[Custom PC] 13th Gen Intel Core Desktop CPU Features, Specifications, and Performance Summary

We will compare the features and specifications of the 13th generation Intel Core desktop CPUs, changes from the previous generation, benchmark scores, cost performance, and power efficiency.

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Features of 13th Generation Intel Core Processors

This section explains the features of the 13th generation Intel Core processors.

Key points, from performance improvements to differences from the 12th generation, are summarized in an easy-to-understand way.

Increase in E-cores for Core i5 and Above

Since the 12th generation, a hybrid architecture using both P-cores and E-cores has been adopted. In the 13th generation, more models come with E-cores, and the number of E-cores has increased.

The features of P-cores and E-cores are as follows:

• P-core: High performance processing / Handles heavy tasks
• E-core: Efficient processing / Handles light and background tasks

By using these two types of cores together, both high performance and power efficiency are achieved.

≫ Related article: About Intel CPU P-cores and E-cores

For the 12th generation, only some high-end Core i5 models, such as “Core i5-12600K” and “Core i5-12600KF,” had E-cores. From the 13th generation, all Core i5 models come with E-cores.

Models that previously did not have E-cores now have 4 or 8 E-cores, and models that already had E-cores now have 4 more, totaling 8 E-cores.

Also, Core i7 models have 4 more E-cores for a total of 8, and i9 models have 8 more for a total of 16 E-cores.

Core i3 models, both 12th and 13th generation, only have P-cores and do not include E-cores.

More Models Support Turbo Boost Technology

Intel CPUs have Turbo Boost technology, which temporarily increases clock frequency depending on the operating environment and workload.

This allows the CPU to boost up to its maximum clock frequency while staying within safe temperature and power limits.

There are several types of Turbo Boost technology, and in the 13th generation, more models support “Thermal Velocity Boost” and “TurboBoost Max 3.0”.

Thermal Velocity Boost is a type of automatic clock-up function found in some high-end CPUs since the 10th generation. When the CPU has thermal and power headroom, it can operate at even higher clocks than regular Turbo Boost.

In the 12th generation, only the “Core i9-12900KS” supported this, but in the 13th generation, all models except the “T” models support it.

This allows for temporary performance boosts in tasks that require high performance for short periods (such as gaming, video processing, and benchmarks).

Especially, the effect is more noticeable in PCs with high cooling performance, and combining with a high-performance CPU cooler or water cooler maximizes the benefit.

TurboBoost Max 3.0 is a technology that identifies the highest-performing cores in the processor and assigns important tasks to these cores, improving single-thread performance.

In the 12th generation, only Core i7 and i9 supported this, but from the 13th generation, Core i3 and i5 also support it, making it available on all models.

Support for DDR5 Memory at 5600 MT/s from High-End Core i5 Models

The 13th generation supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, but the supported DDR5 memory speed has increased from 4800 MT/s (76.8 GB/s) to 5600 MT/s (89.6 GB/s).

From high-end Core i5 models and up (i7, i9), this speed is supported, so combining with compatible memory allows for faster data transfer.

This can improve performance in tasks where memory bandwidth is important, such as gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering.

However, supported memory speed depends not only on the CPU but also on the motherboard specifications. To achieve up to 5600 MT/s, check the compatible chipset and motherboard specifications.

Overall Increase in Maximum TDP

Base TDP has not changed much, but maximum TDP has increased by about 10 to 60W overall.

The main reasons for this overall increase are:

• Achieving higher operating clocks (boost clocks)
  The maximum boost clock is higher than the previous generation, so more power is needed.
• Increase in E-cores
  The overall increase in E-cores improves multi-thread performance, but also increases peak power consumption.
• Focus on performance to compete with AMD
  Intel has recently focused on performance-oriented design, allowing for temporary high power operation.
  To compete with AMD’s Ryzen series, Intel is pushing both single and multi-core performance.
  As a result, the design prioritizes performance over heat and power consumption, leading to higher maximum TDP.

There are various reasons, but this is only the maximum TDP, meaning peak power during turbo boost, not constant usage.

However, it does affect the choice of cooling and power supply, so be careful when building a custom PC.

Socket Type and Chipset Remain “LGA1700” and “600/700 Series”

The 13th generation uses the “LGA1700” socket and “600/700 series” chipsets.

This is the same as the 12th generation, so with a BIOS update, existing motherboards can be used.

However, some entry-level or older motherboards may not support 13th generation CPUs.

Therefore, if planning to upgrade from the 12th generation, check the motherboard’s “CPU support list” to confirm 13th generation compatibility.

Specifications of 13th Generation Intel Core Processors

This section explains the specifications of 13th generation Intel Core processors by grade.

Intel Core i9 Processors

The changes in Core i9 processor specifications from the previous generation are as follows.

• E-cores increased from 8 cores to 16 cores
• Thread count increased from 24 to 32 (increase due to E-cores)
• Base and maximum clock frequency change of -0.2 to +0.4 GHz (some decreases, but covered by core count)
• More models now support Thermal Velocity Boost, adding a further +0.5 to +0.6 GHz
• L2 cache increased by 18 MB, L3 cache increased by 6 MB
• DDR5 supported memory standard changed from 4800 MT/s to 5600 MT/s
• Maximum memory capacity changed from 128 GB to 192 GB
• Integrated GPU clock frequency changed from 1.55 GHz to 1.65 GHz
• Maximum TDP increased by about 10 W

Thermal Velocity Boost was supported only on Core i9-12900KS in the previous generation, but in the 13th generation it is supported on most models except the “T” models and began to be rolled out in earnest.

As a result, under certain conditions it can rise by about another 0.5 GHz, making heavy workloads more efficient.

In addition, the number of E-cores and the size of cache memory increased, supported memory speed went up, and the basic performance improved.

Intel Core i7 Processors

The changes in Core i7 processor specifications from the previous generation are as follows.

• E-cores increased from 4 cores to 8 cores
• Thread count increased from 20 to 24 (increase due to E-cores)
• Base and maximum clock frequency change of -0.2 to +0.5 GHz (some decreases, but covered by core count)
• L2 cache increased by 12 MB, L3 cache increased by 5 MB
• DDR5 memory standard changed from 4800 MT/s to 5600 MT/s
• Maximum memory capacity changed from 128 GB to 192 GB
• Integrated GPU clock frequency changed from 1.50 GHz to 1.60 GHz
• Maximum TDP increased by about 40 to 60 W

As with Core i9, the number of E-cores increased, and clock frequencies rose overall.

For TDP, the base is the same as the previous generation, but the maximum increased by 40 to 60 W. Considering that Core i9 increased by around 10 W, the rise here is somewhat larger.

Intel Core i5 Processors

The changes in Core i5 processor specifications from the previous generation are as follows.

• E-cores increased by 4 cores, and by 8 cores on some models
• Thread count increased by 4 threads, and by 8 threads on some models
• Base and maximum clock frequency change of -0.5 to +0.4 GHz (some decreases, but covered by core count)
• Support for TurboBoost Max 3.0
• Although the increase varies by model, L2 cache increased by 2, 4, or 10.5 MB, and L3 cache increased by 2, 4, or 6 MB
• On some models, the DDR5 memory standard supported changed from 4800 MT/s to 5600 MT/s
• Maximum memory capacity changed from 128 GB to 192 GB
• Integrated GPU clock frequency changed from 1.45 GHz to 1.55 GHz
• Maximum TDP increased by about 10 to 40 W

Core i5 has a rich lineup because it is a grade with a good balance of performance and price and is popular.

There are the 600 series, 500 series, and 400 series in order of performance, and “K”, “KF”, “standard”, and “T” models are also available.

A major change is that from the 13th generation, all Core i5 processors include E-cores, and models that already had them saw an increase in E-core count.

In the previous generation, the higher-end models within i5, “Core i5-12600K” and “Core i5-12600KF”, had E-cores, but the others did not.

It also supports the technology “TurboBoost Max 3.0”, which identifies the highest-performing cores in the processor and assigns important tasks to those cores to improve single-thread performance, allowing better performance for heavy workloads.

Intel Core i3 Processors

The changes in Core i3 processor specifications from the previous generation are as follows.

• Base and maximum clock frequency increased by 0.1 to +0.3 GHz
• Support for TurboBoost Max 3.0
• Maximum memory capacity changed from 128 GB to 192 GB
• Integrated GPU clock frequency changed from 1.40 GHz to 1.50 GHz
• Maximum TDP increased by about 20 W

In the previous generation, Core i3 had both 100 and 200 series, but in the 13th generation, only three 100 series models are available.

Even the lower Core i3 grade now supports TurboBoost Max 3.0, and both base and maximum clock frequencies have slightly increased.

Also, as with the previous generation, E-cores are not included, so only P-cores are present.

Benchmark Comparison of 13th Generation Intel Core Processors

Here is a comparison of various data for 13th generation Intel Core processors.

Benchmark Scores

The table is sorted in descending order of benchmark scores, and basically, the grades are grouped in the order of i9, i7, i5, and i3.

However, in some cases, a lower grade “K” model with a higher clock frequency outperforms a standard higher grade model.

Also, the “T” models are power-saving versions, so their performance is lower in exchange for lower power consumption, which is why their scores are lower in the ranking.

Cost Performance

Cost performance is calculated as the score per 100 yen, sorted in descending order of value.

Core i5 and i3 models have high cost performance.

They are popular for custom PC builds because they are affordable and suitable for a wide range of uses.

i7 and i9 models have higher performance but also higher prices, so their cost performance is lower.

This trend is similar across all generations.

Therefore, if the performance of Core i5 or i3 is sufficient for the intended use, these grades are the most recommended.

*For “T” models, cost performance could not be calculated as they were not available for sale at the time of research.

Power Efficiency (Watt Performance)

Power efficiency is calculated as the score per maximum TDP, sorted in descending order of value.

This can be helpful for those who want to build a power-saving custom PC.

The power-saving “T” models dominate the top rankings.

Next are Core i9 and i5, so if choosing by price, the affordable Core i5 is recommended.

Summary: The 13th Generation Is a Major Improvement Over the Previous Generation

This article explained in detail the features, specifications, and benchmark results of the 13th generation Intel Core processors.

Here is a summary of the key points:

The 13th generation brings major updates, especially regarding E-cores, compared to the previous generation.

With more models supporting E-cores and an increased number of E-cores in existing models, background and light tasks can be handled by E-cores, allowing P-cores to process heavy tasks without interference, improving processing efficiency.

Therefore, this is a good update for users who work with many applications open at the same time.

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