CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-13700K vs Intel Core i7-7820X
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-threaded throughput in CINEBENCH, HandBrake, and similar workloads at launch; still competent for many content creation tasks compared to modern mainstream parts.
Gaming
Top-tier gaming performance, frequently matching or beating the i9-13900K.
Delivers high frame rates in 2017-era titles and remains adequate for modern gaming, but newer gaming-focused CPUs with higher clocks and improved IPC pull ahead.
Virtualization
PCIe and memory bandwidth are helpful for multiple VMs, but core count is moderate for modern heavy virtualization needs.
Efficiency
High 140 W TDP and 14 nm process lead to greater power consumption versus newer 7 nm and smaller nodes.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Excellent for local AI development and CPU inference.
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- AVX-512 can help certain CPU-bound inference tasks
- Most modern AI workloads are better served by GPUs
Content Creation
Gaming
- Capable of maximizing high-refresh-rate monitors.
- Extremely high single-core speeds.
- Capable of high-refresh gaming with a strong GPU
- Single-core boost reaches up to 4.5 GHz on favored cores
- Modern CPUs offer better gaming efficiency and higher IPC
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
- 8 cores and 16 threads for multi-threaded workloads
- Quad-channel DDR4 memory increases bandwidth
- 28 PCIe 3.0 lanes plus chipset lanes for expansion
- Turbo Boost Max 3.0 for higher single-core boosts
- AVX-512 support for optimized workloads
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
Cons
- High 140 W TDP and power consumption
- No integrated graphics
- Only 28 CPU PCIe lanes, limiting multi-GPU configurations
- Discontinued platform with limited future upgrades
- Older 14 nm process versus modern smaller nodes
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 i7-7820X
- AMD Ryzen 7 1800XRival
Creator/Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700XRival
Creator/Gaming
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920XRival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950XRival
Workstation
- RivalCompare head-to-head
More cores, higher efficiency, and DDR5 on a modern mainstream platform.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 7900Alt
Strong multi-threaded performance with excellent efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900XAlt
12-core AM4 option with strong gaming and creator performance.
High-performance mainstream platform with good upgrade path.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X (used)Alt
Higher core and lane count for workstation-class workloads.
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 competent eight-core HEDT chip with strong multi-threaded performance and platform expansion, though high power draw and limited PCIe lanes compared to higher-tier X299 CPUs make it a niche choice today.
Best for: Used-market upgrade for an existing X299 build with quad-channel DDR4 and a need for more cores than mainstream.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-13700K or Intel Core i7-7820X?
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 i7-7820X?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-13700K leads with a gaming performance score of 98/100 among Intel Core i7-13700K and Intel Core i7-7820X.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-13700K has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-13700K (125 W), Intel Core i7-7820X (140 W).
Do Intel Core i7-13700K and Intel Core i7-7820X use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-13700K: LGA 1700, Intel Core i7-7820X: LGA2066), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-13700K has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-13700K (16 cores), Intel Core i7-7820X (8 cores).
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). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.