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Intel Core i9-13900KS Desktop Processor 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) 36MB Cache, up to 6.0 GHz

Intel Core i9-13900KS Desktop Processor 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) 36MB Cache, up to 6.0 GHz

Bottom line: The Intel Core i9-13900KS Desktop Processor 24 cores 36MB Cache: 6.0 GHz max boost, the highest clock of Intel's 13th Gen desktop lineup; main trade-off: 150W base power spikes far higher; needs a 360mm AIO or better.

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Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014, focused on GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. Synthesises community benchmarks, manufacturer specs, and public forum data into actionable buying guides.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ 6.0 GHz max boost, the highest clock of Intel's 13th Gen desktop lineup
  • ✓ 24 cores / 32 threads: 8 P-cores plus 16 E-cores for heavy multitasking
  • ✓ 36MB L3 cache feeds large game and render working sets
  • ✓ Unlocked multiplier for per-core overclocking on Z790 boards
  • ✓ Drops into existing 600 and 700 series boards with DDR5 or DDR4

Cons

  • ✗ 150W base power spikes far higher; needs a 360mm AIO or better
  • ✗ No cooler in the box, adding cost to the build
  • ✗ Runs hot under sustained all-core loads even with strong cooling
  • ✗ End-of-line LGA1700 part with no future CPU upgrade path

Manufacturer description

13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900KS desktop processor. Featuring Intel Adaptive Boost Technology, Intel Thermal Velocity Boost, Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, and PCIe 5.0 & 4.0 support, DDR5 and DDR4 support, unlocked 13th Gen Intel Core i9 desktop processors are optimized for enthusiast gamers and serious creators and help deliver high performance. Compatible with Intel 700 Series and Intel 600 Series Chipset based motherboards. 150W Processor Base Power.

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Intel Core i9-13900KS Desktop Processor 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16… using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to our editorial and benchmark analysis across the processors category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the processors category before committing. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for processors of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Key Features

  • 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) and 32 threads. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 included
  • Performance hybrid architecture integrates two core microarchitectures, prioritizing and distributing workloads to optimize performance
  • Up to 6.0 GHz unlocked. 36M Cache
  • Compatible with Intel 600 series and 700 series chipset-based motherboards
  • Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, and PCIe 5.0 & 4.0 support. Intel Optane Memory support. No thermal solution included

Full Specifications

BrandIntel
TurboYes
Wattage95 watts
PlatformWindows
CPU ModelCore i9
CPU Speed6
CPU SocketLGA 1151
Unit Count1 Count
Model Numberi9-13900KS
Built-In MediaI9-13900KS DESKTOP PROC EOL LOD 5/24/2024
Mfr Part NumberBX8071513900KS
Number of Items1
Processor BrandIntel
Processor Count24
Processor Speed6
Secondary Cache32 MB
CPU ManufacturerIntel
Processor SeriesCore i9
Processor SocketLGA 1151
Processor Core Count24

Ready to buy?

Intel Core i9-13900KS Desktop Processor 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) 36MB Cache, up to 6.0 GHz is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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