Quick Verdict
The best value processor in the i7 lineup for gamers, offering 13700-level performance at a discounted price by simply omitting the iGPU.
Overview
Launch
2023
Status
ActiveGeneration
13th Gen
Market
Desktop
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.
Intel's Core i7-13700F is the perfect choice for gamers and creators who already own a dedicated graphics card. By removing the integrated GPU, Intel offers the exact same 16-core, 24-thread performance as the standard 13700 at a lower price. It boosts to 5.
2 GHz and handles any modern workload, making it a top-tier value pick.
Specifications
Performance
Excellent multi-threaded performance for rendering and compiling.
Identical gaming performance to the 13700 when paired with a dedicated GPU.
- •Requires a dedicated graphics card.
- •Top-tier frame rates in modern titles.
- •Good for local AI workloads, though no iGPU means no Quick Sync acceleration.
Architecture
10nm (Intel 7)
Process Node
Raptor Lake-S
Codename
16C / 24T
Core Config
30 MB
L3 Cache
65 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The i7-13700F utilizes the same Raptor Lake silicon as the standard 13700, built on the Intel 7 process node (10nm). It features 8 Raptor Cove P-cores and 8 Gracemont E-cores. The P-cores boast 2 MB of L2 cache each, up from Alder Lake, which significantly improves single-threaded performance and gaming frame rates. The E-cores provide additional multi-threaded throughput for background applications and rendering tasks. The processor features a large 30 MB L3 cache, ensuring high hit rates for gaming data. Because it is an 'F' SKU, the Intel UHD Graphics 770 unit physically present on the die is disabled, meaning a discrete GPU is strictly required for system operation. The chip supports 16 lanes of PCIe Gen 5.0 directly from the CPU for high-bandwidth GPUs and storage. Although the core multiplier is locked, the architecture still allows for memory overclocking and efficient power management via Intel's advanced Turbo Boost algorithms.
CPU Design
8 Raptor Cove P-Cores + 8 Gracemont E-Cores
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 controller
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 5.0 lanes + 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes
Overclocking
Locked multiplier; memory overclocking available.
- Doubled E-Cores
- Higher boost clocks
- Increased L2 cache
Key Highlights
- Cheaper than the standard 13700
- Identical CPU performance
- 16 cores and 24 threads
- 5.2 GHz boost clock
- Supports DDR5 and PCIe 5.0
- No integrated graphics (requires discrete GPU)
- Locked multiplier
- PL2 of 219W requires good cooling
- No Quick Sync support
History
The Core i7-13700F debuted on January 4th, 2023, as part of Intel's expanded Raptor Lake desktop lineup. The 'F' suffix has been a staple of Intel's product stack since the 9th Generation, designed to compete aggressively on price by removing integrated graphics. This strategy allows Intel to salvage silicon with defective graphics units or simply offer a cheaper SKU for the massive discrete GPU market.
The 13700F replaced the 12700F, bringing 8 E-cores instead of 4 and higher clock speeds. This release was pivotal in the mid-range segment, offering a cheaper alternative to the i7-13700 while delivering the exact same CPU performance. It targeted the demographic of users building gaming rigs or workstations with dedicated graphics cards, ensuring they weren't paying a premium for an iGPU they would never use.
This approach solidified Intel's market dominance in the DIY space by maximizing silicon yield and offering highly competitive price-to-performance ratios.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Doubled E-Cores
- Higher boost clocks
- Increased L2 cache
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Gaming and content creation with a dedicated GPU
Avoid if…
- You need integrated graphics for troubleshooting
- You require Quick Sync video encoding
- You want to manually overclock the CPU
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'F' suffix means the integrated graphics are disabled.
It shares the exact same silicon as the 13700K.
Launch price was $359, $25 cheaper than the 13700.
The part number is SRMBB.
Includes the Laminar RM1 stock cooler.
Cannot output video without a dedicated GPU.
Features 8 E-cores, up from 4 in the 12700F.
Maximum turbo is 5.2 GHz.
Supports ECC memory on W680 motherboards.
Released in January 2023.
People Also Ask
Does the i7-13700F have integrated graphics?
No, the 'F' suffix indicates the integrated graphics are disabled.
Does the i7-13700F come with a cooler?
Yes, it includes the Intel Laminar RM1 cooler.
What is the difference between i7-13700F and i7-13700?
The 13700F lacks integrated graphics and is slightly cheaper, otherwise performance is identical.
Can you overclock the Core i7-13700F?
No, the CPU multiplier is locked, but RAM overclocking is supported.
What is the max turbo of the i7-13700F?
The maximum turbo frequency is 5.2 GHz.
Is the i7-13700F good for gaming?
Yes, it is excellent for gaming when paired with a dedicated GPU.
What socket does the i7-13700F use?
It uses the Intel LGA 1700 socket.
How many cores does the i7-13700F have?
It has 16 cores (8 P-Cores and 8 E-Cores).
Does the i7-13700F support DDR5?
Yes, it supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory.
What is the TDP of the i7-13700F?
The base TDP is 65W, with a max turbo power of 219W.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my PC turn on without a GPU if I have an i7-13700F?
No, you must have a dedicated graphics card installed to get a display output.
Is the stock cooler enough for the i7-13700F?
The included RM1 cooler is okay for light use, but an aftermarket cooler is recommended for gaming.
What chipsets support the i7-13700F?
It supports all Intel 600 and 700 series chipsets.
What is the PL2 tau limit for the i7-13700F?
The PL2 tau limit is 28 seconds.
Does the i7-13700F support Quick Sync?
No, because the integrated graphics are disabled, Quick Sync is unavailable.
What is the launch price of the i7-13700F?
The launch price was $359 USD.
Does the i7-13700F support PCIe 5.0?
Yes, it supports 16 lanes of PCIe 5.0.
What is the base clock of the i7-13700F?
The base clock is 2.1 GHz.
Can I use DDR4 memory with the i7-13700F?
Yes, it supports both DDR4 and DDR5 depending on the motherboard.
What is the part number for the i7-13700F?
The part number is SRMBB.