Power, Performance, and Value The Intel Core i7-13700K Delivers It All. Updated: Dec 3, 2024 4:18 pm WePC is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more Table of Contents Table of Contents The Core i7-13700K is one of Intel’s middle-ground processors and sits in an awkward market (though it was once considered the best CPU for value). Many agree that the 14th generation wasn’t worth the extra money over the 13th generation because not too much changed (except for the added E-cores in the 14700K), furthering the viability of the 13th generation after the refresh – especially if you want to save some money. We think the 13700K is often overlooked because it sits beside two popular chips (the 13600K and the 13900K), the former for efficiency and cost-effectiveness and the latter for raw performance. The 13th generation also came about when Intel started dominating single and multi-threaded tasks, making the 13700K a stranger option because if you wanted raw performance, you just opted for the 13900K. So, how does the 13700K compare to today’s CPUs, especially the new Core Ultra 200 series? Specifications Cores: 16 Threads: 24 Base speed: P-cores 3.4 GHz / E-cores 2.5 GHz Boost speed: P-cores 5.4 GHz / E-cores 4.2 GHz Cache: 24MB TDP: 125 W / 253 W boost. What We Think The Intel Core i7-13700K offers exceptional performance at an attractive price point. It delivers smooth gaming experiences, efficient multitasking, and strong overall processing power, making it a solid choice for both gamers and creators alike. Its balance of price and performance makes it a standout in its category, especially for users who want reliability without overspending. However, it has been superseded by the Core Ultra 265K if you care about the very latest efficiency plays. Reasons to Buy Strong single-core and multi-core performance Excellent value for money Great for gaming and productivity tasks Reasons to Avoid Very high power consumption compared to later models Lacks some of the cutting-edge features of newer chips Performance could be overkill for casual users Specifications and comparison Here, we compare the specifications of the 13700K to those of the 14900K to see what has changed generationally. We can also briefly examine the 265K, the (XX700K replacement). Component Core i7-13700KCore i7-14700KCore Ultra 265KCores162020Core Config8P+8E8P+12E8P+12EThreads 242820Base frequencyP-core 3.4 GHz / E-core 2.5 GHzP-core 3.4 GHz / E-core 2.5 GHzP-core 3.9 GHz / E-core 3.3 GHzBoost frequency P-core 5.4 GHz / E-core 4.2 GHzP-core 5.6 GHz / E-core 4.3 GHzP-core 5.5 GHz / E-core 4.6 GHzBoost 3.05.4 GHz5.6 GHzN/AMemory speed5600 MT/s5600 MT/s6400 MT/sPCI Express lanes20 (Gen 5)16 (Gen 5)20 (Gen 5)L2 cache 80 KB (per core)80 KB (per core)112 KB (per core)L3 cache30 MB (shared)33 MB (shared)30 MB (shared)TDP / PL1 / PL2125W / 253W / 253W125W / 253W / 253W125W / 250W / 250WProcess size10 nm10 nm3 nmSocketLGA 1700 (compatible with H610, B660, H670, Q670, Z690, W680, B760, H770, Z790)LGA 1700 (compatible with H610, B660, H670, Q670, Z690, W680, B760, H770, Z790)LGA 1851 (compatible with Z890)13700K vs 14700K vs 265K specs Performance Before getting into the nitty-gritty, we need to outline the components in our test bench. We do this to promote transparency and to show you that your results will differ from ours if you use different hardware. Knowing how the CPU performs in ours is also a great way to gauge how well it may perform in your system. Previous Next Component WePC test rigCPUCore i7-13700KCoolerCorsair H150i Elite LCDMotherboardASUS Z790 Dark Hero MemoryCorsair Dominator Platinum DDR5 @6800 MHzGPUMSI RTX 4070 Ti PSUASUS Thor Platinum II 1000WCaseCooler Master Masterframe WePC test bench components As we can see, we spare no expense when testing CPUs to ensure we extract the most performance possible. We also like to compare components, even when testing across different brands and generations. This produces comparable results and helps us give you information that actually helps. Gaming Performance MetricCS2Days GoneCP 2077Doom EternalHorizon FWScore (FPS)AVG: 31899%: 173.33AVG: 245.0799%: 154.54AVG: 221.9899%: 164.81AVG: 447.3099%: 329.95AVG: 184.3299%: 134.07AVG temp (package) °C5454635863Max temp (package) °C6967706570Average PPT (W)99.22W98.88W134.74W119.84W118.95WWePC Core i7 13700K gaming benchmarks The Intel Core i7-13700K is a capable gaming processor that delivers impressive results across various titles. Counter-Strike 2’s average frame rate of 318 FPS ensures exceptional fluidity, while the 99th percentile score of 173.33 FPS highlights consistent performance even in demanding moments. This level of responsiveness is precious for competitive gamers. For open-world titles like Days Gone, the CPU hits an average of 245.07 FPS. This result reflects smooth gameplay with minimal stutter, even in areas with many environmental details. Similarly, Cyberpunk 2077, known for its heavy reliance on CPU and GPU, sees the 13700K delivering an average of 221.98 FPS with a stable 99th percentile of 164.81 FPS. This is excellent for such a demanding game, making it ideal for high-refresh-rate gaming even in graphically intensive scenarios. Thermals remain well-controlled throughout testing, with average package temperatures hovering between 54°C and 63°C, depending on the game. Even under heavier loads, the maximum temperatures peak at a reasonably manageable 70°C (although you will need a 360mm AIO cooler for these results). Power draw varies by workload, staying efficient at around 99W for lighter games like CS2 but reaching 134W in titles like Cyberpunk 2077. These figures are consistent with expectations for a high-performance chip like the 13700K. Comparison CPUCS2Days GoneDoom EternalHorizon FWCore i7-13700KAVG: 31899%: 173.33AVG: 245.0799%: 15.54AVG: 447.3099%: 329.95AVG: 184.3299%: 134.07Core Ultra 7 265KAVG: 309.799%: 130.9AVG: 212.899%: 137.9AVG: 495.799%: 347.8AVG: 192.299%: 139.3WePC 13700K vs 265K gaming performance The Core i7-13700K faces tough competition from its successor despite the drawbacks of the Core Ultra 7 265K, part of Intel’s latest Arrow Lake lineup, which it does well. In Counter-Strike 2, the 13700K holds its ground with a higher average FPS (318 vs. 309.7) and a significantly better 99th percentile score (173.33 vs. 130.9). For competitive gamers, the 13700K still delivers smoother performance in this fast-paced shooter. In Days Gone, the 13700K again takes the lead with an average FPS of 245.07, comfortably outpacing the 265K’s 212.8. Its better 99th percentile score of 154.54 compared to 137.9 shows its ability to maintain steadier performance during intense gameplay, making it better suited for open-world adventures. However, Doom Eternal tells a different story, with the 265K pushing ahead thanks to an average FPS of 495.7 compared to the 13700K’s 447.3. Its stronger 99th percentile score (347.8 vs. 329.95) suggests that the Arrow Lake architecture brings noticeable improvements in games optimized for multi-core processing. Despite the Core Ultra 7 265K gains, the 13700K remains a strong performer, particularly in older or less-optimized titles where its efficiency and stability shine. While Arrow Lake represents the future, the 13700K still offers excellent value and reliability for gamers today. Synthetic benchmarks MetricCPU ZCinebench R23GeekbenchBlender renderScore (points)Single 865Multi 12,486Single 2079Multi 30,120Single 2,943Multi 19,559Monster: 179.91 SPMJunkshop: 129.43 SPMClassroom: 89.04 SPMAVG temp (package) °C65Single: 54Multi: 814581Max temp (package) °C83Single: 62Multi: 937395Average PPT (W)108.29WSingle: 52.3W Multi: 192.18W46.84W186.67WWePC 13700K synthetic benchmarks The Intel Core i7-13700K delivers respectable results in synthetic benchmarks, showcasing its versatility across both single-core and multi-core workloads. In CPU-Z, it achieves 865 points in single-core and 12,486 in multi-core, highlighting its balance of raw speed and parallel processing capability. Cinebench R23 further reinforces this, with 2,079 single-core points and an impressive 30,120 in multi-core, demonstrating its ability to handle demanding creative workloads like rendering or heavy multitasking. Geekbench follows a similar trend, with 2,943 in single-core and 19,559 in multi-core. This positions the 13700K as a solid performer for mixed workloads, from gaming to productivity. In Blender, its scene render times break down to 179.91 SPM (Monster), 129.43 SPM (Junkshop), and 89.04 SPM (Classroom), solidifying its strength in 3D rendering tasks. Thermals and power usage are consistent with expectations for a high-performance chip. Average package temperatures range from 54°C in lighter single-core scenarios to 81°C under multi-core stress. Power draw peaks at 192W during multi-threaded Cinebench tasks, showcasing its ability to push performance boundaries while maintaining reasonable efficiency. Again, you’ll need a 360mm AIO for these temps. These results reflect a processor that excels across diverse synthetic benchmarks, making the 13700K an excellent choice for gamers and creators who demand consistent performance but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on a chip. CPUScoreAVG temp (package) °CMax temp (package) °CAverage PPT (W)Core i7-13700KSingle 2079Multi 30,120Single: 54Multi: 81Single: 62Multi: 93Single: 52.3WMulti: 192.18WCore Ultra 7 265KSingle 2,037Multi 33,429Single: 48Multi: 63Single: 54Multi: 69Single: 55.52WMulti: 162.63WRyzen 7 7700X (PCGuide)Single 1,995Multi 19,650N/AN/AN/ACinebench R23 scores 13700K vs 265K The Core i7-13700K continues to show strong performance, particularly in single-threaded tasks, where its score of 2,079 edges out both the Core Ultra 7 265K (2,037) and Ryzen 7 7700X (1,995). This makes it an excellent choice for tasks that rely on clock speed and responsiveness. However, the Core Ultra 7 265K leads with 33,429 points in multi-threaded workloads, outperforming the 13700K’s 30,120. The Ryzen 7 7700X falls significantly behind in multi-core performance at 19,650, reflecting its lower core count. Thermals and power efficiency highlight some key differences. The 13700K runs hotter and draws more power during multi-core workloads (81°C and 192W) compared to the 265K’s cooler 63°C and 162W. The 7700X lacks thermal and power data, but its multi-core performance suggests it’s less aggressive than either Intel chip. Overall, the 13700K balances high single-core performance and competitive multi-core results. However, the Core Ultra 7 265K offers better efficiency and multi-threaded performance, reflecting the advancements in Arrow Lake architecture. The Ryzen 7 7700X holds its own in single-threaded tasks but trails in multi-threaded workloads, making it less versatile for heavy computational demands. Price When comparing prices, the Intel Core i7-13700K offers the best value at $273.47, delivering solid gaming and multi-core performance without breaking the bank. It’s ideal if you’re looking for solid performance without spending too much. The Core Ultra 7 265K, priced at $388.95, is a more expensive option that offers better multi-core performance and cutting-edge technology, making it a good choice if you need the latest architecture for productivity tasks. However, we wouldn’t recommend this chip for gaming alone. The Ryzen 7 9700X sits at $320.00 and offers a good gaming and productivity performance balance, making it a solid middle-ground choice. The Ryzen 7 7700X at $264.95 is the closest competitor to the 13700K price, excelling in gaming but trailing in multi-core performance. Finally, the Core i7-14700K at $347.00 is a strong performer that sits between the 13700K and Core Ultra 265K, offering solid performance for more demanding tasks without reaching the price of the 265K. It’s up to you to decide which processor best suits your needs. Final Word
Intel Core i9-13700K review: Still a good value gaming CPU
