Intel Core i7-13700K vs Intel Core i5-13500 vs Intel Core i9-13900K

Intel Core i7-13700K

The Intel Core i7-13700K is a high-end CPU based on the current Raptor Lake architecture, which was introduced in September 2022. The base clock is 3.4 GHz and can reach up to 5.4 GHz under optimal conditions. The total of 16 cores are divided into 8 P-cores and 8 E-cores, which we already know from the Alder Lake architecture. Compared to the Intel Core i7-12700K, however, the number of E-cores has been doubled, meaning that the Intel Core i7-13700K now offers 24 threads. As usual, the K models continue to offer a freely selectable multiplier, which simplifies overclocking. In addition, all new Raptor Lake processors can be operated on the existing Socket 1700 motherboards.

Performance

Compared to the Intel Core i7-12700K, the Core i7-13700K still offers 8 P-cores, but these are to be relieved by 8 additional E-cores for demanding applications. The E-cores primarily take care of background applications. The hybrid architecture relies on the Intel Thread Director, which is responsible for the correct allocation of tasks. Compared to Alder Lake, the number of e-cores has been doubled, which significantly improves multi-thread performance in combination with a further increase in IPC. If all requirements are met, Intel Turbo Boost 3.0 can increase the clock rate of the P-cores to up to 5.4 GHz. The E-cores can also be overclocked and reach a maximum of 3.4 GHz.

Graphics

Like the Intel Core i7-12700K, the Intel Core i7-13700K offers an integrated graphics unit (iGPU). The Intel Iris Xe architecture continues to serve as the basis. In terms of performance, however, not much has changed with the new Intel UHD Graphics 770.

Power Consumption

The Intel Core i7-13700K is specified with a TDP of 125 watts, which corresponds to the PL1 value. In Boost mode, the processor's performance can increase to up to 253 watts (PL2). However, this requires good cooling. If all restrictions are deactivated in the BIOS, the PL2 value is not restricted by a Tau value.

Intel Core i5-13500

The Intel Core i5-13500 is a fast and relatively power efficient desktop processor based on the Raptor Lake architecture, which was introduced in October 2022. The processor offers a base clock of 2.5 GHz and reaches up to 4.8 GHz in Turbo. The hybrid CPU architecture introduced with Alder Lake is also used in the Raptor Lake processors. Compared to the Intel Core i5-12500, the Intel Core i5-13500 offers more cores, which means a higher overall performance can be achieved. In total, the Intel Core i5-13500 can process up to 20 threads in parallel. The performance cores (P cores) offer hyperthreading for this purpose, which is withheld from the energy-efficient cores (E cores).

Performance

Due to the higher number of physical computing units, the Intel Core i5-13500 offers noticeably more performance compared to the Intel Core i5-12500. Both processors have 6 P-cores, although only the Intel Core i5-13500 is additionally equipped with 8 E-cores.

Graphics unit

Like the Intel Core i5-12600K, the Intel Core i5-13500 offers an integrated graphics unit. The Intel Iris Xe architecture continues to serve as the basis. In terms of performance, however, not much has changed with the new Intel UHD Graphics 770.

Power consumption

The TDP of the Intel Core i5-13500 is 65 watts, with the option to increase this to up to 154 watts in Turbo mode. Compared to the Intel Core i5-12500, the energy requirement increases slightly.

Intel Core i9-13900K

The Intel Core i9-13900K is a fast high-end desktop processor of the Raptor Lake series. It includes a hybrid architecture for the CPU cores with combined 24 cores and 32 threads. Eight fast Raptor Cove performance cores (P-cores) with HyperThreading and a clock speed of 3 - 5.8 GHz and sixteen Gracemont efficiency cores without HyperThreading and a clock speed of 2.2 - 4.3 GHz.

Thanks to the faster P-cores and more E-cores, the i9-13900K is significantly faster than the old i9-12900K (especially in multi-threaded workloads). Compared to the Raphael AMD Ryzen 9 7950X (Zen 4), the 13900K offers a slightly higher multi-thread-performance and a slightly lower single core performance. In games, the Intel CPU is currently the clear winner (at the time of announcement of the 7950X).

The 13900K is rated at 125 Watt TDP base power (PL1) and 253 Watt Turbo Power (PL2) and therefore slightly higher than the old i9-12900K.