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Intel Core i9-12900E vs Intel Core i9-13900: Comparison
What is the difference between Core i9-12900E and Core i9-13900?
These two are close on paper, and total cores is the only measure that separates them at all: Core i9-12900E 16 against Core i9-13900 24. Add l3 cache to that, 30 MB on the Core i9-12900E versus 36 MB on the Core i9-13900, and the pattern holds. They differ on p-core base clock too, 2.3 GHz on the Core i9-12900E versus 2.0 GHz on the Core i9-13900. Release year is not the same on both, 2022 on the Core i9-12900E versus 2023 on the Core i9-13900. There is a split on market segment as well, Embedded on the Core i9-12900E versus Desktop on the Core i9-13900. They differ on microarchitecture too, Alder Lake on the Core i9-12900E versus Raptor Lake on the Core i9-13900.
Which should you buy, Core i9-12900E or Core i9-13900?
The Core i9-12900E suits embedded systems and long-lifecycle industrial PCs, though it is the wrong buy for laptops and fanless designs. The Core i9-13900 is the one to take for desktop gaming and everyday productivity, though it is not the pick for laptops and fanless designs. Our rating of the Core i9-12900E (7.9/10): the Intel Core i9-12900E is an embedded/IoT desktop variant built for long-lifecycle commercial and industrial systems. Our rating of the Core i9-13900 (8.2/10): the Intel Core i9-13900 is a mainstream desktop processor, a solid all-rounder for gaming and productivity builds.
What Core i9-12900E and Core i9-13900 have in common
Everything else lines up. Performance cores, tdp, integrated graphics, socket and form factor read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing. They match on 4 further specifications as well.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Core i9-12900E and Core i9-13900 differ on efficiency cores?
Yes. Efficiency Cores reads 8 on the Core i9-12900E versus 16 on the Core i9-13900.
Is the iGPU the same on the Core i9-12900E and Core i9-13900?
It is. Both are listed at Intel UHD Graphics 770, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- Desktop
- Intel Core i9-13900
- Desktop
Codename
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- Alder Lake
- Intel Core i9-13900
- Raptor Lake
Release Year
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- 2022
- Intel Core i9-13900
- 2023
TDP
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- 65 W
- Intel Core i9-13900
- 65 W
iGPU
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- Intel UHD Graphics 770
- Intel Core i9-13900
- Intel UHD Graphics 770
Market Segment
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- Embedded
- Intel Core i9-13900
- Desktop
Microarchitecture
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- Alder Lake
- Intel Core i9-13900
- Raptor Lake
Socket
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- LGA 1700
- Intel Core i9-13900
- LGA 1700
Process Node
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- 7 nm
- Intel Core i9-13900
- 7 nm
Total Cores
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- 16
- Intel Core i9-13900
- 24Best
Performance Cores
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- 8
- Intel Core i9-13900
- 8
Efficiency Cores
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- 8
- Intel Core i9-13900
- 16Best
Total Threads
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- 24
- Intel Core i9-13900
- 32Best
SMT Enabled
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- Yes
- Intel Core i9-13900
- Yes
P-Core Base Clock
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- 2.3 GHz
- Intel Core i9-13900
- 2.0 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- 5.0 GHz
- Intel Core i9-13900
- 5.6 GHz
L3 Cache
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- 30 MB-17%
- Intel Core i9-13900
- 36 MBBest
Base Power
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- 65 W
- Intel Core i9-13900
- 65 W
Memory Type
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- DDR5, DDR4
- Intel Core i9-13900
- DDR5, DDR4
Integrated Graphics
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- Yes
- Intel Core i9-13900
- Yes
Which one should you pick?
Choose 12900E if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose 13900 if you want the higher L3 cache (36 MB vs 30 MB).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Intel Core i9-12900E | Intel Core i9-13900 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Intel Core i9-12900E
7.9 / 10 Expert Rating
The Intel Core i9-12900E is an embedded/IoT desktop variant built for long-lifecycle commercial and industrial systems.
Intel Core i9-13900
8.2 / 10 Expert Rating
The Intel Core i9-13900 is a mainstream desktop processor, a solid all-rounder for gaming and productivity builds.