Processor comparison

Core i7-12700K vs Core i7-13700K

12th gen vs 13th gen Intel Core desktop processors, compared spec by spec using Intel's official data.

The short answer

On paper, the Core i7-13700K is the stronger processor, ahead of the Core i7-12700K in 6 of the specs we compare (the Core i7-12700K leads in 0).

  • The Core i7-13700K is 1 generation newer (13th gen, launched Q4'22) than the Core i7-12700K (12th gen, Q4'21). The newer chip uses a newer core design that generally gets more work done per clock, so clock speeds alone understate the gap.
  • The Core i7-13700K has 16 cores and 24 threads (8 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores), against 12 cores and 20 threads on the Core i7-12700K. More cores and threads help most with multitasking, video editing, 3D rendering, compiling code and other work that spreads across many cores.
  • The Core i7-13700K reaches 5.40 GHz with turbo, 8% higher than the Core i7-12700K's 5.00 GHz. Higher clocks help games and everyday apps that lean on a few fast cores.
  • The Core i7-13700K has 30 MB of cache versus 25 MB.

This verdict is generated from official specifications only. We haven't benchmarked these processors, so it doesn't measure real-world speed in games or apps; check independent benchmarks for your specific use.

Full specifications

Core i7-12700K vs Core i7-13700K: specifications side by side. A check mark shows the better value where one is clearly better.
SpecificationCore i7-12700KCore i7-13700K
GenerationNewer generations bring newer architectures and platform features.12th gen13th gen (better)
LaunchedQ4'21Q4'22
Cores1216 (better)
Core typesFrom 12th gen, Intel mixes Performance-cores (P) with smaller Efficient-cores (E).8 P + 4 E8 P + 8 E
Threads2024 (better)
Max turbo frequency5.00 GHz5.40 GHz (better)
Base frequency (P-core)3.60 GHz3.40 GHz
Cache25 MB30 MB (better)
Base power (TDP)Lower means less heat and a smaller cooler; it isn't a measure of speed.125 W125 W
Maximum turbo power190 W253 W
Manufacturing processIntel 7Intel 7
Memory supportDDR5 + DDR4DDR5 + DDR4
Max memory128 GB192 GB (better)
Memory channels22
Integrated graphicsIntel UHD Graphics 770Intel UHD Graphics 770
SocketFCLGA1700FCLGA1700
PCI Express5.0 and 4.05.0 and 4.0
PCI Express lanes2020
Unlocked (overclocking)YesYes

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Sources

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