Core i7-13700K vs Core i9-12900K
Core i7-13700K
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 i7-13700K
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12900K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-13700K | Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) | ✅ More affordable ($322) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-13700K | Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+12%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) | ✅ 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 i7-13700K and Core i9-12900K
Core i7-13700K
The Core i7-13700K 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 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 30 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: 45,784 points. Launch price was $409.
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
Both the Core i7-13700K and Core i9-12900K share an identical 16-core/24-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Core i7-13700K versus 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-12900K — a 3.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-13700K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-13700K uses the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-12900K uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-13700K scores 45,784 against the Core i9-12900K's 41,180 — a 10.6% lead for the Core i7-13700K. Both processors carry 30 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24 | 16 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 5.4 GHz+4% | 5.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+6% | 3.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | 30 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+60% | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-30% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 45,784+11% | 41,180 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 31,000 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,846 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 18,980 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to DDR5-5600 memory speed. The Core i7-13700K 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. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel Z790,Intel H770,Intel B760,Intel Z690,Intel H670,Intel B660,Intel H610 (Core i7-13700K) and Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i9-12900K).
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600 | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB+50% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i7-13700K) / not specified (Core i9-12900K). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-13700K) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-12900K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-13700K rivals Ryzen 9 7900X.
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-13700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Core i9-12900K debuted at $589. At current prices ($400 vs $322), the Core i9-12900K is $78 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-13700K delivers 114.5 pts/$ vs 127.9 pts/$ for the Core i9-12900K — making the Core i9-12900K the 11.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409-31% | $589 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $400 | $322-20% |
| Performance per Dollar | 114.5 | 127.9+12% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2021 |
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