Intel Core i9-13900K Review

Introduction

The Intel Core i9-13900K stands out as the top-performing CPU within the latest Raptor Lake lineup of processors. While it delivers exceptional overall performance, it might be considered overly robust for individuals seeking to enhance their gaming PC setup.

The 13th generation of Intel Core processors is led by the powerful Intel Core i9-13900K, which stands out with its remarkable 24 cores and 32 threads. Additionally, it is equipped with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, guaranteeing a significant boost to your system’s performance and ensuring its longevity.

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Nevertheless, it might not be the most suitable choice for individuals solely interested in gaming, as our tests indicate that it delivers gaming performance comparable to less expensive processors.

I tested the Intel Core i9-13900K against the AMD Ryzen 7000 Series, focusing on the top-tier AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, in order to provide a comprehensive comparison of the two CPUs and help you decide which one is worth investing in.

Version 1: I experimented with the Intel Core i9-13900K to compare it with the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 Series, particularly the flagship AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, to offer insight into which CPU performs better and which one would be a wise investment.

Specs.

• Raptor Lake architecture provides massive performance gains
• Future-proofed thanks to support of DDR5 and PCIe 5.0
• 24 cores and 32 threads

Version 1: The Intel Core i9-13900K stands as the premier processor within the most recent Raptor Lake (13th Gen) Series. It is constructed using x86 hybrid architecture, allowing for the utilization of both Performance (P-cores) and Efficient cores (E-cores) on a unified die.

The Intel Core i9-13900K is equipped with 24 cores, consisting of 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores, along with 32 threads. This marks a significant advancement compared to the previous Alder Lake Intel Core i9-12900K, which had 16 cores and 24 threads. Intel asserts that Raptor Lake delivers a 15% enhancement in single-threaded performance and a 41% improvement in multi-threaded performance.

Additionally, the Intel Core i9-13900K is compatible with DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0 SSDs, allowing for the possibility of upgrading to the most current components and enhancing the overall system performance. In contrast to the AMD Ryzen 7000 Series, this processor also accommodates DDR4 memory, providing flexibility for those who prefer not to upgrade all components simultaneously due to the potential expenses involved. This emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate motherboard for your system.

Intel asserts that the i9-13900K is capable of achieving a maximum turbo frequency of 5.8GHz, a significant upgrade from its predecessor’s 5.2GHz frequency. This not only promises exceptionally seamless gameplay but also surpasses the flagship AMD Ryzen 9 7950X processor, which boasts a maximum boost clock speed of 5.7GHz. While this is a noteworthy achievement, it continues the pattern of Intel outpacing AMD in terms of single-core performance prowess.

The chip is also equipped with an Intel UHD Graphics 770 graphics card. Although it cannot replace a dedicated graphics card for gaming or running demanding software, it serves as a reliable backup in case of GPU malfunctions.

Test setup

I conducted a comprehensive series of rigorous benchmarks to thoroughly assess the performance of the Intel Core i9-13900K and verify the accuracy of Intel’s claims.

I took measures to guarantee a fair assessment and to eliminate any potential advantages for any processor by employing uniform components whenever feasible. The details of the build I utilized are provided below:

Regrettably, our testing of the Intel Core processors was limited to a DDR4 motherboard, while we utilized DDR5 memory for the AMD Ryzen 7000 chips. This discrepancy could potentially impact the benchmark outcomes, making it essential to consider, particularly for comprehensive benchmarks like PCMark.

I ensured the utilization of industry-standard benchmark software such as PCMark 10, Geekbench 5, and Cinebench R23 for performance evaluation. Additionally, I have incorporated in-game benchmarks from a variety of games to provide gamers with a comprehensive understanding of how this processor performs across different titles.

Performance

• Amazing single-core performance
• Outpaces the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X in most cases
• Multi-core performance is revolutionary

The Intel Core i9-13900K delivers exceptional performance and is possibly one of the top processors we have ever evaluated. It stands as the most potent CPU in the newest Raptor Lake series and is undeniably the most powerful consumer chip produced by Intel to date. The benchmark results reveal that the i9-13900K faces significant competition, particularly from the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, the flagship of the AMD Ryzen 7000 Series.

The single-core performance demonstrated remarkable results, surpassing the Ryzen 9 7950X in both Geekbench 5 and Cinebench R23 benchmarks. Additionally, the multi-core performance in the Cinebench test proved to be highly competitive, outperforming its AMD Ryzen counterpart, indicating its superiority for demanding tasks such as 4K editing or animation.

Version 1: We have assembled a comprehensive chart displaying all the benchmark results for your examination of the performance comparison of the Intel Core i9-13900K.

I made sure to evaluate the performance of this processor with different games to determine the frame rates it can deliver. It is crucial to understand that the GPU plays a significant role in game performance, so the variance between the Intel Core i9-13900K and a less powerful processor such as the Intel Core i5-13600K may not be substantial.

The impressive clock speeds resulted in outstanding performance. At 4K resolution, the Intel Core i9-13900K achieved an average of 38fps in Borderlands 3 and 54fps in Horizon Zero Dawn. The gaming performance is nearly indistinguishable from that of less powerful processors, indicating that there are numerous cost-effective alternatives available for PC gaming that can match or even surpass the performance of the i9-13900K.

Civilization VI, the latest gaming benchmark, evaluates a different metric compared to previous benchmarks. Instead of focusing on frame rate, this test assesses the time (in seconds) it takes for the AI to perform calculations during loading periods. A lower number indicates a more efficient processor, as the AI requires less time to make decisions.

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Among the processors we tested, the Intel Core i9-13900K demonstrated the slowest performance, taking 7.01 seconds to complete its task. On the other hand, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X was the fastest, finishing in 6.84 seconds. Despite this, the slight difference in speed between the two may not be noticeable to most users.

Power consumption and temperature.

• Runs pretty hot when in use
• Will eat up a lot of power

It is crucial to take into account the power consumption of your PC when it is idle and when it is handling heavy workloads, in order to understand its impact on your energy costs.

The Intel Core i9-13900K exhibits a higher idle power draw in comparison to its younger counterpart. Nevertheless, it registers the lowest power consumption when pitted against numerous models from the AMD Ryzen 7000 Series, such as the top-tier Ryzen 9 7950X. Consequently, users can rest assured that minimal power will be consumed during light usage or when the processor is idle.

The power consumption significantly varies when the Intel Core i9-13900K is utilized, reaching a maximum power draw of 354W. This is notably higher compared to the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X and the younger Intel Core i5, indicating that the processor consumes the most power when used for gaming or video editing.

The processor’s temperature can significantly affect your PC, influencing both your overclocking capabilities and the choice of cooling system required.

The Intel Core i9-13900K reached a temperature of 33°C during idle, which falls in the middle range when compared to the AMD and Intel chips mentioned earlier.

Version 1: Similarly to the maximum power consumption, the Intel Core i9-13900K surged when handling demanding tasks. It reached a peak temperature of 100°C, establishing itself as the hottest processor in this comparison.

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause permanent harm to the CPU. Therefore, it is essential to equip the Intel Core i9-13900K with a reliable cooling solution to prevent overheating.