We compare Intel’s 12th and 13th-generation processors in this comparison study. The 13th generation processor i9-13900K was released in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Main differences
The main differences between Intel i9-13900K and i9-12900K series core processors are shared below:
- Intel i9-13900K has a higher number of efficient cores than i9-12900K.
- Intel i9-13900K has a higher turbo frequency than the i9-12900K.
- There are more threads in Intel i9-13900K.
- Intel i9-13900K has a higher size cache than the i9-12900K.
- Intel i9-13900K can support DDR5 RAM up to 5600 Megatransfers per second
- The RAM throughput of Intel i9-13900K is marginally higher than i9-12900K
We cover these differences in detail below.
Processor cores and architecture- Intel i9-13900K vs i9-12900K
Intel i9-13900K has a higher number of efficient cores than i9-12900K. The number of performance cores remains the same across both processors.
The table below lists the performance cores and efficient cores on both processors. The operating frequency of both processors is also shared.
| Specifications | Intel i9-13900K | Intel i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Raptor lake | Alder lake |
| Number of performance cores | 8 | 8 |
| Number of efficient cores | 16 | 8 |
| Total threads | 32 | 24 |
| Base frequency of performance cores | 3.00 GHz | 3.20 GHz |
| Base frequency of efficient cores | 2.20 GHz | 2.40 GHz |
| Max Turbo frequency of performance cores | 5.40 GHz | 5.10 GHz |
| Max Turbo frequency of efficient cores | 4.30 GHz | 3.90 GHz |
| Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 Frequency | 5.70 GHz | 5.20 GHz |
| Max Turbo Frequency | 5.80 GHz | 5.20 GHz |
| Base Power | 125 Watts | 125 Watts |
| Max Turbo Power | 253 W | 241 W |
| Socket compatibility | FCLGA1700 | FCLGA1700 |
| T Junction | 100°C | 100°C |
| PCI Express Support | PCI 5 and 4 | PCI 5 and 4 |
| Max PCI lanes | 20 | 20 |
| PCI Express configuration | Up to 1×16+4, 2×8+4 | Up to 1×16+4, 2×8+4 |
Intel i9-13900K has 16 efficient cores and 32 threads while Intel i9-12900K has 8 efficient cores and 24 threads. And, the max turbo frequency of i9-13900K is higher at 5.80 GHz. i9-12900K can go up to 5.10 GHz.
Cache – Intel i9-13900K vs i9-12900K
The cache of i9-13900K is marginally higher than i9-12900K. A higher cache affords better processing speed for multiple tasks, The cache details are shared below.
| Cache type | Intel i9-13900K | Intel i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Base cache | 36 MB | 30 MB |
| L2 Cache | 32 MB | 16 MB |
32 MB L2 cache of Intel i9-13900K is a significant improvement over the 16 MB L2 cache of i9-12900K.
In other words, i9-13900K has 2 MB L2 cache per performance core while the i9-12900K has 1.25 MB L2 cache per performance core.
RAM – Intel i9-13900K vs i9-12900K
In terms of RAM compatibility, both processors can support DDR4 and DDR5 RAM. The exact details of the memory throughout and memory speed are mentioned hereunder.
| RAM specifications | Intel i9-13900K | Intel i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| DDR4 Memory type | Upto 3200 MT/s | 3200 MT/s |
| DDR5 Memory type | Upto 5600 MT/s | Upto 4800 MT/s |
| Number of memory channels supported | 2 | 2 |
| Max memory size supported | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Max memory speed | 89.6 GB/s | 76.8 GB/s |
Intel i9-13900K supports higher speed for DDR5 RAM. The maximum memory throughput has also improved by almost 20 percent over the i9-12900K processors.
Display – Intel i9-13900K vs i9-12900K
The display specifications of the i9-13900K and i9-12900K are identical to a large extent. The only difference lies in the marginally higher speed of the graphics engine.
The display specifications of both processors are shared below.
| Display specifications | Intel i9-13900K | Intel i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics processor | UHD 770 | UHD 770 |
| Base frequency | 300 MHz | 300 MHz |
| Turbo frequency | 1.65 GHz | Turbo Frequency |
| Number of displays supported | 4 | 4 |
| Max HDMI Resolution | 4096 x 2160 @ 60Hz | 4096 x 2160 @ 60Hz |
| Max DP Resolution | 7680 x 4320 @ 60Hz | 7680 x 4320 @ 60Hz |
| Max eDP Resolution | 5120 x 3200 @ 120Hz | 5120 x 3200 @ 120Hz |
| DirectX Support | 12 | 12 |
| OpenGL Support | 4.5 | 4.5 |
Benchmark scores – Intel i9-13900K vs i9-12900K
We have compiled the benchmark scores of i9-13900K and i9-12900K for your ready reference. The benchmark scores have been mentioned for single-core and multi-core performance.
| Benchmark scores | i9-13900K | i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench | 2938-19798 | 2547-15090 |
| Passmark | 4682-60022 | 4027-41590 |
| 3D Mark | 16530 | 11877 |
These benchmark scores do confirm a 20 percent improvement of performance in i9-13900K over the i9-12900K.
Cost
Intel i9-13900K is available for a little over $550 while the i9-12900K comes at a discounted price of around $450. As of writing this, the difference in cost between Raptor Lake and Alder Lake processor range is of around $100.
Final verdict
i9-13900K is a faster processor. A higher number of threads and the improved L2 cache also boost the performance of the Raptor Lake in comparison to the Alder Lake range of core Intel processors.
The actual performance gains could be anywhere between 20-35% between i9-13900K and i9-12900K.
The incremental cost of i9-13900K is, therefore, attributable to the latest generation and faster processing of the Raptor Lake series.
You may like to read more about processors below:
Rajesh Dhawan is a technology professional who loves to blog about smart wearables, Cloud computing and Microsoft technologies. He loves to break complex problems into manageable chunks of meaningful information.