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CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-13700F vs Intel Core Ultra 7 265F

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-13700F is a high-performance desktop processor tailored for users who plan to use a dedicated graphics card and want to save on the cost of integrated graphics. Launched on January 4th, 2023, this 13th Gen Raptor Lake CPU features a hybrid architecture with 8 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores, totaling 16 cores and 24 threads. With a base clock of 2.1 GHz and a max turbo frequency of 5.2 GHz, it delivers identical compute performance to the standard i7-13700. The 'F' suffix simply denotes the deactivation of the integrated GPU. Operating at a 65W base power with a 219W turbo power limit, it requires robust cooling for sustained workloads. Priced lower at $359, it appeals directly to gamers and budget-conscious builders. Supporting both DDR4 and DDR5 memory alongside PCIe Gen 5, the i7-13700F offers a cost-effective entry into high-end 13th Gen performance without paying for unnecessary graphical capabilities.

Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-13700F
16C / 24T5.2 GHz65 W
9.1
Full review
Intel · Core Ultra 7
Intel Core Ultra 7 265F
20C / 20T5.3 GHz65 W
8.9
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Desktop
Desktop
Segment
Desktop
Desktop
Generation
13th Gen
Ultra 7 (Arrow Lake)
Launched
2023
2025
Status
Active
Active
Codename
Raptor Lake-S
Arrow Lake-S
Series
Core i7
Core Ultra 7
Family
Raptor Lake
Arrow Lake
Predecessor
Core i7-12700F
Intel Core i7-14700F
Successor
Core i7-14700F
None

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
16
20
Threads
24
20
Base Clock
2.1 GHz
2.4 GHz
Boost Clock
5.2 GHz
5.3 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
30 MB
30 MB
TDP
65 W
65 W
Architecture
Architecture
Raptor Lake-S
Arrow Lake-S
Process Node
10nm (Intel 7)
3 nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR4, DDR5
DDR5
Memory Speed
DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200
DDR5-6400
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
192 GB
192 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
LGA 1700
Intel Socket 1851
PCIe Version
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0
PCIe Lanes
16
20
Integrated GPU
None
None
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-13700FBest90

Excellent multi-threaded performance for rendering and compiling.

Intel Core Ultra 7 265F88

20 cores handle productivity workloads with ease.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-13700FBest95

Identical gaming performance to the 13700 when paired with a dedicated GPU.

Intel Core Ultra 7 265F91

Identical gaming performance to the 265 when paired with a good GPU.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-13700F
Intel Core Ultra 7 265F85

Solid core count for VMs, but no iGPU for basic display.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-13700F
Intel Core Ultra 7 265F85

Same 65W base TDP and 182W turbo as the 265.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-13700FGood
  • Good for local AI workloads, though no iGPU means no Quick Sync acceleration.
Intel Core Ultra 7 265FGood
  • NPU provides 13 TOPS, but heavy AI relies on discrete GPU.

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-13700FExcellent
Premiere ProBlenderUnreal Engine
Intel Core Ultra 7 265FVery Good
Premiere ProBlenderUnreal EnginePhotoshop

Gaming

Intel Core i7-13700FExcellent
  • Requires a dedicated graphics card.
  • Top-tier frame rates in modern titles.
Intel Core Ultra 7 265FExcellent
  • Requires discrete GPU
  • High frame rate capable
  • Great value for money

Industry Impact

Gaming
High
High
Workstations
Moderate
Low
Content Creation
High
Moderate
Virtualization
Moderate
Low

Best CPU by Use Case

High-End Gaming
Excellent
Video Editing
Excellent
Very Good
Game Streaming
Very Good
3D Rendering
Very Good
Budget Gaming Build
Excellent
Streaming
Very Good
Coding
Excellent
Home Server
Very Good

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Streamers
Targeted
Targeted
Office / Productivity
Students
Targeted

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-13700F

Pros

  • Cheaper than the standard 13700
  • Identical CPU performance
  • 16 cores and 24 threads
  • 5.2 GHz boost clock
  • Supports DDR5 and PCIe 5.0

Cons

  • No integrated graphics (requires discrete GPU)
  • Locked multiplier
  • PL2 of 219W requires good cooling
  • No Quick Sync support
Intel Core Ultra 7 265F

Pros

  • Excellent value for 20-core performance
  • High 5.3 GHz boost clock
  • 20 PCIe 5.0 lanes
  • Same CPU performance as the 265
  • Good power efficiency

Cons

  • No integrated graphics
  • No Hyper-Threading
  • Locked multiplier
  • Requires new LGA 1851 motherboard

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i7-13700F

Intel Core Ultra 7 265F

Our Verdict on Each

The best value processor in the i7 lineup for gamers, offering 13700-level performance at a discounted price by simply omitting the iGPU.

Best for: Gaming and content creation with a dedicated GPU

Read the full review

The best value in the Arrow Lake 7 lineup if you already own a dedicated graphics card, delivering identical CPU performance for less money.

Best for: Gaming or productivity build with a dedicated GPU

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i7-13700F or Intel Core Ultra 7 265F?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-13700F comes out ahead with a score of 9.1/10. 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 i7-13700F or Intel Core Ultra 7 265F?

For gaming, the Intel Core i7-13700F leads with a gaming performance score of 95/100 among Intel Core i7-13700F and Intel Core Ultra 7 265F.

Do Intel Core i7-13700F and Intel Core Ultra 7 265F use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-13700F: LGA 1700, Intel Core Ultra 7 265F: Intel Socket 1851), so each needs a compatible motherboard.

Which has more cores?

The Intel Core Ultra 7 265F has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-13700F (16 cores), Intel Core Ultra 7 265F (20 cores).

Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?

The Intel Core i7-13700F posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-13700F (35,000), Intel Core Ultra 7 265F (28,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.