CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-13700K vs Intel Core i7-13790F
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-13700K is a flagship-tier unlocked desktop processor that dominates the price-to-performance charts for high-end gaming and content creation. Released on September 27th, 2022, this 13th Gen Raptor Lake chip features 16 cores and 24 threads, combining 8 high-performance P-cores and 8 efficient E-cores. Boasting a base frequency of 3.4 GHz and an impressive max turbo of 5.4 GHz, it delivers blistering single-threaded speed. With a base power of 125W and a maximum turbo power of 253W, it demands robust power delivery and top-tier cooling. The unlocked multiplier allows enthusiasts to push frequencies even higher. It features Intel UHD Graphics 770, providing fallback display capabilities and Quick Sync media encoding. Supporting both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, along with 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, the i7-13700K is a highly versatile and powerful platform, widely considered the sweet spot for enthusiasts wanting i9-level gaming performance without the extreme cost.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Exceptional multi-threaded performance for heavy workloads.
Strong multi-core performance for rendering and compiling.
Gaming
Top-tier gaming performance, frequently matching or beating the i9-13900K.
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
- Excellent for local AI development and CPU inference.
- CPU-based AI inference is fast due to AVX2 support.
- No dedicated NPU or integrated AI accelerators.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Capable of maximizing high-refresh-rate monitors.
- Extremely high single-core speeds.
- 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
- Exceptional single and multi-threaded performance
- Unlocked for overclocking
- 5.4 GHz max turbo
- 20 PCIe 5.0 lanes
- Excellent for gaming and productivity
Cons
- High power consumption (up to 253W)
- Requires expensive cooling
- Runs very hot under load
- Does not include a stock cooler
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 i7-13700K
- Compare head-to-headAMD Ryzen 9 7900XRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3DRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-12900KRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-13600KRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-13900KRival
Desktop
Better value if you don't plan to overclock.
Compare head-to-headNewer generation with more E-cores.
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
The definitive enthusiast processor of its generation, offering an unbeatable blend of gaming and productivity performance, though it runs hot and power-hungry.
Best for: High-end gaming and content creation with 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 i7-13700K or Intel Core i7-13790F?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-13700K comes out ahead with a score of 9.5/10. 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 i7-13700K or Intel Core i7-13790F?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-13700K leads with a gaming performance score of 98/100 among Intel Core i7-13700K and Intel Core i7-13790F.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-13790F has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-13700K (125 W), Intel Core i7-13790F (65 W).
Do Intel Core i7-13700K 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 i7-13700K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-13700K (45,000), Intel Core i7-13790F (42,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.