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Intel Core i9-13900KS

Intel Core i9-13900KS

Intel Core i9-13900KS: Power for Enthusiasts and Professionals

March 2025

Key Features: Raptor Lake Architecture and Beyond

The Intel Core i9-13900KS processor, released in late 2022, remains a relevant choice for demanding users even in 2025. Its Raptor Lake architecture is an evolution of Intel's hybrid approach, combining Performance-cores (P-cores) and Efficient-cores (E-cores).

- 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) and 32 threads - P-cores operate at frequencies of up to 6.0 GHz under Turbo Boost Max 3.0, delivering record single-threaded performance. E-cores (up to 4.3 GHz) handle background tasks.

- The Intel 7 process technology (10 nm Enhanced SuperFin) is optimized for a balance between energy efficiency and power.

- 36 MB of L3 cache accelerates data processing in games and professional applications.

- TDP of 150 W (actual consumption can reach up to 300 W under peak loads!).

- Intel UHD Graphics 770 - integrated graphics for basic tasks, but a discrete graphics card is required for gaming or rendering.

Geekbench 6 confirms its leadership:

- 3100 points (Single-Core) - the best result among desktop CPUs at the time of release.

- 21795 points (Multi-Core) - competing with top HEDT processors.

Key Features:

- Support for PCIe 5.0 (up to 16 lanes) and DDR5-5600.

- Thermal Velocity Boost and Adaptive Boost technologies for automatic overclocking.

- Compatibility with Windows 11 and optimization for hybrid cores.

Compatible Motherboards: Socket and Chipset Choices

The processor uses the LGA 1700 socket, compatible with the Z790, H770, B760, and H710 chipsets.

- Z790 - the top choice for enthusiasts:

- Overclocking for P-cores and E-cores.

- PCIe 5.0 support for graphics cards and NVMe.

- Examples of motherboards: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero ($599), MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi ($479).

- B760 - optimal for most users:

- Basic overclocking support (only for P-cores).

- Prices starting from $200 (e.g., Gigabyte B760 AORUS Elite AX).

Important:

- Motherboards with DDR4 are cheaper but limit memory speed.

- For PCIe 5.0, choose models with enhanced VRM and cooling (relevant when building with RTX 5090 or similar GPUs).

Memory Support: DDR4 vs. DDR5

The i9-13900KS works with DDR5-5600 and DDR4-3200.

- DDR5 (recommended):

- Bandwidth up to 90 GB/s (compared to 50 GB/s for DDR4).

- Better performance in gaming (up to a 15% increase at 4K) and rendering.

- Cons: high price (32 GB DDR5-6000 - $150).

- DDR4 (budget option):

- Suitable for upgrading old systems.

- Example: 32 GB DDR4-3600 - $80.

Tip: For gaming, a combination of DDR5 + last-gen NVIDIA/AMD GPU will provide maximum FPS.

Power Supply: How to Avoid Overload

With a TDP of 150 W and peak consumption up to 300 W (under stress tests), the power supply requirements are strict:

- Minimum 850 W for a system with RTX 4080/4090.

- Recommended 1000-1200 W with an 80 Plus Gold/Platinum certification (for example, Corsair RM1000x - $199).

- Use PCIe 5.0 12VHPWR cables for modern graphics cards.

Real Experience: Users with 750 W power supplies report reboots under simultaneous CPU and GPU loads.

Pros and Cons: Is It Worth Buying?

Pros:

- Best single-threaded performance (gaming, Photoshop).

- Support for DDR4/DDR5 - flexibility in building.

- 32 threads for rendering (Blender, Cinema 4D).

Cons:

- High heat output (liquid cooling is needed, e.g., NZXT Kraken X73 - $249).

- Price: $700-800 (new) in 2025.

- AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D is more effective in multi-threaded tasks.

Use Cases: Gaming, Work, Creativity

- Gaming:

- Cyberpunk 2077 (4K, Ultra) - 120+ FPS with RTX 4090.

- CS2 (1080p) - 600+ FPS thanks to high frequencies.

- Work Tasks:

- Rendering in Blender (BMW scene) - 2.5 minutes versus 3.1 for Ryzen 9 7950X.

- Video encoding in Premiere Pro - speed increase of 18% thanks to Quick Sync.

- Multimedia:

- Streaming in OBS without FPS loss (E-cores handling the load).

Comparison with Competitors: AMD vs. Intel

- AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D ($750):

- Better in gaming with 3D V-Cache (up to 10% improvement at 1080p).

- More energy-efficient (TDP 170 W).

- Weaker in single-threaded tasks (Geekbench 6 Single-Core - 2900).

- Intel Core i9-14900K ($650):

- Slight performance gain (5-7%).

- Same LGA 1700 socket, but higher price for upgrade.

Practical Building Tips

1. Cooling:

- A 360 mm liquid cooling system or a top-tier air cooler (Noctua NH-D15) is mandatory.

- Adjust fan curves in BIOS for a balance between noise and temperature.

2. Case:

- At least 3 intake fans (example: Lian Li Lancool III - $169).

3. Storage:

- PCIe 5.0 SSD (Samsung 990 Pro - $200 for 2 TB) for maximum speed.

4. Overclocking:

- P-cores can stably run at 5.8-6.0 GHz with a voltage of 1.35 V.

Final Conclusion: Who is the i9-13900KS For?

This processor is a choice for:

- Gamers looking for maximum FPS at 1080p/1440p.

- Professionals working with 3D, video, and streaming.

- Enthusiasts ready to invest in cooling and power supply.

Alternatives:

- For energy savings - Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

- For a budget build - Intel Core i7-14700K.

In 2025, the i9-13900KS remains relevant due to its unique balance of price and power. It is worth considering if you are not ready to pay a premium for the latest models but want top-tier performance.

Basic

Label Name
Intel
Platform
Desktop
Launch Date
January 2023
Model Name
?
The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.
i9-13900KS
Code Name
Raptor Lake

CPU Specifications

Total Cores
?
Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).
24
Total Threads
?
Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.
32
Performance-cores
8
Efficient-cores
16
Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x)
?
Intel® Virtualization Technology (VT-x) allows one hardware platform to function as multiple “virtual” platforms. It offers improved manageability by limiting downtime and maintaining productivity by isolating computing activities into separate partitions.
Yes
Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d)
?
Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) continues from the existing support for IA-32 (VT-x) and Itanium® processor (VT-i) virtualization adding new support for I/O-device virtualization. Intel VT-d can help end users improve security and reliability of the systems and also improve performance of I/O devices in virtualized environments.
Yes
Max Turbo Frequency
?
Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.
6.00 GHz
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology
?
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology is an advanced means of enabling high performance while meeting the power-conservation needs of mobile systems. Conventional Intel SpeedStep® Technology switches both voltage and frequency in tandem between high and low levels in response to processor load. Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology builds upon that architecture using design strategies such as Separation between Voltage and Frequency Changes, and Clock Partitioning and Recovery.
Yes
Intel Hyper-Threading Technology
?
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology (Intel® HT Technology) delivers two processing threads per physical core. Highly threaded applications can get more work done in parallel, completing tasks sooner.
Yes
Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0
?
Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 identifies the best performing core(s) on a processor and provides increased performance on those cores through increasing frequency as needed by taking advantage of power and thermal headroom.
Yes
Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 Frequency
?
Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 identifies the best performing core(s) on a processor and provides increased performance on those cores through increasing frequency as needed by taking advantage of power and thermal headroom. Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 frequency is the clock frequency of the CPU when running in this mode.
5.80 GHz
Intel Turbo Boost Technology
?
Intel® Turbo Boost Technology dynamically increases the processor's frequency as needed by taking advantage of thermal and power headroom to give you a burst of speed when you need it, and increased energy efficiency when you don’t.
2.0
L3 Cache
36 MB
Cache
?
CPU Cache is an area of fast memory located on the processor. Intel® Smart Cache refers to the architecture that allows all cores to dynamically share access to the last level cache.
36 MB Intel® Smart Cache
CPU Socket
?
The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.
FCLGA1700
Intel AES New Instructions
?
Intel® AES New Instructions (Intel® AES-NI) are a set of instructions that enable fast and secure data encryption and decryption. AES-NI are valuable for a wide range of cryptographic applications, for example: applications that perform bulk encryption/decryption, authentication, random number generation, and authenticated encryption.
Yes
Technology
?
Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.
Intel 7
TDP
150 W
Processor Base Power
?
The time-averaged power dissipation that the processor is validated to not exceed during manufacturing while executing an Intel-specified high complexity workload at Base Frequency and at the junction temperature as specified in the Datasheet for the SKU segment and configuration.
150 W
Maximum Turbo Power
?
The maximum sustained (>1s) power dissipation of the processor as limited by current and/or temperature controls. Instantaneous power may exceed Maximum Turbo Power for short durations (<=10ms). Note: Maximum Turbo Power is configurable by system vendor and can be system specific.
253 W
Max. Operating Temperature
?
Junction Temperature is the maximum temperature allowed at the processor die.
100°C
PCI Express Version
?
PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.
5.0 and 4.0
Number of PCI Express Lanes
?
A PCI Express (PCIe) lane consists of two differential signaling pairs, one for receiving data, one for transmitting data, and is the basic unit of the PCIe bus. Max # of PCI Express Lanes is the total number of supported lanes.
20
Instruction Set
?
The instruction set is a hard program stored inside the CPU that guides and optimizes CPU operations. With these instruction sets, the CPU can run more efficiently. There are many manufacturers that design CPUs, which results in different instruction sets, such as the 8086 instruction set for the Intel camp and the RISC instruction set for the ARM camp. x86, ARM v8, and MIPS are all codes for instruction sets. Instruction sets can be extended; for example, x86 added 64-bit support to create x86-64. Manufacturers developing CPUs that are compatible with a certain instruction set need authorization from the instruction set patent holder. A typical example is Intel authorizing AMD, enabling the latter to develop CPUs compatible with the x86 instruction set.
64-bit
Intel 64
?
Intel® 64 architecture delivers 64-bit computing on server, workstation, desktop and mobile platforms when combined with supporting software.¹ Intel 64 architecture improves performance by allowing systems to address more than 4 GB of both virtual and physical memory.
Yes
Intel VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT)
?
Intel® VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT), also known as Second Level Address Translation (SLAT), provides acceleration for memory intensive virtualized applications. Extended Page Tables in Intel® Virtualization Technology platforms reduces the memory and power overhead costs and increases battery life through hardware optimization of page table management.
Yes
PCI Express Configurations
?
PCI Express (PCIe) Configurations describe the available PCIe lane configurations that can be used to link to PCIe devices.
Up to 1x16+4 | 2x8+4

Memory Specifications

Memory Type
?
Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.
Up to DDR5 5600 MT/s Up to DDR4 3200 MT/s
Max Memory Size
?
Max memory size refers to the maximum memory capacity supported by the processor.
192 GB
Memory Channels
?
The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.
2
Max Memory Bandwidth
?
Max Memory bandwidth is the maximum rate at which data can be read from or stored into a semiconductor memory by the processor (in GB/s).
89.6 GB/s
ECC Memory Supported
?
ECC Memory Supported indicates processor support for Error-Correcting Code memory. ECC memory is a type of system memory that can detect and correct common kinds of internal data corruption. Note that ECC memory support requires both processor and chipset support.
Yes

GPU Specifications

Integrated Graphics Model
?
An integrated GPU refers to the graphics core that is integrated into the CPU processor. Leveraging the processor's powerful computational capabilities and intelligent power efficiency management, it delivers outstanding graphics performance and a smooth application experience at a lower power consumption.
Intel® UHD Graphics 770
Graphics Base Frequency
?
Graphics Base frequency refers to the rated/guaranteed graphics render clock frequency in MHz.
300 MHz
Graphics Frequency
?
Graphics max dynamic frequency refers to the maximum opportunistic graphics render clock frequency (in MHz) that can be supported using Intel® HD Graphics with Dynamic Frequency feature.
1.65 GHz
DirectX Support
?
DirectX* Support indicates support for a specific version of Microsoft’s collection of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) for handling multimedia compute tasks.
12
Execution Units
?
The Execution Unit is the foundational building block of Intel’s graphics architecture. Execution Units are compute processors optimized for simultaneous Multi-Threading for high throughput compute power.
32
Max Resolution (DP)
?
Max Resolution (DP) is the maximum resolution supported by the processor via the DP interface (24bits per pixel & 60Hz). System or device display resolution is dependent on multiple system design factors; actual resolution may be lower on your system.
7680 x 4320 @ 60Hz
Max Resolution (eDP - Integrated Flat Panel)
?
Max Resolution (Integrated Flat Panel) is the maximum resolution supported by the processor for a device with an integrated flat panel (24bits per pixel & 60Hz). System or device display resolution is dependent on multiple system design factors; actual resolution may be lower on your device.
5120 x 3200 @ 120Hz
Max Resolution (HDMI)
?
Max Resolution (HDMI) is the maximum resolution supported by the processor via the HDMI interface (24bits per pixel & 60Hz). System or device display resolution is dependent on multiple system design factors; actual resolution may be lower on your system.
4096 x 2160 @ 60Hz
Number of Displays Supported
4
Graphics Output
?
Graphics Output defines the interfaces available to communicate with display devices.
eDP 1.4b | DP 1.4a | HDMI 2.1
Intel Clear Video HD Technology
?
Intel® Clear Video HD Technology, like its predecessor, Intel® Clear Video Technology, is a suite of image decode and processing technologies built into the integrated processor graphics that improve video playback, delivering cleaner, sharper images, more natural, accurate, and vivid colors, and a clear and stable video picture. Intel® Clear Video HD Technology adds video quality enhancements for richer color and more realistic skin tones.
Yes
OpenGL Support
?
OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) is a cross-language, multi-platform API (Application Programming Interface) for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics.
4.5
OpenCL Support
?
OpenCL (Open Computing Language) is a multi-platform API (Application Programming Interface) for heterogeneous parallel programming.
3.0
Intel Quick Sync Video
?
Intel® Quick Sync Video delivers fast conversion of video for portable media players, online sharing, and video editing and authoring.
Yes

AI Specifications

Intel Gaussian Neural Accelerator
?
Intel® Gaussian & Neural Accelerator (GNA) is an ultra-low power accelerator block designed to run audio and speed-centric AI workloads. Intel® GNA is designed to run audio based neural networks at ultra-low power, while simultaneously relieving the CPU of this workload.
3.0
Intel Deep Learning Boost (Intel DL Boost)
Yes

Interfaces and Ports

Intel Volume Management Device (VMD)
?
Intel® Volume Management Device (VMD) provides a common, robust method of hot plug and LED management for NVMe-based solid state drives.
Yes

Miscellaneous

Intel Standard Manageability (ISM)
?
Intel® Standard Manageability is the manageability solution for Intel vPro® Essentials platforms and is a subset of Intel® AMT with out-of-band management over Ethernet and Wi-Fi, but no KVM or new life cycle management features.
Intel® SSE4.1 | Intel® SSE4.2 | Intel® AVX2
Execute Disable Bit
?
Execute Disable Bit is a hardware-based security feature that can reduce exposure to viruses and malicious-code attacks and prevent harmful software from executing and propagating on the server or network.
Yes
Intel Active Management Technology (AMT)
Yes
Intel Boot Guard
?
Intel® Device Protection Technology with Boot Guard helps protect the system’s pre-OS environment from viruses and malicious software attacks.
Yes
Intel Hardware Shield Eligibility
Yes
Intel Control-Flow Enforcement Technology
?
CET - Intel Control-flow Enforcement Technology (CET) helps protect against the misuse of legitimate code snippets through return-oriented programming (ROP) control-flow hijacking attacks.
Yes
Intel OS Guard
Yes

Benchmarks

Geekbench 6
Single Core Score
3100
Geekbench 6
Multi Core Score
21795
Geekbench 5
Single Core Score
2243
Geekbench 5
Multi Core Score
25606
Passmark CPU
Single Core Score
4762
Passmark CPU
Multi Core Score
61900
3DMark CPU Profile
Single Core Score
1219
3DMark CPU Profile
Multi Core Score
15688

Compared to Other CPU

Geekbench 6 Single Core
M5 Max (40-core GPU)
4442 +43.3%
M3 Ultra
3169 +2.2%
Core i9-13900KS
3100
Ryzen AI 9 HX 475
2775 -10.5%
Xeon 6325P
2673 -13.8%
Geekbench 6 Multi Core
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX
37967 +74.2%
Core i9-13900KS
21795
Core Ultra 7 265F
18564 -14.8%
Core Ultra 9 285HX
16864 -22.6%
Core i7-13700F
15417 -29.3%
Geekbench 5 Single Core
Core i9-14900KS
2536 +13.1%
Core i9-13900KS
2243
Core i7-13705H
1870 -16.6%
M1 Ultra
1768 -21.2%
Core i7-1355U
1690 -24.7%
Geekbench 5 Multi Core
EPYC 9684X
86607 +238.2%
Xeon Gold 6442Y
36476 +42.5%
Core i9-13900KS
25606
Core i9-14900HX
19393 -24.3%
Xeon Gold 6130T
16064 -37.3%
Passmark CPU Single Core
M5 Max (40-core GPU)
6148 +29.1%
Core i9-13900KS
4762
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9995WX
4557 -4.3%
Core i9-12900KS
4354 -8.6%
Core i9-13900T
4221 -11.4%
Passmark CPU Multi Core
Xeon 674X
83641 +35.1%
Xeon 658X
68239 +10.2%
Core i9-13900KS
61900
EPYC 7443P
57193 -7.6%
Xeon Gold 6348
52276 -15.5%
3DMark CPU Profile Single Core
Core i9-14900KF
1228 +0.7%
Core i9-14900K
1227 +0.7%
Core i9-13900KS
1219
Ryzen 7 9800X3D
1214 -0.4%
Core Ultra 7 255H
1203 -1.3%
3DMark CPU Profile Multi Core
Core i9-14900KS
16040 +2.2%
Ryzen 9 9955HX3D
15736 +0.3%
Core i9-13900KS
15688
Core i9-14900K
15635 -0.3%
Ryzen 9 7950X
15626 -0.4%

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