Are you looking for a powerful and versatile processor for your PC? If so, you might be interested in the new 13th generation of Intel CPUs, codenamed Raptor Lake. These CPUs offer improved performance and efficiency over the previous generation, thanks to their hybrid design of performance cores and efficiency cores. The performance cores are optimized for high-speed tasks, such as gaming and rendering, while the efficiency cores are designed for low-power tasks, such as web browsing and background processes. The Raptor Lake CPUs also support both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, as well as PCIe 5.0 and discrete Wi-Fi 7.
Among the new CPUs, the Core i5-14600K and the Core i7-13700K are two of the most popular choices for mainstream users. But how do these two CPUs compare, and which one should you buy? In this article, we will look at the key differences between the 14600K and the 13700K, and help you decide which one is better for your PC.
Price
The first thing to consider when choosing a CPU is the price. The 14600K and the 13700K have different price tags, depending on the market and availability. According to the official MSRP, the 14600K costs $328, while the 13700K costs $357. However, these prices may vary depending on the demand and supply, so you should always check the current prices before buying.
The 14600K is slightly cheaper than the 13700K, but the difference is not very significant. Both CPUs are relatively affordable compared to the higher-end models, such as the 14900K or the 13900K. However, you should also factor in the cost of the motherboard, the cooler, and the memory, which may affect your budget.
Specs & features
The 14600K and the 13700K are both based on the Raptor Lake architecture, which uses a hybrid design of performance cores and efficiency cores. The main difference between the 14600K and the 13700K is the number of cores and threads. The 14600K has 14 cores and 20 threads, while the 13700K has 16 cores and 24 threads. The 14600K has 6 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores, while the 13700K has 8 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores. The 13700K also has a slightly higher boost clock speed than the 14600K, reaching up to 5.4 GHz on the performance cores and 4.2 GHz on the efficiency cores, compared to 5.3 GHz and 4.0 GHz, respectively, on the 14600K. The 13700K also has a larger cache size than the 14600K, with 78 MB of total cache, compared to 44 MB on the 14600K.
Both CPUs have the same TDP of 125 W, which means they consume the same amount of power under load. However, the 13700K is known to run hotter than the 14600K, due to its higher core count and clock speed. Therefore, you will need a good cooler to keep the 13700K from overheating and throttling. The 14600K is easier to cool and can run well with a decent air cooler or a budget liquid cooler.
Here is a table that summarizes the main specs and features of the 14600K and the 13700K:
| CPU | Cores/Threads | Base Clock (P-Cores) | Boost Clock (P-Cores) | Base Clock (E-Cores) | Boost Clock (E-Cores) | Cache | TDP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14600K | 14/20 | 3.5 GHz | 5.3 GHz | 2.6 GHz | 4.0 GHz | 44 MB | 125 W |
| 13700K | 16/24 | 3.4 GHz | 5.4 GHz | 2.5 GHz | 4.2 GHz | 78 MB | 125 W |
Performance
The performance of the 14600K and the 13700K depends on the type of workload and the software optimization. Generally speaking, the 13700K has an advantage in multi-core performance, due to its higher number of performance cores and slightly faster boost clock speeds. The 13700K can handle more demanding tasks, such as video editing, 3D modeling, and streaming, better than the 14600K. The 13700K also performs well in gaming, especially at higher resolutions and settings, where the CPU is less of a bottleneck.
However, the 14600K is not far behind the 13700K in terms of performance. The 14600K has a slight edge in single-core performance, due to its higher base clock speed on the performance cores. The 14600K can run most games and applications smoothly, as long as they are not too CPU-intensive. The 14600K also has a lower power consumption and temperature than the 13700K, which means it can overclock better and achieve higher performance with adequate cooling.
According to User Benchmark, the 14600K has an average effective speed of 126%, while the 13700K has an average effective speed of 124%. The 14600K has a higher single-core speed of 222 points, while the 13700K has a lower single-core speed of 221 points. However, the 13700K has a higher octa-core speed of 1676 points, while the 14600K has a lower octa-core speed of 1500 points. The 13700K also has a higher 64-core speed of 3098 points, while the 14600K has a lower 64-core speed of 2487 points.
Other CPUs in the 13th generation
The 14600K and the 13700K are not the only CPUs in the 13th generation of Intel processors. Other models cater to different needs and budgets. Here are some of the other CPUs in the 13th generation:
- The Core i9-14900K is the flagship CPU of the 13th generation, with 16 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores, for a total of 24 cores and 32 threads. It has a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz and a boost clock speed of 6.0 GHz on the performance cores and 4.4 GHz on the efficiency cores. It has a whopping 96 MB of total cache and a TDP of 125 W. It is the ultimate CPU for enthusiasts and professionals who want the best performance possible, regardless of the price. It costs $699.
- The Core i7-13900K is a step down from the 14900K, with 12 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores, for a total of 20 cores and 28 threads. It has a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.8 GHz on the performance cores and 4.4 GHz on the efficiency cores. It has 72 MB of total cache and a TDP of 125 W. It is a great CPU for gamers and content creators who want high performance and productivity, without breaking the bank. It costs $499.
- The Core i5-13400K is a step down from the 14600K, with 10 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores, for a total of 18 cores and 24 threads. It has a base clock speed of 3.4 GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.6 GHz on the performance cores and 4.2 GHz on the efficiency cores. It has 48 MB of total cache and a TDP of 125 W. It is a good CPU for budget-conscious users who want decent performance and efficiency, without compromising too much. It costs $279.
- The Core i3-13100K is the entry-level CPU of the 13th generation, with 8 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, for a total of 12 cores and 16 threads. It has a base clock speed of 3.2 GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.2 GHz on the performance cores and 4.0 GHz on the efficiency cores. It has 36 MB of total cache and a TDP of 125 W. It is a basic CPU for casual users who want a smooth and reliable PC experience, without spending too much. It costs $199.
These are some of the other CPUs in the 13th generation of Intel processors, which offer different levels of performance and efficiency, depending on your needs and budget. You can compare them with the 14600K and the 13700K, and see which one suits you best.
Final verdict
The 14600K and the 13700K are both excellent CPUs for mainstream users who want a balance of performance and efficiency. The 14600K is slightly cheaper, easier to cool, and better in single-core performance, while the 13700K is slightly more expensive, harder to cool, and better in multi-core performance. The choice between the two depends on your personal preference, budget, and use case.
If you are looking for a CPU that can handle most games and applications without breaking the bank, the 14600K is a great option. The 14600K can deliver smooth and consistent performance, as long as you have a good GPU and enough RAM. The 14600K is also future-proof, as it supports discrete Wi-Fi 7, which is expected to offer faster and more reliable wireless connectivity.
However, if you are looking for a CPU that can handle more intensive tasks, such as video editing, 3D modeling, and streaming, the 13700K is a better option. The 13700K can offer higher performance and productivity, thanks to its higher core count and clock speed. The 13700K is also a great gaming CPU, especially at higher resolutions and settings, where the CPU is less of a bottleneck.
Whichever CPU you choose, you will need a compatible motherboard, a good cooler, and a fast memory to get the most out of it. The 14600K and the 13700K both work with Z690 and B660 motherboards, which support both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. However, DDR5 memory is still scarce and expensive, so you may want to stick with DDR4 for now. You will also need a good cooler to keep the CPU from overheating and throttling, especially the 13700K, which runs hotter than the 14600K.
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