-13900KF | Core Ultra 7 265KF |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($480) | ✅ More affordable ($323) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-13900KF | Core Ultra 7 265KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+51%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($480) | ✅ More affordable ($323) |
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 i9-13900KF and Core Ultra 7 265KF
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.
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 (2024−2025) 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 — 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 — 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 (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13900KF scores 57,743 against the Core Ultra 7 265KF's 58,690 — 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 — the metric most relevant to gaming — 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.
| Feature | Core i9-13900KF | Core 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 (2024−2025) |
| 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) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-5600 memory speed. 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) — 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).
| Feature | Core i9-13900KF | Core Ultra 7 265KF |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1851 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600 | DDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB | 192 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
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.
| Feature | Core i9-13900KF | Core Ultra 7 265KF |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-13900KF launched at $599 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 7 265KF debuted at $379. At current prices ($480 vs $323), the Core Ultra 7 265KF is $157 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13900KF delivers 120.3 pts/$ vs 181.7 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 7 265KF — making the Core Ultra 7 265KF the 40.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-13900KF | Core Ultra 7 265KF |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $599 | $379-37% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $480 | $323-33% |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.3 | 181.7+51% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2024 |
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