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Core i9-12900K vs Core i9-13900K: Which is Better?

Nov 2021 Alder Lake vs Oct 2022 Raptor Lake

The verdict

Core i9-13900K wins

Core i9-13900K comes out ahead of Core i9-12900K on productivity, while the rest of the picture is more nuanced. Core i9-13900K is 17.5% faster than Core i9-12900K in multi-core productivity workloads. Performance-per-dollar is comparable. For most builders, Core i9-13900K is the more compelling pick across both gaming and productivity workloads.

Dimension-by-dimension

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Specifications

Spec Core i9-12900K Core i9-13900K
Cores 16 24
Threads 24 32
Boost clock 5.2 GHz 5.8 GHz
Base clock 3.2 GHz 3.0 GHz
TDP 125 W 125 W
L2 cache 14 MB 32 MB
L3 cache 30 MB 36 MB
MSRP $589 $589
Process node Intel 7 Intel 7
Socket LGA1700 LGA1700
Memory DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 DDR5-5600 / DDR4-3200
Launched Nov 2021 Oct 2022

Benchmarks

BenchmarkCore i9-12900KCore i9-13900K
  • Multi-coreCinebench 2024· Cinebench 2024 nT
    −18.7%
    Core i9-12900K
    1,812
    Core i9-13900K
    2,229
  • Single-coreCinebench 2024· Cinebench 2024 1T
    −9.8%
    Core i9-12900K
    119
    Core i9-13900K
    132
  • Multi-coreGeekbench 6
    −16.8%
    Core i9-12900K
    18,256
    Core i9-13900K
    21,952
  • Single-coreGeekbench 6
    −9.1%
    Core i9-12900K
    2,742
    Core i9-13900K
    3,018

Bars are normalized to the highest score in our catalog for each metric. Hover any row for the source attribution.

Price analysis

Core i9-12900K MSRP
$589
Difference
±$0

Both launched at the same price.

Core i9-13900K MSRP
$589

Frequently asked

Is the Core i9-12900K better than the Core i9-13900K?
Core i9-13900K comes out ahead in our weighted scoring under default priorities (50% gaming, 50% productivity, 25% value, 25% efficiency). Use the comparison tool to weight by your own workload mix.
Which is better for gaming, the Core i9-12900K or the Core i9-13900K?
Core i9-13900K leads in gaming workloads by 9.5% over Core i9-12900K.
Which is faster for productivity, the Core i9-12900K or the Core i9-13900K?
Core i9-13900K is 17.5% faster than Core i9-12900K in multi-core productivity workloads.
What is the price difference between the Core i9-12900K and the Core i9-13900K?
Both chips launched at $589 MSRP.

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