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

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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.

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. Office and web applications are typically single-threaded, so running a single application won't take advantage of a many-core CPU. This is Intel's 10nm process, perfected. More efficiency cores and a boatload of features make the 13900K an incredible, versatile chip. Five stars. This is the best desktop processor money can buy right now, and it bodes well for the future of CPUs. 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.

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. Office and web applications rarely max out the CPU for long periods. These applications can use turbo boost speeds when a burst of processing power is needed, returning to the more efficient base frequencies afterward. 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.

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. While in the past a CPU hitting its peak temperature was cause for concern, enthusiasts are going to have to learn to accept high temperatures as “normal” while running demanding workloads with Raptor Lake and Ryzen 7000 CPUs. The more cores a CPU has, the more applications you can run simultaneously without noticing a performance impact.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.That is one of the other things I would have liked to see: a gaming test with those same conditions and coolers. Motherboards for Intel processors are made with chipsets provided by Intel. Each chipset offers a unique set of capabilities. However, motherboards must explicitly support features and capabilities for you to use them. Verify that a motherboard supports the features and capabilities you desire. 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 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. It even has the same integrated graphics, Intel UHD Graphics 770, although don’t expect too much from this. It’s capable of running standard computing tasks at output resolutions up to 8K, but you won’t be using it for gaming or any demanding graphical software. Besides, if you can afford this chip, you can afford a discrete graphics card.

Our recommended feature-rich motherboard to pair with the Core i9-13900KF is the MSI MEG Z790 ACE Gaming. We found that it's wise to make sure the motherboard provides enough USB ports at your desired speeds.Raptor Lake processors will run just fine inside of existing Alder Lake motherboards, but Intel also launched a new Z790 chipset for Raptor Lake, too. Intel's Core i9-13900F CPUs have 8 Performance cores (P-cores) and 16 Efficiency cores (E-cores) for a total of 24 cores. Faster PC memory can improve game and professional tool performance by reducing the time it takes to perform calculations and data operations. Essentially bonks its competitors and its predecessors over the head with insanely good performance in every possible area. With the highest CPU test scores we've seen, there’s no question that Intel’s Core i9-13900K is the fastest consumer-oriented CPU you can buy, earning it our Editors' Choice award. Does that mean it's right for you? It depends on what else you're considering.