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Is the i9-13900 good for gaming?

Does the Intel i9-13900 have some powerful gaming internals or is it far too powerful for such a pastime

Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock

Last Updated on April 24, 2023
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Normally i9 processors are better used for productivity tasks, such as content creation or anything that requires demanding multi-threaded power. Gaming, on the other hand, needs single-thread power. So the best CPU for that would be one that can squeeze the best out of one core and thread, thus making the i9-13900 gaming potential quite steep for such an offering.

The Intel i9-13900 is a strong and fast CPU that will perform amazingly with any game at resolutions as high as 4K. This CPU not only is a great multi-thread performer but the hybrid division of the cores helps the processor give high single-thread results.

In conclusion, to quickly resolve the question is the i9-13900 good for gaming? Yes, the Intel Core i9-13900 is a high-performance processor and is suitable for gaming. With its 24 cores and 32 threads, high clock speeds, and large cache, it should be able to handle demanding games smoothly. However, other factors such as the graphics card, memory, and storage also play a role in overall gaming performance. It is important to consider the specific requirements of the games you want to play when choosing hardware.

Still, despite its beefy internals, the i9-13900 is not the most recommended CPU for gaming. Although it is more power efficient and carries a better price tag than the K and Ks variants, it is still a $589 CPU, one that will throw 24 cores into the trash with gaming activities that won’t use them all. To stay within the non-K variants, a better option for gaming would be the Intel Core i7-13700.

Is an i9 overkill for gaming?

Yes, normally an Intel i9 has far more cores than what will be used for gaming. This is a processor aimed at demanding and high-end productivity tasks that will require multithreading and high core count specs. An i9 nowadays has over 24 cores and 32 threads. Not a single game will use them all. Games will barely use more than 8 cores. And that’s just for the CPU to maintain background activities while the game uses a single core in single-thread activities.

So, in conclusion, the Intel Core i9-13900 is a high-performance processor that offers ample processing power for most gaming purposes. However, if you’re looking for the best gaming experience, you may not necessarily need this level of performance. A less powerful processor with a strong graphics card, sufficient memory, and fast storage can still provide a very good gaming experience. It’s important to evaluate your needs and budget to determine if an i9-13900 is overkill for your gaming needs.

Ryan Epps is a copywriter and content manager for PCGuide. He loves researching the newest PC components and watching underrated anime from the 90s.