CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-13700 vs Intel Core i7-13790F
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-13700 is a mainstream desktop processor that offers an excellent balance of price and performance for power users and content creators. Released on January 4th, 2023, as part of the 13th Gen Raptor Lake family, it features 16 cores and 24 threads, utilizing 8 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores. Operating at a base frequency of 2.1 GHz and boosting up to 5.2 GHz, it delivers robust single-threaded speed for gaming and high multi-threaded capability for rendering tasks. With a standard 65W base power, it fits into most standard cooling solutions, though its PL2 of 219W requires adequate thermal headroom under load. It includes Intel UHD Graphics 770, allowing for system operation without a discrete GPU. Supporting both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, along with 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, the i7-13700 provides a highly adaptable platform for builders seeking top-tier performance without paying the premium for unlocked K-series variants.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles heavy multi-threaded workloads with ease.
Strong multi-core performance for rendering and compiling.
Gaming
Excellent gaming performance, virtually indistinguishable from the 13700K in GPU-bound scenarios.
Performs nearly identically to the i7-13700K when paired with a high-end GPU.
Virtualization
24 threads handle multiple VMs easily.
Efficiency
65W base is efficient, but turbo loads push power high.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Capable of local LLM inference and image generation.
- CPU-based AI inference is fast due to AVX2 support.
- No dedicated NPU or integrated AI accelerators.
Content Creation
Gaming
- High boost clocks ensure top-tier gaming.
- Performs identically to K-series when GPU bound.
- High boost clocks ensure strong FPS in CPU-bound titles.
- Lack of QuickSync means no hardware video encoding without a GPU.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- 16 cores and 24 threads
- High 5.2 GHz boost clock
- Includes bundled cooler
- Supports DDR5 and PCIe 5.0
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- PL2 of 219W requires robust cooling
- Bundled cooler is insufficient for sustained loads
- Only 16 PCIe 5.0 lanes
Pros
- Excellent multi-threaded performance
- Unique 33MB L3 cache
- Supports both DDR4 and DDR5
- PCIe 5.0 support
- Cost-effective compared to K-series
Cons
- Locked multiplier limits overclocking
- No integrated graphics
- High power draw under heavy load
- Region-locked to China
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-13700
- AMD Ryzen 7 7700XRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-13600KRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-12700KRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-12900KRival
Desktop
Better if you want to overclock or need higher base clocks.
Compare head-to-headCheaper previous gen, though significantly fewer E-cores.
Compare head-to-headSlightly cheaper if you don't need integrated graphics.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-13790F
- AMD Ryzen 7 7700XRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-13600KRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-13700KFRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600XRival
Desktop
Global equivalent with slightly less L3 cache.
Compare head-to-headBetter value for purely gaming workloads.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 7700Alt
More power-efficient alternative with integrated graphics.
Older flagship available globally at similar prices.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 5900XAlt
Excellent multi-core value on the AM4 platform.
Our Verdict on Each
One of the best value-to-performance processors on the market, offering near-flagship performance at a significantly lower price point than the 13700K.
Best for: High-end gaming and content creation without overclocking
Read the full reviewA highly capable i7 variant that trades integrated graphics for a slightly larger cache, delivering excellent value for Chinese gamers and creators using dedicated GPUs.
Best for: Building a dedicated gaming or creator PC in the Chinese market.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-13700 or Intel Core i7-13790F?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-13700 comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-13700 or Intel Core i7-13790F?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-13700 leads with a gaming performance score of 95/100 among Intel Core i7-13700 and Intel Core i7-13790F.
Do Intel Core i7-13700 and Intel Core i7-13790F use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1700 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-13790F posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-13700 (35,000), Intel Core i7-13790F (42,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.