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Intel Core i9 13900KS Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£480
Avg. price in US: ~$710
PassMark benchmark result: 60528
N. of physical cores: 24
CPU boost clock speed: 6.0 GHz

Intel Core i9 13900KS review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

8.5

Excellent

8.5

Excellent

8.5

Excellent

8.9
Gaming
Score components:
30.0%
9.3
PassMark single-core benchmark score
25.0%
9.2
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
20.0%
10
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
6.1
L3 cache
8.0%
10
N. of physical cores
9.0
Video editing
Score components:
45.0%
9.0
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
20.0%
10
N. of physical cores
20.0%
10
CPU threads
15.0%
6.1
L3 cache

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Verdict

The Intel Core i9-13900KS is a high-performance Special Edition desktop processor featuring 24 cores (8 Performance-cores and 16 Efficient-cores), 32 threads, and a record-breaking max turbo frequency of 6.0 GHz out of the box. Built on the Raptor Lake architecture for the LGA 1700 socket, it includes 36MB of Intel Smart Cache and supports both DDR5-5600 and DDR4-3200 memory. Its primary pros include industry-leading single-core speeds and elite multi-threaded performance for gaming and intensive content creation, achieved through superior silicon binning. However, its significant cons include extreme power consumption—peaking at 320W in its extreme power profile—along with intense thermal output that requires high-end cooling solutions and a high price premium for only marginal performance gains over the standard i9-13900K.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9 13900KS

Overall score

8.5

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.

Platform

8.2

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel

Processor type

What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.

When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

CPU socket

What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.

When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

Chipset

What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.

When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

CPU architecture

What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.

When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

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Performance

9.3

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N. of physical cores

What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.

When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

CPU threads

What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.

When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

Threads per core

What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.

When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

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CPU boost clock speed

What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.

When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

CPU base clock speed

What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.

When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Cache & Architecture

8.0

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Semiconductor size

What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.

When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

Foundry

What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.

When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

L3 cache

What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.

When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

L2 cache

What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.

When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

L1 cache

What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.

When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

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Memory & PCIe

9.1

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DDR memory version

What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.

When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

Maximum memory speed

What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.

When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.

When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

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Maximum memory capacity

What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

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Integrated Graphics

7.4

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Integrated graphics

What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.

When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

Integrated GPU model

What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.

When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Integrated GPU execution units

What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.

When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

Integrated GPU base frequency

What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.

When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

Integrated media encoders/decoders

What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.

When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

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Power & Thermal

1.9

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TDP (Thermal design power)

What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.

When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

Base power (PL1)

What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.

When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

Boost power (PL2)

What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.

When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

Tau (power duration limit)

What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.

When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

N/A

Configurable TDP

What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.

When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

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Intel Core i9 13900KS vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i9 13900KS better than the average processor?

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18 more CPU cores
Intel Core i9 13900KS has more CPU cores than the average processor (24 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: 8+
Intel Core i9 13900KS has more CPU cores than the average processor (24 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.24 vs 6
5.75x higher PassMark score
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (60,528 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >19000
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (60,528 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.60,528 vs 10,532.5
89.9% better single-core performance
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,715 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >3200
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,715 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.4,715 vs 2,483
2.12x higher single-core score
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,123 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >2000
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,123 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.3,123 vs 1,471
39.5% higher boost clock
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >4.7 GHz
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.6.0 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
24 more CPU threads
Intel Core i9 13900KS has more CPU threads than the average processor (32 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: 16+
Intel Core i9 13900KS has more CPU threads than the average processor (32 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.32 vs 8
12.8x larger L2 cache
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (32 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=6 MB
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (32 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.32 MB vs 2.5 MB
Newer PCIe version
Intel Core i9 13900KS supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5.0 + 4.0 vs 3.0).
What it is: The newest PCIe generation the processor can use directly for graphics cards, SSDs, and other high-speed expansion devices.
When it matters: When you want support for newer GPUs or SSDs, or more bandwidth for high-speed expansion hardware.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: 4.0
Intel Core i9 13900KS supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5.0 + 4.0 vs 3.0).5.0 + 4.0 vs 3.0
Modern CPU socket
Intel Core i9 13900KS uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1700 vs FP2).
Supports HMP
Intel Core i9 13900KS supports HMP, the average processor does not.
3 year/s newer release date
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a newer release date than the average processor (2023 vs 2020).
18 more CPU cores
Intel Core i9 13900KS has more CPU cores than the average processor (24 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
5.75x higher PassMark score
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (60,528 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
89.9% better single-core performance
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,715 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
2.12x higher single-core score
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,123 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
39.5% higher boost clock
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
24 more CPU threads
Intel Core i9 13900KS has more CPU threads than the average processor (32 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
86.4% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (902 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
Unlocked for overclocking
Intel Core i9 13900KS has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
2 wider front-end design
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher front-end width than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
6.69x better overclocked performance
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher overclocked performance than the average processor (60,571 vs 9,051). The average processor scores 9,051 in overclocked PassMark.
12.8x larger L2 cache
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (32 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
4.5x larger L3 cache
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (36 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
4x more L2 per core
Intel Core i9 13900KS has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
Uses big.LITTLE design
Intel Core i9 13900KS uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
5.67x larger L1 cache
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (2,176 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
More advanced microarchitecture
Intel Core i9 13900KS uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Raptor Lake vs Kaby Lake).
More advanced foundry
Intel Core i9 13900KS uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).
16.7% smaller process node
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a lower process node than the average processor (10 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
Newer PCIe version
Intel Core i9 13900KS supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5.0 + 4.0 vs 3.0).
3x more memory capacity
Intel Core i9 13900KS has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (192 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
95.6% higher memory bandwidth
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (89.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
Newer DDR support
Intel Core i9 13900KS supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5 vs DDR4).
Supports memory overclocking
Intel Core i9 13900KS supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
90.9% higher memory speed
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (5,600 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
4 more PCIe lanes
Intel Core i9 13900KS has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
Supports ECC memory
Intel Core i9 13900KS supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
1 more supported displays
Intel Core i9 13900KS has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.

Cache & Architecture

Integrated Graphics

Why is Intel Core i9 13900KS worse than the average processor?

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Narrower instruction support
Intel Core i9 13900KS supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
44.4% larger die size
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher die size than the average processor (257 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
12.5% less L3 per core
Intel Core i9 13900KS has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
Limited PCIe bifurcation
Intel Core i9 13900KS supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8).
Narrower media codec support
Intel Core i9 13900KS supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
3.95x higher boost power
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (253 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
3.33x higher base power
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher base power draw than the average processor (150 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
3.33x higher TDP
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher TDP than the average processor (150 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i9 13900KS does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
3.95x higher boost power
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (253 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <50 W
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (253 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.253 W vs 64 W
Narrower instruction support
Intel Core i9 13900KS supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.
Importance: MEDIUM
Intel Core i9 13900KS supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
3.33x higher base power
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher base power draw than the average processor (150 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <30 W
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher base power draw than the average processor (150 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.150 W vs 45 W
44.4% larger die size
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher die size than the average processor (257 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <150 mm²
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher die size than the average processor (257 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².257 mm² vs 178 mm²
3.33x higher TDP
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher TDP than the average processor (150 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <30 W
Intel Core i9 13900KS has a higher TDP than the average processor (150 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.150 W vs 45 W
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i9 13900KS does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.
Importance: LOW
Intel Core i9 13900KS does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
Narrower media codec support
Intel Core i9 13900KS supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.
Importance: LOW
Intel Core i9 13900KS supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
12.5% less L3 per core
Intel Core i9 13900KS has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=2 MB/core
Intel Core i9 13900KS has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core

Cache & Architecture

Integrated Graphics

Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i9 13900KS and other processors

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i9 13900KS?

World's first consumer desktop processor to hit a 6GHz boost clock out of the box
Highest-quality 'binned' silicon allows for better stability and lower voltage at high frequencies
Excellent single-threaded performance, topping most benchmark charts
Ideal for extreme overclocking enthusiasts seeking the absolute performance ceiling
Slightly better 1% low frame rates in gaming compared to the standard 13900K

What customers dislike about Intel Core i9 13900KS?

Extremely high power consumption, reaching up to 320W-400W+ under full load
Requires high-end cooling solutions (360mm/420mm AIOs) to prevent immediate thermal throttling
Poor value proposition with a significant price premium for only 1-3% real-world performance gains
Recent reports of a microcode bug causing system instability and crashes in high-wattage 13th/14th Gen CPUs
Virtually indistinguishable gaming performance from the cheaper Core i9-13900K at 1440p and 4K resolutions

Expert reviews

au.pcmag.com

09/03/2023

Intel Core i9-13900KS - Review 2023 - PCMag Australia

The Intel Core i9-13900KS is a "binned" version of the standard i9-13900K, selected to reach a 6GHz boost clock out of the box. While offering 24 cores (8 Performance/16 Efficient) and 32 threads, the review classifies this CPU as a "bragging rights" product due to negligible performance gains over the standard model, despite the 200MHz frequency increase. Benchmarks showed less...Read more

theshortcut.com

25/01/2023

Intel Core i9-13900KS review: Intel's best CPU yet

The Intel Core i9-13900KS is a high-binned processor achieving a 6.0 GHz boost clock out of the box, utilizing 24 cores and 32 threads on the Raptor Lake architecture for maximum performance. As a specialized, premium offering, it provides unparalleled single and multi-threaded performance, making it an ideal choice for extreme enthusiasts seeking the fastest available mainstream...Read more

club386.com

07/02/2023

Intel Core i9-13900KS review: peak power - Club386

The Club386 review describes the Intel Core i9-13900KS as a "vanity project" that achieves a record 6GHz out-of-the-box clock speed using top-tier, factory-overclocked silicon, aiming primarily for performance leadership. While it offers elite, top-tier performance—surpassing 40,000 in Cinebench R23—these marginal gains over the regular 13900K do not justify the $100 price premium...Read more

overclock3d.net

22/01/2023

Intel Core i9 13900KS Review - OC3D

The Overclock3D review of the Intel Core i9-13900KS highlights it as the first processor to achieve 6.0 GHz at stock settings, utilizing high-quality silicon binning to provide extreme,, out-of-the-box performance. This 24-core (8 E) CPU relies on an Extreme Power Delivery Profile, pushing power draw up to 320W to maintain these high speeds. While offering unmatched, top-tier...Read more

pugetsystems.com

12/01/2023

Intel Core i9 13900KS Content Creation Review

Puget Systems' review of the Intel Core i9-13900KS concludes that the "special edition" processor is a niche product offering minimal performance gains for content creators compared to the standard i9-13900K. While achieving a 6.0 GHz boost clock, real-world application performance in tools like Adobe Premiere Pro is nearly identical to the base model, making the $100 premium...Read more

uk.pcmag.com

08/03/2023

Intel Core i9-13900KS - Review 2023 - PCMag UK

The Intel Core i9-13900KS is a 24-core, 32-thread processor that achieves a record 6GHz boost clock out of the box, utilizing top-tier silicon binning. While offering the highest raw speeds on the market, the chip provides minimal performance gains over the standard 13900K and is plagued by extreme power draw and heat, often hitting 100°C under load. Primarily a niche product for...Read more

techpowerup.com

21/04/2023

Intel Core i9-13900KS Review - The Empire Strikes Back - TechPowerUp

The Intel Core i9-13900KS is a specialized Raptor Lake "halo" processor featuring a factory-set 6.0 GHz boost clock, 24 cores, and a 150 W base power, targeting enthusiasts requiring peak performance. While offering unmatched application speeds and supporting both DDR4/DDR5, it delivers minimal, if any, gaming advantages over the standard 13900K and is often outpaced by the AMD...Read more

tomshardware.com

29/01/2023

Intel Core i9-13900KS Review: The World's First 6 GHz 320W CPU - Tom's Hardware

The Tom's Hardware review highlights the Intel Core i9-13900KS as a niche, record-setting processor, being the first desktop chip to hit a 6.0 GHz factory-set frequency to regain the gaming crown. While providing unmatched single-core performance, it offers only marginal gains (approx. 1.5% in 1080p gaming) over the standard 13900K. The pros center on top-tier gaming performance,...Read more

overclock3d.net

22/01/2023

Intel Core i9 13900KS Review - OC3D

The Intel Core i9-13900KS is highlighted as a landmark processor, delivering a 6 GHz boost clock out of the box through high-quality binned silicon. Featuring 24 cores and 32 threads, it offers unrivaled performance in content creation and heavy workloads, utilizing a 320W power profile to maintain these speeds. However, the chip requires massive cooling solutions and premium...Read more

hothardware.com

20/01/2023

Intel Core i9-13900KS Review: First To 6GHz, Fastest CPU Yet - HotHardware

The Intel Core i9-13900KS is recognized as the first mainstream desktop processor to achieve a 6.0GHz boost clock out of the box, utilizing a pre-binned, 24-core Raptor Lake architecture designed for peak performance. Performance testing shows it as the fastest desktop CPU to date, leading in single-threaded tasks and gaming benchmarks while slightly exceeding the standard 13900K in...Read more

techspot.com

13/01/2023

Intel Core i9-13900KS Review: Hitting 6 GHz - TechSpot

The TechSpot review describes the Intel Core i9-13900KS as a "dumpster fire" for most users, offering marginal performance gains for extreme power and thermal costs. While achieving a 6.0 GHz peak clock, the chip frequently hits 100°C under load, resulting in minor 2-5% performance improvements over the standard 13900K. Despite its high cost and power demands, the chip is praised...Read more

hardwaredealz.com

15/05/2026

Intel Core i9-13900KS Special Edition Review", "Intel Core i9-13900KS Special Edition Benchmark", "Intel Core i9-13900KS Special Edition Performance T...

The Intel Core i9-13900KS Special Edition, tested by HardwareDealz, is a pre-binned processor designed to hit a milestone 6.0 GHz boost clock right out of the box with 24 cores and 32 threads. While achieving top-tier performance, the review highlights that its real-world gaming advantage over the standard 13900K is often marginal, ranging from 1% to 2% depending on the title. Key...Read more

igorslab.de

25/01/2023

Intel 13th Gen Raptor Lake Binning | Part 3: i9-13900KS

Igor's Lab analyzed nearly 200 retail samples of the Intel Core i9-13900KS, confirming it as a cherry-picked, factory-tuned processor capable of 6.0 GHz, yet offering only marginal real-world gains over the standard 13900K. While showing the highest overall silicon quality (108.1 average SP), these chips often hit extreme thermal and power limits, demanding high-end cooling...Read more

pcgameshardware.de

20/01/2023

Core i9-13900KS Review: Our Verdict + Rating

The Intel Core i9-13900KS is a pre-binned "Special Edition" processor designed for 6.0 GHz out-of-the-box speeds, utilizing higher power limits (up to 320W) for top-tier single-threaded and gaming performance. Despite setting performance records, it offers only a marginal 1–3% improvement over the standard 13900K, serving mainly as a niche product for enthusiasts. Key advantages...Read more

computerbase.de

31/01/2023

Intel Core i9-13900KS with 6.0 GHz Review

The Intel Core i9-13900KS, a "special edition" Raptor Lake processor, is designed for maximum performance, achieving a 6.0 GHz turbo clock on a single core out of the box. While it offers top-tier multi-threaded speed, marginal gains of only 1-3% over the standard i9-13900K are observed in most scenarios, with negligible differences in 4K gaming. The CPU suffers from intense thermal...Read more

hardwareluxx.de

08/02/2023

Unbridled at 6 GHz and beyond: Intel Core i9-13900KS review

The HardwareLuxx review of the Intel Core i9-13900KS identifies it as a pre-binned, 24-core Raptor Lake processor designed to achieve a record-breaking 6.0 GHz out of the box, utilizing an extreme 320W power profile. As the fastest desktop chip for single-threaded tasks and gaming, it offers marginal 1–5% performance gains over the standard 13900K, serving primarily as a premier...Read more

geeknetic.es

12/01/2023

Intel Officially Launches Core i9-13900KS, the World's First 6GHz CPU Out of the Box

a little longer The Intel Core i9-13900KS is a special edition "Raptor Lake" processor, recognized as the world's first desktop CPU to achieve a 6.0 GHz frequency out of the box. This performance is realized through aggressive silicon binning, selecting the highest-quality chips to maintain stability at extreme speeds. The processor boasts 24 cores (8P + 16E) and 32 threads,...Read more

geeknetic.es

19/02/2023

Intel Core i9-13900KS Review: Full Analysis

The Intel Core i9-13900KS, reviewed by Geeknetic, is a "Special Edition" processor boasting a record 6.0 GHz stock boost clock using 24 cores (8P + 16E). While offering top-tier single and multi-core performance, the CPU provides only a 1–5% real-world improvement over the standard 13900K, with negligible differences in 4K gaming. Significant drawbacks include intense power draw up...Read more

tweakers.net

09/05/2023

Processor Best Buy Guide: The best CPUs in May 2023

The May 2023 Tweakers processor guide highlights the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D as the premier gaming CPU, offering high efficiency and superior performance via 3D V-Cache. While gaming-focused, it trails in heavy productivity compared to the Intel Core i9-13900K, which leads in multi-threaded tasks but suffers from high power consumption. For mid-range, the Intel Core i5-13600K is praised...Read more

tweakers.net

27/02/2023

AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs. Intel Core i9-13900KS Review

The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D emerges as the, efficient gaming leader in the Tweakers.net review, leveraging 3D V-Cache for top-tier performance while using roughly half the power of its competitor. While it excels in efficiency, a key con is its asymmetrical design, where only one 8-core chiplet features the extra cache, potentially requiring careful scheduling for optimal performance....Read more

tweakers.net

12/01/2023

Intel releases Core i9-13900KS with 6GHz boost clock for 700 dollars

The Intel Core i9-13900KS is a specialized Raptor Lake processor, distinguishing itself as the first consumer CPU to achieve a 6GHz boost clock out of the box. With 24 cores (8 P-cores, 16 E-cores), this high-performance chip provides top-tier, binned silicon for enthusiasts and excels in heavy multi-core, productivity-focused workloads. While it delivers unparalleled clock speeds,...Read more

tweakers.net

27/02/2023

Who has the fastest gaming CPU? Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs. Core i9-13900KS

Tweakers compares the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D and Intel Core i9-13900KS, finding the 7950X3D leads in gaming performance due to 3D V-Cache while offering superior power efficiency. A key advantage for AMD is consuming roughly half the power of the 13900KS during gaming, though a drawback is the complex dual-CCD architecture that requires specific software scheduling. The Intel Core...Read more

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