Quick Verdict
A niche processor offering a unique middle ground in cache and clock speeds, excellent for regional buyers, though virtually unobtainable elsewhere.
Overview
Launch
2023
Status
ActiveGeneration
13th Generation
Market
Desktop
The Intel Core i5-13490F is a highly specialized, China-exclusive desktop processor that bridges the gap between the 13400F and the 13500. Featuring 10 cores and 16 threads, it utilizes the familiar 6 P-core and 4 E-core hybrid layout. However, it distinguishes itself with a larger 24MB L3 cache, matching the higher-tier 13500, and a faster 4.8 GHz max turbo frequency. This makes it uniquely positioned for users who want slightly better gaming and single-threaded performance than the 13400F without paying the premium for the 14-core 13500. Like other 'F' models, it lacks integrated graphics, necessitating a dedicated GPU. Released in February 2023, it was designed specifically for the Chinese DIY market to offer a unique price-to-performance ratio. The processor operates at a 65W base TDP with a 148W turbo limit. Its existence highlights Intel's strategy of creating localized SKUs to cater to specific regional market demands and competitive landscapes.
The Intel Core i5-13490F is a curious anomaly in the Raptor Lake lineup, released solely for the Chinese market. It combines the 10-core layout of the 13400F with the 24MB L3 cache and 4.8 GHz boost of the 13500.
Requiring a dedicated GPU, it targets gamers wanting maximum single-threaded performance per dollar in that specific region.
Specifications
Performance
Good general performance, though limited to 16 threads.
Adequate for light VMs.
Slightly faster than 13400F due to extra cache and clocks.
Standard 65W base efficiency with 148W bursts.
- •Extra L3 cache helps frame rates
- •High 4.8 GHz boost
- •Requires discrete GPU
- •Reliant on discrete GPU for AI
- •CPU handles basic tasks fine
Architecture
10nm
Process Node
Raptor Lake-S
Codename
10C / 16T
Core Config
24 MB
L3 Cache
65 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i5-13490F utilizes the Raptor Lake-S architecture on Intel's 10nm process, but its specific configuration is a Frankenstein of higher-tier bins. Physically, it possesses the 10-core layout of the 13400 (6 P-cores, 4 E-cores) but enables the full 24MB of L3 cache typically reserved for the 14-core 13500 and 13600 models. This extra cache significantly benefits gaming, as game engines can store more assets closer to the compute units, reducing latency. Additionally, the P-cores are validated to boost up to 4.8 GHz, a 200 MHz increase over the 13400F. The architecture supports 16 PCIe 5.0 lanes and dual-channel DDR5-4800/DDR4-3200. Like other F-series chips, the integrated graphics are disabled, meaning all visual output must be handled by a dedicated GPU. The chip operates within a 65W base power envelope and a 148W turbo limit, making it thermally identical to the 13400F despite the higher clock speeds and cache.
CPU Design
6 Performance Cores + 4 Efficient Cores (14 Total)
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR4/DDR5
PCIe & I/O
16x PCIe 5.0 + 4x PCIe 4.0
Overclocking
Locked multiplier
- More L3 cache
- Higher boost clocks
- Added E-cores
Key Highlights
- Excellent single-threaded performance
- 24MB L3 cache boosts gaming
- 10 cores handle most tasks well
- Good price-to-performance in its region
- Supports PCIe 5.0 and DDR5
- Only available in China
- No integrated graphics
- Locked multiplier
- Slightly confusing positioning in the stack
History
The Core i5-13490F was released in February 2023 as a highly targeted SKU for the Chinese DIY market. Historically, Intel has occasionally released '90F' suffix processors in specific regions to combat aggressive pricing from local competitors or AMD's regional distributors. The 12490F previously served this role, and the 13490F continued the strategy.
By taking silicon that had fully functional L3 cache but perhaps disabled E-core clusters, Intel could create a chip that offered superior gaming performance (via cache and clock speed) without cannibalizing sales of their higher-margin 13500 or 13600K in global markets. This practice highlights the complexities of global semiconductor sales, where regional pricing dynamics dictate product stacks. The 13490F was warmly received in China, offering an unmatched middle ground for gamers who didn't need 20 threads but wanted the 24MB cache typically reserved for higher-end parts.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- More L3 cache
- Higher boost clocks
- Added E-cores
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
The Core i5-13490F is highly recommended, but exclusively for consumers located in the Chinese market. It represents an incredible value, sitting in a goldilocks zone between the 13400F and 13500. If you are building a gaming PC and live in China, this CPU offers better gaming performance than the 13400F due to its 24MB cache and 4.8 GHz boost, without the added cost of the 8 E-cores found on the 13500. It should be paired with a B760 motherboard and a mid-range GPU. Users outside of China should not seek to import this chip, as shipping costs and lack of warranty support negate any price benefits, making the standard 13400F or 13500 better local alternatives. It is a prime example of localized market optimization, providing exactly what regional gamers need at the right price point.
Avoid if…
- Living outside China (warranty/import issues)
- Needing integrated graphics
- Wanting maximum multi-threaded rendering
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 13490F is a direct successor to the China-exclusive 12490F.
It features the exact same 24MB cache as the much more expensive 13600K.
The part number SRMC0 is specific to this regional SKU.
It does not include a stock cooler, unlike the standard 13400.
Intel creates these specific SKUs to use silicon that might have slight defects in unused E-core clusters.
The processor is highly sought after by grey-market importers in other Asian countries.
It was launched a month after the main Raptor Lake lineup.
The black box packaging distinguishes it from standard Intel blue boxes.
It supports Intel Speed Shift Technology for rapid frequency transitions.
Despite the higher boost, it maintains the same 148W PL2 as the 13400F.
People Also Ask
What is the i5-13490F?
It is a China-exclusive 10-core desktop processor with 24MB cache and 4.8 GHz boost.
Is the i5-13490F better than the 13400F?
Yes, it has more L3 cache and a higher max turbo frequency, making it slightly faster.
Can I buy the i5-13490F outside of China?
Only through grey-market imports, which is not recommended due to warranty issues.
Does the i5-13490F have integrated graphics?
No, the 'F' means it requires a dedicated GPU.
What is the cache size of the i5-13490F?
It has a 24 MB L3 cache, matching the 13500.
Can you overclock the i5-13490F?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What RAM does it support?
It supports DDR4-3200 and DDR5-4800.
Does it come with a cooler?
No, it does not include a bundled cooler.
Is it good for gaming?
Yes, the high boost clock and large cache make it excellent for gaming.
What is the TDP?
Base TDP is 65W, max turbo power is 148W.
Frequently Asked Questions
What socket does it use?
LGA1700.
How many cores does it have?
10 cores (6 P-cores, 4 E-cores).
What is the max boost clock?
4.8 GHz.
Does it support hyper-threading?
Yes, on P-cores, giving 16 threads.
Can it run Windows 11?
Yes.
Does it support ECC memory?
No.
What is the base clock?
2.5 GHz.
Is it good for streaming?
Yes, for light streaming while gaming.
Does it support PCIe 5.0?
Yes, 16 lanes.
What is the TJMax?
100°C.