
Core i7-13700K vs Core i9-13900KS

Core i7-13700K

Core i9-13900KS
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 i9-13900KS
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-13700K | Core i9-13900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($400) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($580) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-13700K | Core i9-13900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+10%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($400) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($580) |
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 i9-13900KS

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 i9-13900KS
The Core i9-13900KS is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.8 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): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 60,543 points. Launch price was $699.
Processing Power
The Core i7-13700K packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i9-13900KS offers 24 cores / 32 threads — the Core i9-13900KS has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Core i7-13700K versus 5.8 GHz on the Core i9-13900KS — a 7.1% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900KS (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 i9-13900KS uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-13700K scores 45,784 against the Core i9-13900KS's 60,543 — a 27.8% lead for the Core i9-13900KS. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 31,000 vs 40,998 (27.8% advantage for the Core i9-13900KS). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,846 vs 3,123, a 9.3% lead for the Core i9-13900KS that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 18,980 vs 21,421 (12.1% advantage for the Core i9-13900KS). L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i7-13700K vs 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900KS.
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | Core i9-13900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24 | 24 / 32+50% |
| Boost Clock | 5.4 GHz | 5.8 GHz+7% |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+6% | 3.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | 36 MB (total)+20% |
| 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-S (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 45,784 | 60,543+32% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 31,000 | 40,998+32% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,846 | 3,123+10% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 18,980 | 21,421+13% |
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 H770,Intel B760,Intel Z690,Intel H670,Intel B660,Intel H610 (Core i7-13700K) and Z790,B760 (Core i9-13900KS).
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | Core i9-13900KS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-13700K) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-13900KS) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-13700K rivals Ryzen 9 7900X; Core i9-13900KS rivals Ryzen 9 7950X.
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | Core i9-13900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-13700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Core i9-13900KS debuted at $699. At current prices ($400 vs $580), the Core i7-13700K is $180 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-13700K delivers 114.5 pts/$ vs 104.4 pts/$ for the Core i9-13900KS — making the Core i7-13700K the 9.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | Core i9-13900KS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409-41% | $699 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $400-31% | $580 |
| Performance per Dollar | 114.5+10% | 104.4 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2023 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.















