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Is the Core i7-13700K CPU Good for Gaming?

Find out if Intel's Core i7 13700K processor is good for gaming.

Is the Core i7-13700K CPU Good for Gaming? Kevin Jones / TechReviewer

Last Updated: March 25, 2023

Written by Kevin Jones

When selecting a CPU for gaming, the most important characteristics are the clock speed (or frequency), number of cores and threads, cache size, and type of memory it supports. Additional considerations like integrated graphics and overclocking needs may also influence your selection.

In addition to discussing how good the 13700K is for gaming, this article will discuss our recommended:

Check another CPU:
Intel Core i7-13700K TechReviewer
Core i7 13700K

Is the 13700K Good for Gaming?

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When using Intel's Core i7-13700K CPU for gaming, you can expect excellent game performance with a high-performance CPU cooler or good game performance with a basic or stock CPU cooler.

Check out our Recommended LGA 1700 Coolers below.

This performance assessment is based on the following characteristics of the CPU and their relevance to the latest graphics-intense games:

  • 30 MB of L3 cache is excellent for performance
  • 8 Performance cores allow for excellent performance
  • 3.40 GHz base frequency
  • 5.40 GHz single-core max turbo boost frequency is excellent for performance (requires a high-end cooler)
  • 5.30 GHz max turbo boost frequency of the Performance cores are excellent for performance (requires a high-end cooler)
  • DDR5 support with a max stock speed of 5600 MHz can be excellent for performance
  • Overclocking support can be excellent for performance (requires a high-end cooler)
  • PCIe 5.0 support can be excellent for performance (with the fastest SSDs and GPUs)
  • The 13700K has integrated graphics support, but this performance assessment assumes you will use a graphics card. Integrated graphics support is mediocre or worse with the latest graphics-intense games.
Check out these Intel Core CPUs that are Good or Excellent for gaming:
Recommended Motherboards for the Core i7 13700K:

Is the Cache Size of the 13700K Good for Gaming?

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A CPU's cache is a small amount of memory, close to the CPU cores, containing recently used data.

Games performance can improve as cache size increases, as it will reduce delays when retrieving commonly used game assets from memory.

An L3 cache capacity of at least 20 MB is ideal for game performance.

The Intel Core i7-13700K has an L3 cache capacity of 30 MB.

The 13700K's impressive 30 MB of L3 cache is excellent for performance with the latest graphics-intense games.

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Is the Core Count of the 13700K Good for Gaming?

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Increased core counts can improve the performance of games that use them, but most modern games don't benefit from having more than 6–8 cores. Remember that cache sizes often increase along with core counts, so if you want to increase your L3 cache, you may need to get a CPU with more cores.

Intel's Core i7-13700K CPUs have 8 Performance (P) cores and 8 Efficiency (E) cores for a total of 16 cores.

The P cores are comparable to previous generation cores. Running a game will primarily use P cores.

E cores are focused on adding additional threads in an energy-efficient manner. They take up much less room on the CPU and generate less heat. However, their smaller cache and minimal interconnect capabilities make them more appropriate for offloading background tasks.

The 13700K's 8 Performance cores allow for excellent performance with the latest graphics-intense games.

Is the Clock Speed of the 13700K Good for Gaming?

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Single-core performance is essential for some games, as many don't take full advantage of multiple cores.

Turbo boost frequencies are only achieved under ideal circumstances. The safest strategy for consistent gaming performance with a basic cooler is to get a higher base clock speed processor. However, with adequate cooling, you may be able to maintain speeds near the max boost frequency.

When using a high-end cooler, the 13700K CPU's support for overclocking can be excellent for performance with the latest graphics-intense games.

The 8 Performance cores have a 3.40 GHz base frequency and support a 5.30 GHz max turbo frequency.

The 13700K has a 3.40 GHz base frequency, which is the speed before boosting. You can reach these base frequencies even without a high-end cooler.

With a high-end cooler, the 13700K's 5.40 GHz single-core max turbo boost frequency is excellent for performance with the latest graphics-intense games. You can maintain these frequencies with a high-end cooler.

With a high-end cooler, the 13700K's 5.30 GHz max turbo boost frequency of the Performance cores are excellent for performance with the latest graphics-intense games. P core turbo boost frequencies can be maintained with a high-end cooler.

Check out my article, Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for Intel's Core i7-13700K, for recommended coolers that can maintain these boost frequencies.

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Is the DDR Support of the 13700K Good for Gaming?

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The 13700K CPU's support for DDR5 with a max stock speed of 5600 MHz can be excellent for performance with the latest graphics-intense games.

Faster PC memory can improve game performance and frame rates, but using the fastest RAM may not have as much of an impact as upgrading your CPU and graphics card or adding more RAM.

Learn more about DDR in DDR4 vs. DDR5? Which You Should Buy.

Learn about our recommended RAM for the 13700K in Best RAM for the Intel Core i7-13700K CPU.

What Does the K Suffix in 13700K Mean?

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Processor Name SuffixMeaning
K"K" means it's an unlocked CPU. Unlocked CPUs have configurable frequencies and thus support overclocking. Your "motherboard" must support overclocking to overclock unlocked CPUs. Motherboards with Z-series chipsets typically support overclocking. Learn more about what each chipset supports in my article Which Chipsets Work With Intel's Core i7-13700K CPU?.

The 13700K model name doesn't have an F suffix. Non-F CPUs contain integrated graphics, and a separate graphics card isn't required if your motherboard includes video-output connectors (e.g., HDMI).

The 13700K model name has a K suffix. K-suffixed CPUs can be overclocked with a compatible motherboard.

Motherboards with a Z-series chipset typically support overclocking. For example, motherboards with the Z690 or Z790 chipset usually support overclocking Intel's 12th and 13th Gen Core CPUs. Learn more about what each chipset supports in my article Which Chipsets Work With Intel's Core i7-13700K CPU?.

Intel Core i7-13700K Intel Core i7-13700K Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link

Cooling the 13700K

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A CPU cooler's TDP (Thermal Design Power) rating indicates how much heat it can dissipate in watts. If the cooler can't keep your CPU cool enough, your CPU may throttle (slow down), and your cooler will constantly run at full speed.

Intel CPU specifications indicate this power dissipation number as "Processor Base Power" and "Maximum Turbo Power."

The Core i7-13700K has a base TDP of 125 watts and a max turbo TDP of 253 watts.

A CPU cooler can still work with a lower TDP rating than the TDP of a CPU. However, the CPU will eventually throttle itself to a lower frequency to allow itself to cool.

The CPU may not achieve or maintain maximum turbo speeds without adequate cooling.

Learn more in Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for Intel's Core i7-13700K.

The distance between heatsink screw holes for the LGA 1700 socket increased to 78x78 mm from the 75x75 mm spacing typical of recent sockets. This new spacing means you'll need a new cooler/heatsink or upgrade kit that supports the new configuration.

Motherboard Requirements for Core i7-13700K Processors

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For Intel's 13th generation Core i7 13700K processor, you'll need a motherboard with an LGA 1700 socket and a compatible 700-series or 600-series chipset. However, 600-series chipsets were designed for the 12th generations Core processors and may limit the capabilities of your system.

Motherboards for Intel processors are made with chipsets provided by Intel. Each chipset offers a unique set of capabilities. However, motherboards must explicitly support features and capabilities for you to use them. Verify that a motherboard supports the features and capabilities you desire.

The "K" in the model name 13700K means it's an unlocked processor that supports overclocking. You will need a motherboard with overclocking support to overclock this CPU. Motherboards with the Z690 or Z790 chipsets typically support CPU overclocking. If you don't want to use the overclocking functionality at this time, you can use a motherboard with Intel's other 700-series or 600-series desktop chipsets (e.g., H770, B760, H670, B660, H610).

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The W680 and Q670 chipsets are intended for workstation and business use cases; their availability in stand-alone motherboards is limited.

To use 13th Gen Intel Core CPUs with the 600-series chipsets, you'll need an updated BIOS. You either need to purchase one with an updated BIOS, perform the update with a 12th Gen CPU installed, or use the USB BIOS Flashback feature (if available).

Products that ship with a compatible BIOS are typically marked as "Ready" for 13th Gen Intel processors.

For a detailed comparison of these chipsets, check out my article Which Chipsets Work With Intel's Core i7-13700K CPU?.

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Best Feature Motherboard

  • Our recommended feature-rich motherboard to pair with the Core i7-13700K: MSI MEG Z790 ACE Gaming Motherboard MSI MEG Z790 ACE Gaming Motherboard Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
    • PCIe 5.0 support
    • It supports up to 128 GB of DDR5 memory (DDR5 provides the fastest memory speeds)!
    • 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port is faster than any home Internet speed available with tons of room to spare for file transfers.
    • Wi-Fi 6E makes it easy to reach the fastest speeds and future-proof your Wi-Fi system.
    • Bluetooth 5.3 is great for streaming music to Bluetooth headphones.
    • Five x4 NVMe M.2 slots, which is fantastic! One of these supports PCIe 5.0 speeds, and the rest run at PCIe 4.0 speeds.
    • USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 offers 20 Gbps USB speeds!
    • Check the latest price of the MSI MEG Z790 ACE Gaming Motherboard on Amazon (affiliate link).

Runner-Up Motherboard

  • Our recommended runner-up motherboard to pair with the Core i7-13700K: ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi 6E ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi 6E Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
    • PCIe 5.0 support
    • It supports up to 128 GB of DDR5 memory (DDR5 provides the fastest memory speeds)!
    • 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port is faster than any home Internet speed available with tons of room to spare for file transfers.
    • Wi-Fi 6E makes it easy to reach the fastest speeds and future-proof your Wi-Fi system.
    • Bluetooth 5.3 is great for streaming music to Bluetooth headphones.
    • Five x4 NVMe M.2 slots, which is fantastic! One of these supports PCIe 5.0 speeds, and the rest run at PCIe 4.0 speeds.
    • USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 offers 20 Gbps USB speeds!
    • Check the latest price of the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi 6E on Amazon (affiliate link).

Best Value Motherboard

  • Our recommended Value motherboard to pair with the Core i7-13700K: MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 Gaming Motherboard MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 Gaming Motherboard Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
    • PCIe 5.0 support
    • It supports up to 128 GB of DDR4 memory.
    • 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port is faster than any home Internet speed available with tons of room to spare for file transfers.
    • Wi-Fi 6E makes it easy to reach the fastest speeds and future-proof your Wi-Fi system.
    • Bluetooth 5.3 is great for streaming music to Bluetooth headphones.
    • Three x4 NVMe M.2 slots, which is fantastic! These slots all support PCIe 4.0 speeds.
    • USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 offers 20 Gbps USB speeds!
    • Check the latest price of the MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 on Amazon (affiliate link).
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Check out my article, Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for Intel's Core i7-13700K, for more info about how to choose the best CPU cooler.

The LGA 1700 socket will require a CPU cooler that supports the new socket size. Some manufacturers are releasing upgrade kits for LGA 1200 heatsinks to support the new size.

Best AIO Liquid Cooler: Enermax Liqmax III 360

Best Dual-Fan Air CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15

  • Dual 140 mm fans provide 220-watt TDP (183 NSPR) of cooling capability.
  • Supports a variety of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150, 2011, 2066 and AMD AM4, AM3, AM3+, AM2, AM2+, FM2, FM2+.
  • Quiet operation at 24.6 dBA. Noctua NH-D15, Premium CPU Cooler Noctua NH-D15, Premium CPU Cooler Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link

Runner-Up - Dual-Fan Air CPU Cooler: Thermaltake TOUGHAIR 510

  • This CPU cooler doesn't have any fancy LED lights, but the dual 120 mm fans do a great job of cooling LGA 1700 CPUs.
  • Suppose you think this cooler will take up too much space. In that case, Thermaltake has a few single-fan TOUGHAIR variants which use different orientations.
  • This CPU cooler has a 2000 RPM max speed for optimal cooling.
  • 180-watt TDP (Thermal Design Power). Thermaltake TOUGHAIR 510 Thermaltake TOUGHAIR 510 Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
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Before purchasing memory, review your motherboard specification to verify which speeds are supported. For example, if a DDR4 motherboard stated that it supports "DDR4 3400(O.C.) / 3333(O.C.) / 3300(O.C.) / 3200 / 3000," that would mean that it could support DDR4-3400, DDR4-3333, and DDR4-3300 with memory overclocking, and DDR4-3200 and DDR4-3000 at stock speeds. Motherboard specifications also indicate the maximum capacity per stick of RAM (DIMM) and across all slots.

Best Stock-Speed DDR5 RAM for 13700K: Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB

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Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB TechReviewer

The Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB (5600 MHz version) DDR5 RAM is an exceptional choice for non-overclockers looking to pair it with their Intel Core i7 13700K CPU. With 32 GB capacity in a 2-module kit, this RAM provides ample capacity and is well-suited for demanding applications like gaming, content creation, and video editing.

Find the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 5600 MHz DDR5 RAM on Amazon (affiliate link).

This RAM has a clock speed of 5600 MHz and a latency of 13 ns (36-36-36-76 timings), allowing the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 RAM to deliver lightning-fast performance. It is perfect for demanding tasks that require high-speed data processing. The DDR5 version of this RAM significantly improved over its predecessors, offering faster speeds and lower latency compared to its predecessors, making it one of the most advanced memory modules on the market.

This RAM is a must-have for any high-end gaming rig or workstation, working well with the Intel Core i7 13700K CPU. Its voltage of 1.25 volts is around average for most DDR5 RAM. The high-quality aluminum heatsinks provide excellent thermal performance and give the modules an elegant and premium look. Additionally, the Intel XMP 3.0 profile ensures that the RAM is optimized for Intel processors, providing users with a seamless and reliable experience.

The only downside to this RAM is that it has a lower clock speed, which is intentional since it's meant for people who want stock-speed DDR5 RAM without the desire to overclock.

Read the full overview of the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32 GB DDR5-5600 CL36 RAM.

Best Overclocking DDR5 RAM for 13700K: G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB 6000 MHz

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G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB TechReviewer

The G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB (6000 MHz version) DDR5 RAM stands out as a superb option for users to pair with their Intel Core i7 13700K CPU and those who want the ability to overclock their RAM to higher speeds. This 32 GB kit, comprising two 16 GB modules, offers great memory capacity, making it perfect for intensive applications such as gaming, content creation, and video editing.

Find the G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 6000 MHz RAM on Amazon (affiliate link).

Sporting an impressive clock speed of 6000 MHz and a latency of 12 ns (36-36-36-96 timings), the G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 RAM delivers outstanding performance at breakneck speeds. It is well-suited for tasks that necessitate rapid data processing. The DDR5 iteration of this RAM has made significant strides compared to its predecessors, boasting faster speeds and reduced latency compared to previous generations, which positions it as one of the most cutting-edge memory modules available.

The G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 RAM is essential to any high-performance gaming rig or workstation, working well with the Intel Core i7 13700K CPU. Its voltage of 1.35 volts is around average for most RAM. The premium aluminum heatsinks provide excellent thermal management and lend the modules a sophisticated and luxurious appearance. Furthermore, the Intel XMP 3.0 profile guarantees that the RAM is fine-tuned for Intel processors, delivering users a smooth and dependable experience.

The only downside to this RAM is that it's a little costly due to it being a higher clock speed DDR5 kit, but it's worth it for the speed boost.

Read the full overview of the G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB 32 GB DDR5-6000 CL36 RAM.

Best Stock-Speed DDR4 RAM for 13700K: Corsair Vengeance LPX 3200 MHz

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Corsair Vengeance LPX TechReviewer

The Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM (3200 MHz variant) is a reliable choice for users looking to achieve a harmonious performance boost when paired with their Intel Core i7 13700K CPU. This 2-module kit offers a 32 GB capacity, providing ample memory for demanding tasks such as gaming, content creation, and video editing.

Find the Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 3200 MHz RAM on Amazon (affiliate link).

Featuring a clock speed of 3200 MHz and a 10 ns latency (16-20-20-38 timings), the Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM ensures rapid and effective performance. However, it is worth noting that DDR4 technology is less cutting-edge than DDR5 and may deliver a different caliber of performance in certain situations. While DDR4 has made strides compared to its predecessors, it is less speedy and efficient than the most recent DDR5 iterations.

The Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM is valuable for any budget-conscious gaming rig or workstation, harmonizing well with the Intel Core i7 13700K CPU. Its voltage of 1.35 volts is around average for most DDR4 RAM. The high-quality aluminum heatsinks provide excellent thermal management and endow the modules with a sleek, premium appearance that doesn't interfere with CPU coolers. The Intel XMP 2.0 profile also ensures that the RAM is optimally configured for Intel processors, offering users a stable and reliable experience.

The primary drawback of this RAM is its lower clock speed, which is by design as it caters to individuals who prefer stock-speed RAM without the need for overclocking and opt for DDR4 over DDR5.

Read the full overview of the Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB DDR4-3200 CL16 RAM.

Best Overclocking DDR4 RAM for 13700K: Corsair Vengeance LPX 3600 MHz

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Corsair Vengeance LPX TechReviewer

The Corsair Vengeance LPX (3600 MHz version) DDR4 RAM is a highly dependable option for users seeking a balanced performance upgrade to pair with their Intel Core i7 13700K CPU and those who want the ability to overclock their RAM to higher speeds. With a 32 GB capacity in a 2-module kit, this RAM offers sufficient memory for intensive tasks like gaming, content creation, and video editing.

Find the Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 3600 MHz RAM on Amazon (affiliate link).

This RAM boasts a clock speed of 3600 MHz and a latency of 10 ns (18-22-22-42 timings), enabling the Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM to deliver swift and efficient performance. With that said, DDR4 is not as advanced as DDR5 RAM and does not offer the same level of performance in some instances. While DDR4 has improved performance compared to older versions, it is not as fast or efficient as the latest iterations of DDR5 RAM.

The Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM is a valuable addition to any value gaming rig or workstation, complementing the Intel Core i7 13700K CPU. Its voltage of 1.35 volts is around average for most DDR4 RAM. The top-notch aluminum heatsinks offer superb thermal management and bestow the modules with a sleek and premium appearance while avoiding conflict with a CPU cooler. Furthermore, the Intel XMP 2.0 profile guarantees that the RAM is fine-tuned for Intel processors, delivering users a smooth and dependable experience.

The only downside to this RAM is that it has a lower clock speed than DDR5, which is intentional since it's meant for people who want the less expensive DDR4 RAM.

Read the full overview of the Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB DDR4-3600 CL18 RAM.

Learn More About the Intel Core i7-13700K

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You can find detailed 13700K specifications on Intel's site.

Other Considerations When Building a PC

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Want to brush up on other new technologies to consider when building a computer? Check out these articles:

A Note From the Authors

As technology experts, we are dedicated to providing accurate and helpful information on various technology products and services. Our goal is to provide valuable insights and recommendations that help our readers make informed decisions.

We understand that the technology industry is constantly evolving, and we strive to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments. However, we recognize that there may be occasions when errors or inaccuracies slip through, despite our best efforts.

That's why we welcome feedback from our readers and encourage them to reach out to us with any corrections or suggestions they may have. By working together, we can ensure that our content remains accurate, helpful, and up-to-date.

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