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
| Specification | Core i7-12700K | Core i7-13700K |
|---|---|---|
| GenerationNewer generations bring newer architectures and platform features. | 12th gen | 13th gen (better) |
| Launched | Q4'21 | Q4'22 |
| Cores | 12 | 16 (better) |
| Core typesFrom 12th gen, Intel mixes Performance-cores (P) with smaller Efficient-cores (E). | 8 P + 4 E | 8 P + 8 E |
| Threads | 20 | 24 (better) |
| Max turbo frequency | 5.00 GHz | 5.40 GHz (better) |
| Base frequency (P-core) | 3.60 GHz | 3.40 GHz |
| Cache | 25 MB | 30 MB (better) |
| Base power (TDP)Lower means less heat and a smaller cooler; it isn't a measure of speed. | 125 W | 125 W |
| Maximum turbo power | 190 W | 253 W |
| Manufacturing process | Intel 7 | Intel 7 |
| Memory support | DDR5 + DDR4 | DDR5 + DDR4 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 192 GB (better) |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Socket | FCLGA1700 | FCLGA1700 |
| PCI Express | 5.0 and 4.0 | 5.0 and 4.0 |
| PCI Express lanes | 20 | 20 |
| Unlocked (overclocking) | Yes | Yes |
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