What CPU is equivalent to Core i7 13700K?

What CPU is equivalent to Core i7 13700K? Let's find out

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Intel’s Core i7-13700K is a monstrous processor. It’s second only to the current flagship processors but is capable of offering performance that is very well within the same ballpark, only at a much lower price point. What CPU is equivalent to Core i7 13700K?

Now Read: Best CPU for gaming 2023

In other words, the i7-13700K makes it possible for enthusiast gamers to get a thorough, flagship-grade CPU experience without having to break the bank on costly $700 processors. 

The 13700K is overall a great buy, but if you would rather not opt for this particular CPU, you may be looking for some alternatives. Something from AMD, perhaps. Well, we’re here today to explore what CPU is equivalent to the 13700K. 

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Intel Core i7-13700K specifications

Below are the Core i7-13700K’s base specs:

• Cores: P-cores 8 / E-cores 8
• Threads: 24
• Base clock frequency: P-cores 3.4 GHz / E-cores 2.5 GHz
• Boost clock frequency: P-cores 5.4 GHz / E-cores 4.2 GHz
• L3 cache: 24MB
• Default TDP: 125 W / 253 W boost.
• iGPU: Intel UHD graphics 770

The heavy-duty processing is carried out on the 16 high-performance threads made available to the system by the 8 P-cores. The 8 efficiency cores take over background processing and pitch in during high-intensity workloads to help the processor deliver its maximum performance. 

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What CPU is equivalent to the Core i7-13700K?

We believe the closest CPU equivalent to the Core i7-13700K is the Ryzen 9 7900X. 

If you keep up with the tech industry, you may have been expecting the Ryzen 7 7700X – which would technically be the direct competitor to the i7-13700K. Unfortunately, it fails to compete with the new and upgraded 13700K. 

The 13700K is competing with flagships these days. It and the Ryzen 9 7900X are very evenly matched in performance. 

AMD Ryzen 9 7900X

The Ryzen 9 7900X is AMD’s second strongest processor as of now. This will likely change when the X3D processors release at the end of February. 

AMD Ryzen 9 7900X

Cores

12

Threads

24

Base speed

4.7GHz

Boost speed

5.6GHz

Cache

L3 64MB

Socket

AM5

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It’s a 12-core, 24-thread processor, meaning it has an identical thread count to the 13700K but 4 fewer cores. The 4 fewer cores don’t matter as much as you would initially think since half of the 13700K’s cores are smaller efficiency cores. 

In the end, you see both processors offer a similar capacity for multitasking and productivity workload. The 13700K and 7900X stand shoulder-to-shoulder in this category, with either CPU inching out ahead ever so slightly in various benchmarks and applications. The meager differences here can be attributed to variations in software optimization. 

Ryzen 9 7900X single-core performance

If we talk about single-core performance, the i7-13700K is slightly better. This is in spite of the fact that the 7900X has a higher 5.6GHz boost clock. The difference here only amounts to a few frames per second in most games. That too with no FPS limiter and a high-end GPU. 

In more realistic gaming scenarios, you’re unlikely to experience a noticeable FPS difference between the two processors. 

In terms of power efficiency and thermals, the 7900X is the less power-demanding processor. It has a TDP of 170 watts, which by comparison to the 13700K’s max 253-watt TDP, is a fair bit lower. 

Still, a 170-watt TDP will require you to have a capable power supply and a top-notch AIO cooler in the same PC build, which is something to consider if you’re on a budget. 

If you’re interested in an in-depth comparison between the Intel Core i7-13700K and Ryzen 9 7900X, you can find one here.