Intel BX8071513700

The Intel Core i7-13700 is a 16-core, 24-thread desktop processor that delivers outstanding performance for both gaming and productivity at a reasonable price. It's not overclockable, but the 65W base TDP and support for DDR4 and DDR5 make it a smart choice for builders who want speed without the hassle. If you don't need to tinker with multipliers, this is one of the best CPU values in its class.

The PassMark numbers tell the story pretty clearly. The 13700 scores 35,967 in the multi-thread test and 4,096 in single-thread. That multi-thread score puts it well above average for desktop CPUs, and the single-thread result is one of the best on the market right now. In our database, this chip ranks in the 89th percentile for multi-thread and 92nd for single-thread performance. Translation: it's faster than roughly 9 out of 10 desktop processors we've tested.

In practice, that means you can throw pretty much anything at this chip and it won't flinch. Rendering a 4K video while you've got 40 browser tabs open and a game running in the background? Fine. Compiling a large codebase? Quick. The 8 efficiency cores handle background tasks so the 8 performance cores can focus on the heavy lifting. The 65W base TDP is also a big deal for thermals. It'll boost up to 219W under load, so you still need a decent cooler, but at idle and light workloads it sips power compared to the K series chips. The included boxed cooler is fine for basic use, but if you're planning to push this thing hard, grab a decent aftermarket air cooler or a 240mm AIO.

The most obvious comparison is the Intel Core i7-13700K. Same core count, same cache, same architecture, but the K version has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking and a higher base TDP. If you're a tinkerer who enjoys pushing hardware, the K is worth the extra money. But if you just want to install the chip and forget about it, the non-K 13700 delivers nearly identical performance out of the box for less cash.

Against AMD, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the chip most people cross-shop. The 9800X3D is a gaming monster thanks to its 3D V-Cache, and in pure gaming benchmarks it often edges out the 13700. But the 13700 fights back with better multi-threaded productivity performance and a lower price in most markets. The 13700 also supports DDR4, which the 9800X3D does not, so if you're upgrading an older AM4 or LGA1700 system with DDR4 RAM, the Intel chip saves you from buying new memory. For pure gaming at high refresh rates, the 9800X3D is the better pick. For a mixed workload of gaming plus productivity, the 13700 is hard to beat at its price.

Pricing on the 13700 is all over the place depending on where you shop. In the US, we're seeing listings from USD 566 to USD 729, which is a USD 163 spread for the exact same chip. That's a big enough gap that you should absolutely shop around before pulling the trigger. The best US deal in our database is on Amazon, where it's been spotted at the lower end of that range. In Europe, the spread is even wider, from EUR 497 to EUR 801 across German, Spanish, French, and Italian retailers. If you're in the EU, it's worth checking multiple storefronts because the savings can be substantial. Compared to the 13700K, you're giving up overclocking but saving a meaningful chunk of change, and for most people that's a trade worth making. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the main AMD alternative, but it typically costs more and targets a slightly different buyer.

The Intel Core i7-13700 sits in that sweet spot between the budget i5 chips and the flagship i9 monsters. It's a 16-core, 24-thread Raptor Lake processor with a 5.2GHz boost clock and a 65W base TDP, which sounds almost too good to be true for a chip that regularly lands in the USD 566 to USD 729 range. And honestly, for most people building a serious gaming or productivity rig, it kind of is. You get 8 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores, 30MB of L3 cache, and support for both DDR5 and DDR4 memory, so you're not forced into buying expensive new RAM if you're upgrading an older system.

Is the Core i7-13700 good for gaming? Short answer: yes, very. It's not the absolute top of the charts, but it's close enough that most people won't notice the difference without a frame counter running. The single-thread performance is a standout, which matters a lot for games that lean on one or two cores. And for productivity work like video editing, 3D rendering, or running a bunch of VMs, the 24 threads chew through workloads without breaking a sweat.

One thing to know upfront: this is the non-K version, so no overclocking. Intel locks the multiplier on the 13700, unlike the 13700K. If you're the type who wants to squeeze every last MHz out of your silicon, you'll want the K variant. But if you just want a fast chip that runs cool and sips power at idle, the 13700 is arguably the smarter buy. It also comes with Intel UHD Graphics 770 built in, which is handy for troubleshooting or running a display without a dedicated GPU.

Skip the 13700 if you're an overclocking enthusiast who wants to push every last MHz out of your chip, the 13700K or a Ryzen 7 9800X3D will serve you better. If you're building a pure gaming rig and frame rates are the only thing that matters, the 9800X3D's 3D V-Cache gives it an edge in many titles, so AMD might be the smarter buy there. And if you're on a tight budget and only need a chip for light office work or web browsing, this is overkill. A Core i5 or Ryzen 5 will handle those tasks for a lot less money. Finally, if you're buying used or refurbished, be cautious about the reported reliability issues with 13th-gen chips and make sure you have warranty coverage.

Should you buy the Intel Core i7-13700? If you're building a new PC or upgrading an LGA1700 system and you want a fast, efficient processor that handles gaming and productivity without drama, yes. It's one of the best value chips in Intel's 13th-gen lineup, and the 65W base TDP means it won't turn your case into a space heater. The lack of overclocking is the main compromise, but for most people that's a feature, not a bug. You install it, it works, and it's fast.

The reliability reports are worth taking seriously, though. A handful of users mention failures after about a year, and there were known voltage management issues with some 13th-gen chips. Intel has addressed some of this with microcode updates, but it's something to be aware of. If you're buying used or refurbished, make sure you're getting a solid warranty. For a new chip from a reputable retailer, the risk is low and the performance is excellent.