Intel Core i9-13900KF Gaming Desktop Processor 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) - Unlocked

Product Information

Its 16 Efficiency cores have a 1.50 GHz base frequency and support a 4.20 GHz max turbo boost frequency. When it comes to choosing a processor for your next PC build, you’re faced with an array of options. Intel has been a household name in the world of CPUs, and they’ve recently launched two contenders that have piqued my interest: the Intel Core i9-13900K and the Intel Core i9-13900KF. As a tech enthusiast, I couldn’t resist diving into the specs and testing these two chips to see which one comes out on top. Read on to explore my 13900k vs 13900kf comparison… Meet the Contenders – Intel Core i9-13900K vs. 13900KF Processors that support 64-bit computing on Intel® architecture require an Intel 64 architecture-enabled BIOS. Both the 13900K and 13900KF belong to Intel’s 12th generation Alder Lake lineup (see TomsHardware), promising impressive performance gains over their predecessors. They both feature 16 cores and 24 threads, making them absolute powerhouses for multitasking and content creation. However, there’s a key difference between the two, and it involves that little ‘F’ at the end of the 13900KF. Turbo boost frequencies are only achieved under ideal circumstances. However, with adequate cooling, you may be able to maintain speeds near the max boost frequency.

Our recommended feature-rich motherboard to pair with the Core i9-13900KF is the MSI MEG Z790 ACE Gaming. We've experienced that single-core performance is essential for some games, as many don't take full advantage of multiple cores. Similarly, we have experienced that professional tools depend on high single and multi-core turbo frequencies to maximize their processing speed. Gaming performance measures how well the processor calculates gaming operations like in-game physics by running several games' integrated benchmark tools like CyberPunk 2077, Metro: Exodus, and F1 2022. In all cases, we run the benchmarks on the lowest graphics settings available at 1080p and using the most powerful graphics card we have available and with 32GB RAM to isolate the actual CPU operations we are testing without having to worry about inteference with excessive memory or graphics management.Also as a side note, I saw a 200W max power dissipation in CB23 with my 12700k with a Mugen B, 240W with a NH-D15, and 260W on a 13900kf+CB23 with a Cooler Master ML280 in my personal, less controlled use. This is Intel's 10nm process, perfected. More efficiency cores and a boatload of features make the 13900K an incredible, versatile chip. The Z790 chipset is able to support an additional eight PCI-E 4.0 lanes than Z690, and it also can support an extra USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port. The chipset’s integrated Wi-Fi controller is now based on an Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E design as well. If you’re looking for something primarily for gaming, there are a lot of other options that you can consider, as the Core i9-13900K doesn’t really offer a lot of extra performance over, say, the Core i5-12600K, the Ryzen 7 7700X, or even the Ryzen 7 5700X. If you’re on a budget, it’s likely better to opt for one of these more affordable CPUs and put what you save toward a better graphics card. This is also our advice if you own a small form factor, mini-ITX PC.

Based on our evaluation of using Intel's Core i9-13900F CPU for gaming, you can expect excellent game performance with a high-performance CPU cooler. Base TDP is the same between both generations at 125 watts, but the new Core i9-13900K is thirstier, hitting 253 watts versus 241 watts. Based on our evaluation of using Intel's Core i9-13900KF CPU for gaming, you can expect excellent game performance with a high-performance CPU cooler.Based on our evaluation of using Intel's Core i9-13900K CPU for general apps, you can expect excellent app performance with a high-performance CPU cooler.

While it was fairly easy with previous generations of CPUs for coolers to keep the processor well under TJ max (the maximum temperature a CPU can sustain without throttling) in demanding workloads, this is no longer realistically possible on current generation CPUs without extreme cooling (or enabling power limits). Based on our evaluation of using Intel's Core i9-13900F CPU for professional tools, you can expect excellent tool performance with a high-performance CPU cooler. Overall, we concluded that the MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 motherboard strikes a balance between performance and functionality, offering an exceptional gaming experience. With its advanced features and versatile connectivity options, this motherboard is a reliable choice for gamers looking to elevate their gameplay.We found that the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi 6E motherboard offered superior connectivity as well. Its 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port enables speedy file transfers, surpassing typical home internet speeds. Wi-Fi 6E technology provides fast wireless connections, making online gaming and streaming seamless. Plus, Bluetooth 5.3 support allows convenient music streaming to Bluetooth headphones. To maximize performance with professional tools, you'll want to use a CPU with a high turbo boost frequency and many CPU cores. Good heat dissipation is needed to maintain turbo boost frequencies for extended periods. We took these factors into account while assessing the expected CPU performance for professional tools. This article compares Intel's Core i9-13900KF and Core i9-13900F desktop CPUs. We evaluated Intel's Core i9-13900KF and Core i9-13900F desktop CPUs to determine which would be better for various use cases. We shaped our testing methodology to focus on each CPU's attributes rather than relying solely on benchmarks. Synthetic single and multi-core benchmarks test the performance of specific instruction sets and processor operations like floating-point calculations using benchmark tools like GeekBench, Cinebench, and CPU-Z.

Based on our evaluation of using Intel's Core i9-13900KF CPU for general apps, you can expect excellent app performance with a high-performance CPU cooler. The Intel Core i9-13900K's 8 Performance cores have a 3.00 GHz base frequency and support a 5.40 GHz max turbo boost frequency. For as long as I can remember, I've had love of all things tech, spurred on, in part, by a love of gaming. I began working on computers owned by immediate family members and relatives when I was around 10 years old. I've always sought to learn as much as possible about anything PC, leading to a well-rounded grasp on all things tech today. In my role at PCMag, I greatly enjoy the opportunity to share what I know. Creative performance is a measure of how well the processor performs in several popular creative workloads like Handbrake, Blender, and Adobe Photoshop. Where possible, we explicitly disable GPU accelerated operations or test rendering using the CPU by itself. Intel processor numbers are not a measure of performance. Processor numbers differentiate features within each processor family, not across different processor families. See http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/processors/processor-numbers.html for details.After putting both these processors through their paces, I have to say I’m leaning towards the 13900KF for my personal setup. The slight edge in single-threaded performance and the flexibility it offers for future GPU upgrades are compelling factors for me. However, I can’t deny the convenience of the integrated graphics in the 13900K, which could be a lifesaver in a pinch. Based on our evaluation of using Intel's Core i9-13900KF CPU for professional tools, you can expect excellent tool performance with a high-performance CPU cooler. The more cores a CPU has, the more applications you can run simultaneously without noticing a performance impact.