Intel has long been known for producing some of the world’s top processors. AMD closely follows Intel, and the release of AMD’s 7000 series exacerbates the rivalry. With reviewers applauding AMD’s benchmark performance, Intel needed to respond.
Intel’s 13th-generation Raptor Lake CPUs were released just a few weeks ago, and the results are in. The new Raptor Lake series will be thoroughly examined in today’s column. We’ll see if it lives up to the expectations and how it compares to AMD’s offerings.
Intel 13th-Gen Raptor Lake: Release Date and Price
On October 20th, 2022, Intel revealed the 13th gen of its popular Core series processors. This set of CPUs, known as the Raptor Lake generation, offers a satisfactory 18% average performance gain over the previous Alder Lake generation.
The cost is also higher. The top Intel Core i9-13900K, with an MSRP of $589, is surprisingly hard to find. These CPUs are still selling for more than their MSRPs. The i7 is a little more powerful. The i7-13700K commands this price or is somewhat higher, with an MSRP of $409. The same can be stated about the i5 model, which costs $319.
Intel 13th-Gen Raptor Lake: Best Deal Today
The new Raptor Lake processors have officially arrived. We’ve found great deals on each new processor and compiled the best deals below to save you some time.
Intel Core i5-13600K (Amazon): $319.99
Intel Core i7-13700K (Amazon): $439.99
Intel Core i9-13900K (Amazon): $659.98
Different Models
Intel’s 13th-Gen processors are available now in the following configurations:
- Intel Core i5-13600K
- Intel Core i5-13600KF
- Intel Core i7-13700K
- Intel Core i7-13700KF
- Intel Core i9-13900K
- Intel Core i9-13900KF
The most powerful model is the Intel Core i9, which has 32 cores and 24 threads. This CPU destroys the previous Core i9-12900 benchmarks. K’s Furthermore, the 13th-generation i9 delivers astounding performance thanks to a more powerful architecture and 36MB L3 cache.
Everything from gaming to 3D graphics is a breeze for this CPU. This CPU is designed to compete with AMD’s latest Ryzen 9 Zen 4 variants at the upper end of the spectrum.
The i9 is the most expensive option, costing about $600. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the i7-13700K and 13700KF versions provide extremely competitive performance. This model provides the same performance increases over the previous generation as the i9, but with fewer cores and less L3 cache capacity. As a result, its pricing is lower, around $400.
It’s also important to remember that the sole distinction between the K and KF designations is integrated graphics. If you don’t mind foregoing integrated graphics, the KF model will save you some money.
So, with that being said, the i5-13600KF is the most budget-friendly variant of the Raptor Lake generation. With an MSRP of around $300, this CPU offers competitive entry-level performance.
See Also; Intel Core i7-12700K vs AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Specifications
| Core i5-13600K | |
|---|---|
| Number of Cores | 14 |
| Number of Threads | 20 |
| Base Clock Speed | 3.5GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 5.1GHz |
| L1 Cache Size | 80K per core |
| L2 Cache Size | 2MB per core |
| L3 Cache Size | 24MB shared |
| Unlocked? | Yes |
| TDP Rating | 124 Watts |
| Memory Type | DDR4 and DDR5 |
| PCI Version | Gen 5 |
| CPU Socket | 1700 |
| CPU Architecture | 10NM |
| Core i7-13700K | |
|---|---|
| Number of Cores | 16 |
| Number of Threads | 24 |
| Base Clock Speed | 3.4GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 5.4GHz |
| L1 Cache Size | 80K per core |
| L2 Cache Size | 2MB per core |
| L3 Cache Size | 30MB shared |
| Unlocked? | Yes |
| TDP Rating | 125 Watts |
| Memory Type | DDR4 and DDR5 |
| PCI Version | Gen 5 |
| CPU Socket | 1700 |
| CPU Architecture | 10NM |
| Core i9-13900K | |
|---|---|
| Number of Cores | 24 |
| Number of Threads | 32 |
| Base Clock Speed | 3.0GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 5.8GHz |
| L1 Cache Size | 80K per core |
| L2 Cache Size | 2MB per core |
| L3 Cache Size | 36MB shared |
| Unlocked? | Yes |
| TDP Rating | 125 Watts |
| Memory Type | DDR4 and DDR5 |
| PCI Version | Gen 5 |
| CPU Socket | 1700 |
| CPU Architecture | 10NM |
Features
Despite using the same 10NM architecture as Alder Laker, the Raptor Lake generation delivers some impressive performance enhancements. The installation of the Raptor Cove “performance core” significantly improves single-threaded performance.
This features a dedicated 2MB L2 cache, which is a significant improvement over the previous generation’s 1.25MB L2 cache. The L3 cache was also upgraded. With 36MB of shared cache on the highest-end models, you may experience faster performance across the board.
Additionally, the L3 cache structure, with a continuously addressable block, enables each CPU to achieve greater clock speeds more effectively without bottlenecking performance. You also get significantly faster clock rates than the previous generation, with some models delivering up to 5.80GHz out of the box.
While these processors are easily overclocked, the initial performance advantages are noticeable because to the high clock speeds and core counts. Intel believes that with the proper hardware setup, overclocking enthusiasts can obtain clock speeds near 8.00GHz.
While the Alder Lake generation supported DDR4 and DDR5, Raptor Lake has improved DDR5 compatibility, with up to DDR5-5600 RAM speeds supported. Faster memory results in improved overall processing performance, which is a desirable improvement.
But it does not end there. Overclockers, according to Intel, can achieve DDR5-10000 RAM speeds with the correct enthusiast-grade memory modules. Raptor Lake now supports the latest PCIe 5.0 standard for solid-state SSDs.
While SSDs provide excellent performance by definition, the new CPUs provide even more bandwidth than before thanks to an improved interface. Of course, to take use of it, you’ll need to upgrade your motherboard. If you buy a motherboard with a Z790, H770, or B760 chipset, you’ll have complete support for the new standard.
Read Also; Intel 13th Gen Raptor Lake: Everything You Need
Pros and Cons
There are various advantages and disadvantages to using a processor like the 13th-generation Intel Raptor Lake family. While the general reaction to Intel’s new processors has been nearly unanimously positive, they may not be for everyone. Consider these advantages and disadvantages while shopping for a Raptor Lake model.
Pros
- A solid improvement over last-gen
- Great performance
- Excellent overclocking abilities
Cons
- You need a newer motherboard
- Expensive
FAQs
How much will Raptor Lake cost?
Entry-level Raptor Lake CPUs, such as the Intel Core i5, cost around $300, the same as prior generations. At launch, the flagship Intel Core i9 model will cost around $600.
What is the Raptor Lake release date?
Raptor Lake was unveiled by Intel on October 20, 2022.
Will Raptor Lake have e-cores?
Raptor Lake employs a mix of performance (p-cores) and efficiency (e-cores).
Is Raptor Lake DDR5 only?
No. Raptor Lake supports DDR4 and DDR5.
