In this article, we delve into the Intel Core i7 14700K vs the Intel Core i9 13700K. As the 14th Generation Raptor Lake Refresh processors from Intel have now arrived, enthusiasts and professionals alike need to know how things match up. After all, these desktop CPUs vie for a prime position among the best CPUs in the market and bring a new challenge to AMD.
Recent times saw reported benchmarks of not just the Core i7-14700K, but also the Core i9-14900K, seeming to surface. But, as with any initial benchmarks, it’s wise to sprinkle a healthy dose of skepticism over the results until alleged CPUs and their scores are officially announced and unleashed. Now the CPU is here, we’ve got a more rounded sense of how it performs.
Intel Core i7 14700K vs Intel Core i7 13700K: specs
The arrival of Intel’s Core i7-14700K has garnered significant attention, especially when considering potential intriguing specifications that hint at a performance uplift. At the heart of the Core i7-14700K is an 8+12 core configuration, summing up to 20 cores and 28 threads. This is an evident stride forward from the Core i7-13700K, which came equipped with a 16-core (8+8) configuration.
Such an augmentation in E-Cores can deliver a palpable boost, particularly in tasks demanding proficient multi-threaded execution. The new chip also offers an enlarged 33 MB smart cache, a slight edge over its predecessor’s 30 MB. Clock speeds have been nudged upwards too, with the 14700K having a base of 3.4 GHz and a boost clock reaching up to 5.6 GHz. That outpaces the 13700K by 200 MHz in boost performance.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the two processors.
| Specification | Intel Core i7-14700K | Intel Core i7-13700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 20 (8+12) | 16 (8+8) |
| Threads | 28 | 24 |
| Base clock | 3.4 GHz | 3.4 GHz |
| Boost clock | 5.6 GHz | 5.4 GHz |
| L2 / L3 cache | 33 MB L3 Cache | 30 MB L3 Cache |
| TDP (PL1) | 125W | 125W |
| MSRP | $439 | $409 |
Taking a panoramic view, the Core i7-14700K is firmly seated within Intel’s Raptor Lake Refresh lineage. This powerhouse exploits the advantages of DDR5 memory, a feature that underscores faster memory kit compatibility compared to its Alder Lake and Raptor Lake siblings. In juxtaposition, the Core i7-13700K, from Intel’s 13th Generation lineup, while impressive in its own right, lags slightly with its 16 cores, 24 threads, and a peak frequency of 5.4 GHz. Both processors though match power consumption, registering a TDP of 125W. So you’re getting more efficiency from the 14700K.
One of the interesting delineations between these two chips may lie in their core configurations. While the Core i9’s update reportedly pivoted around clock speed enhancements, the Core i7-14700K would seem to bring in additional E-cores compared to the Core i7-13700K. This approach by Intel would speak volumes about their understanding of the market, recognizing a discernible demand among gamers and enthusiasts for more cores, enhanced power, and heightened efficiency.
Core i7 14700K vs Intel Core i7 13700K: performance indicators
We have no official or verified data here as we’ve not been hands-on, but more cores and higher clock speeds will mean improved performance. This is more than a tweak to boost clock as we saw in our 14900k review.
Previously, Benchmarks were shown pointing towards commendable strides made by the 14700K. Within the Cinebench R23, there was a reported substantial 16.96% performance uptick, while the CPU-Z MT benchmark recorded a 16.11% surge. The 3DMark CPU Profile MAX benchmark displayed a 14.89% improvement.
Such significant jumps would be down to a revamped core configuration, predominantly reflected in multi-threaded benchmarks. However, when it comes to single-core benchmarks, reported gains appear more subdued, circling the 5% mark. Again this reflects what we saw with the 14900K. Minimal difference. Do bear in mind, that these benchmarks would likely be contingent on ES (Engineering Sample) clock speeds, hinting that finalized results may present an even brighter picture.
Gaming aficionados will be heartened to know that, for the most part, the 14700K would seem to outshine its precursor. Nonetheless, there are a few outliers. A notable instance is the game “Battlefield 2142”, where the 14700K has seemingly lagged, attributed largely to firmware-level tuning challenges and the ES clock speeds. Additionally, overclocking enthusiasts may find the 14700K’s capability to ramp up to 5.8 GHz on a couple of cores and 5.7 GHz on the remaining cores intriguing.
Such overclocked conditions yielded a score of 937 points for single-core and an impressive 15599.8 points for multi-threaded tests in CPU-Z. Temperature dynamics are a tad encouraging too, with peak temperatures during overclocked scenarios lingering in the low 80C range (approx 176F). Still, in stock scenarios, particularly during AIDA stress tests, the chip’s temperature seems to breeze past the 90C (194F) barrier.
Core i7 14700K vs Intel Core i7 13700K: price
The 14700K is priced at $419, which was the MSRP of the 13700k although it can now be found for around $370. The context is important here. Past listings of Intel’s 14th Gen CPUs hinted at a 15% markup from their 13th Gen counterparts. Yet, it seems Intel opted for an average increase of just 3%. Given the advancements and refinements integrated into the 14700K, a modest price bump would not only have seemed reasonable but surprisingly restrained. Still, that the 13700K is now clearly cheaper makes more sense.
PC Guide thoughts
In wrapping things up, the 14700K appears a significant step forward from the 13700K. Intel has improved upon the older gen, and with increased cores and boost clock to its advantage the new arrival brings value – arguably more than the 14900K.
For those contemplating an upgrade or building a new system, the chip will offer a harmonious blend of power, performance, and value. However, if cost is a consideration, opting for the 13700K is still a sensible move – especially if you can get a good deal. If you do want to use the 14700K in a new build, rather than opting for an AMD chip, make sure to consider the best motherboards for the 14700K.
