After AMD’s launch in late 2022, Intel’s next-generation processors are now official. The 13th generation “Raptor Lake” desktop CPUs hit the market on October 20, 2022 and in the usual way, there is a lot to talk about.
The 13th generation chips are, in an absolutely unsurprising move, more powerful, faster and more powerful than their predecessors. There were six K-series CPUs available at launch, and now Intel has revealed the full lineup including chips for gaming, budget laptops, mainstream Ultrabooks, consumer desktops, and more at CES 2023.
Here’s a breakdown of everything we know.
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What’s New in Intel’s 13th Generation Raptor Lake Processors?
Intel revealed a full lineup of. This includes mainstays like the HX-, H-, P-, and U-series laptop chips, as well as the standard (non-K) and F-series desktop chips, the new unlocked T-series 35W lifestyle chips for desktops, and the N series. Series processors for budget laptops and desktops.
These new processors complement the 13th generation of K-series desktop CPUs released in October 2022.
Intel 13th Gen Raptor Lake: At a Glance
There are many specifications, details, and performance metrics to follow. But if you’re looking for the shorter version, here’s what we’re looking for.
- Up to 24 cores (combination of P (Performance) and E (Efficient) cores), 32 threads
- Intel Thread Director optimizes workloads by helping the operating system distribute loads to optimal cores
- The Intel Core i9-13900K is the “world’s fastest gaming CPU” with a clock speed of 5.8GHz on the P core
- Support for DDR4-3200 and DDR5-5600
- Support for PCIe 4.0 (up to 4 lanes) and PCIe 5.0 (up to 16 lanes)
- The P and E-cores, graphics and memory cores on the Z690 and Z790 chipsets can all be overclocked
- XMP 3.0 support
- Integrated graphics card capable of playing 8K60 HDR video and four 4K60 displays simultaneously
- Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E processor
13th Gen Intel Raptor Lake desktop lineup
We now have the full lineup of Intel’s 13th Gen Raptor Lake processors, which gives us a better idea of how they decide to pick them. As previously confirmed, Raptor Lake CPUs are built on the same Intel 7 process as the 12th Gen Alder Lake, but with impressive performance improvements. These are expected to be the last Intel 7-based CPUs before moving to Intel 4.
The K- and KF-series CPUs released last year include Core i5, Core i7, and Core i9 variants with ascending performance levels. Here’s a look at the lineup.
Just like the 12th generation chips, the new Raptor Lake CPUs feature Intel’s hybrid design for performance (P-cores) and efficiency (E-cores). The range-topping Core i9 now boasts 24 total cores, though like the Core i7, only 8 of those are P-cores. Across the board, the new CPUs see twice as many e-cores than their respective predecessor. All of these cores can be overclocked on the K variants. Turbo clock speeds have also been increased, with up to an additional 600MHz from the Core i9.
Additionally, the 13th generation Intel chipset increases DDR5 support up to 5600, compared to 4800 in the 12th generation. It’s also now confirmed that DDR4 support is still up to the 3200. AMD ditched DDR4 with the Ryzen 7000, so this added backwards compatibility is undoubtedly a relief to some Intel PC builders.
Support for both PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 is included, with up to 16 lanes of PCIe 5.0 bandwidth. Finally, it is compatible with both the Z690 and Z790 chipsets while using the same last generation. This also means the same radiator support.
The first introduced 125W K Series CPUs are aimed at gamers and enthusiasts who want as much power as possible. Those who don’t need a lot of juice can now check out Intel’s 13th Gen 65W desktop processors, with and without integrated graphics. There are ten chips in total in this category, ranging from the Core i3 (which are actually the 58W and 60W versions) to the Core i9. Here is a look at the list.
There are 10 processors in total, with up to 24 cores, 32 threads, and a turbo clock speed of 5.6GHz. Standard versions include integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770, while F-series variants give up anything integrated. This keeps costs down in systems with a discrete GPU. It is interesting to note that the Core i5 chips now have two performance and efficiency cores; Only 12th generation chips with P cores were used.
Intel isn’t finished there, as it has also introduced some new T-series desktop CPUs with 35W TDP. These are geared more towards the average desktop user who doesn’t want to use a lot of power. It won’t be as powerful as its 65W counterparts, but it’s still perfect for creativity and productivity.
Here’s a look at a rundown of the T-series chips, of which there are seven. They all come with integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770, and range from Core i3 to Core i9.
Intel Mobile Lineup 13th Generation Raptor Lake
Intel’s 13th generation processors for laptops haven’t changed much since the previous generation, with the exception of the newer HX series. HX CPUs hit the market in mid-2022, offering performance that can rival even the best desktops. HX now appears to be a major part of Intel’s lineup, bringing nine new chips to the 13th generation.
These 55W processors range from Core i5 to Core i9, topping out at 24 cores, 32 threads, and a Turbo frequency of 5.6GHz. These CPUs are unlocked for overclocking, and they’re clinging to DDR4 support (with DDR5 support, too). Here’s a look at the full lineup of 13th Gen HX Series CPUs.
One step down are Intel’s 13th generation H-series mobile processors, which have a slightly lower 45W TDP with maximum core count but still deliver solid performance in gaming and design. These new models range from Core i5 to Core i9, with 14 cores and 20 threads counting for the most powerful i9-13900HK.
Here’s a look at the full range of 13th Gen Intel H-series CPUs.
The P and U series mobile chips have received the same iterative update as their H series counterparts. P-series chipsets range from Core i5 to Core i7 with up to 14 cores and 20 threads, while U-series CPUs include Core i3 Up to Core i7 max 10 cores and 12 threads. The P series processors run at 28W, while the U series processors run at 15W to extend battery life.
Check out the Intel 13th Gen U and P lineup.
Intel’s top Evo platform laptops will still meet certain requirements, including long battery life and solid performance even when unplugged, as well as new Intel Unison technology that lets you make calls, respond to text messages, and transfer files between Your laptop and your phone.
Intel further clarified that some of its new Core-equipped laptops will include something called a Movidius Vision Processing Unit (VPU). This works in conjunction with Microsoft’s Windows Studio Effects, helping to free up the processor as the VPU handles AI-intensive tasks.
Finally, Intel also has some new N series processors to show off. The four new CPUs use Gracemont cores and are built using the Intel 7 process, though they don’t have any performance cores. Instead, you can have up to 8 effective cores and 8 threads, with relatively large performance gains. Intel claims that these new N chips can manage a 28% increase in application performance and a 64% increase in graphics performance compared to the last generation.
Performance Measurement
Intel made some big claims before the 13th gen launch about its performance, especially compared to the 12th gen and AMD. But this data was produced using previous generation AMD Ryzen CPUs. Now that both companies have made their latest available, we have a clearer idea.
As we found in our reviews of and, Intel wasn’t overstating performance claims (too much). Single-core performance remains class-leading, delivering great experiences in tasks like gaming. The additional e-cores definitely help with multi-threaded workloads, but the Core i9-13900K is the absolute champ. Not only can it perform in games, but its multi-core performance is more than a match for AMD’s best, and in some areas, even outperforms it with a lower price tag.
The Core i9-13900K has been billed as “the world’s fastest gaming CPU,” but if you’re just buying one to play with, you’re significantly underusing it. Professionals, workstations, and creatives will all benefit from the sheer amount of power available. Streamers, for example, can comfortably look beyond using dual PCs. This CPU can do it all.
Intel claims multi-threaded performance is up to 41% better than the 13th generation
Since the 13th generation is the same Intel 7 process as the 12th generation, the gains come from several areas, not the least of which is the doubling of the number of e-cores in each of the new CPUs. These electron cores also have higher clock speeds, turbo up to 4.3GHz. It’s a similar tale regarding the P-cores, with an updated design, a clock speed boost of up to 600MHz, and a larger L2 cache. If you want to overclock, the P cores have already hit over 8 GHz with liquid nitrogen.
Perhaps more impressive is the scalable performance compared to the power draw. The Core i9-13900K can deliver a level of performance similar to the 241W Core i9-12900K while drawing only 65W – or about a quarter of the power of the 12th Gen. Increase power and gains, but at the same time 241W max turbo in Core i9-12900K Intel says Core i9-13900K will perform 37% better.
Impressively, the Intel Core i9-13900K has the same TDP as the Core i7-13700K despite the increased core count. That’s not to say it won’t run hot, topping out at 100C in our tests, and easily topping out at 300W. By contrast, the Core i5-13600K stays within quoted TDP limits and doesn’t get throttling hot.
Release date and price
The good news is that Intel has been honest about releasing its 13th generation K-series CPUs before the end of 2022. They go on sale on October 20, 2022. Intel’s new desktop and mobile CPUs will start appearing in Plus some store shelves hit pretty much as stand-alone purchases for builders. No exact date set yet, but new laptops (like) with the latest hardware have already been unveiled.
Prices vary, with the Intel Core i5-13600KF starting at just under $300 and the K variant just over $300. The range-topping Core i9 starts at around $560. The difference between the K and KF variants is that KF CPUs do not have integrated graphics. So, if you are building a gaming PC with a dedicated GPU, you can save a little money.
Frequently asked questions about 13th generation Intel processors
What socket is the 13th generation Intel using?
Intel’s 13th generation Raptor Lake uses the same LGA1700 CPU socket as the 12th generation Alder Lake chips. And since the 13th Gen supports the Z690 and Z790, you can keep your existing motherboard.
Do 12th Gen CPU coolers work with 13th Gen processors?
Yes, the CPU coolers you may have just bought for your Alder Lake based PC will also work with next generation Intel chips. This is because the 13th generation Raptor Lake processors also use the same LGA1700 socket.
Does Raptor Lake support DDR4 memory modules?
Yes, DDR4-3200 is supported, although overall system performance will be lower than when using DDR5.
Concluding thoughts
It’s a great time to be a PC builder, between new Intel 13th Gen CPUs and AMD’s latest offerings. This isn’t the same shift as the 12th gen from the 11th gen, so keeping some of your existing hardware is definitely a bonus. But there are still serious performance gains to be made.
13th Gen CPUs are more than just that: more cores, more performance, and most importantly, a better performance-to-power ratio. There are a few extra touches to impress, too. Intel Thread Director works together with Windows 11 to better distribute workloads across optimal cores. It’s a solid update, even if you already have a 12th generation system.
Intel Core i5-13600K
Intel’s latest mid-range CPU is an absolute winner, with much improved performance over its predecessor, now making it the best CPU to put into a gaming PC.
5.1 GHz speed
LGA 1700 socket
Brand Intel
TDP 125W / 181W