Intel Core i7-13790F

The Intel Core i7-13790F is a 16-core, 24-thread desktop processor from Intel's Raptor Lake family, built on a 10 nm process with a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 5.20 GHz. It carries 33 MB of shared L3 cache, supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory in dual-channel mode, and uses the Intel Socket 1700 platform. In the benchmark database, it holds a 95th percentile ranking among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 63,348, and it launched with a launch MSRP of $441.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The i7-13790F shows a pronounced split between its single-thread and multi-thread capabilities, a pattern that maps directly onto real-world workload demands. In Cinebench R23, the single-core score is 5,368 points, while the multi-core score reaches 38,026. That multi-core result is roughly 7.1 times the single-core figure, indicating strong scaling across the 16 cores. The older Cinebench R20 and R15 tests follow the same trend: single-core scores of 2,254 and 540 respectively, versus multi-core scores of 15,970 and 3,832. Passmark’s single-thread test yields 4,212 points, while the multithread test scores 44,737.

This split means the processor excels in two distinct scenarios. The high single-thread performance, driven by the 5.20 GHz boost clock, handles latency-sensitive tasks such as gaming, web browsing, and office productivity with minimal delay. The multi-thread throughput, on the other hand, is what powers rendering, video encoding, software compilation, and other heavily threaded workloads. The 7:1 multi-to-single ratio is typical of a 16-core design with hyper-threading, and it suggests that the chip will not bottleneck in either direction for most consumer applications.

How It Compares

Against the Intel Core Ultra 7 265F, the i7-13790F holds a 0.8% higher average benchmark score (63,348 vs. 62,876). The two processors sit in the same performance tier, with the i7-13790F marginally ahead in aggregate workloads. For users choosing between them, the difference is negligible in practice.

The Intel Core i9-13900KS, a flagship part, posts an average score of 63,990, which is 1% higher than the i7-13790F. The i7-13790F trails by that margin, but the gap is small enough to be within run-to-run variance for many applications. The i9-13900KS is a higher-binned, higher-power part, so the i7-13790F’s close proximity is noteworthy.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 265 averages 64,112, 1.2% above the i7-13790F. Again, the difference is modest. The i7-13790F’s multi-thread scores remain competitive with this newer architecture, though the Ultra 7 265 edges ahead in aggregate performance.

The AMD EPYC 7343, a server-class processor, averages 64,202, 1.3% higher than the i7-13790F. This is a striking comparison because the EPYC 7343 is designed for data-center workloads, not desktop use. The i7-13790F’s ability to land within 1.3% of a server chip highlights its strong aggregate compute capability.

Benchmark Performance

In Cinebench R23, the i7-13790F’s multi-core score of 38,026 places it in the upper echelon of desktop processors. Its single-core score of 5,368 is equally impressive, positioning it for high frame rates in games and snappy response in productivity apps. The Passmark suite reinforces this picture: integer math scores 151,416, floating-point math 110,512, and extended instructions 34,828. Data compression reaches 567,473, while encryption scores 31,703. The random string sorting test yields 58,607, and the physics test 3,017.

The average benchmark score of 63,348 corresponds to the 95th percentile, meaning the i7-13790F outperforms 95% of all CPUs in the database. Against its nearest rivals, the deltas are tight: 0.8% ahead of the Core Ultra 7 265F, 1% behind the i9-13900KS, 1.2% behind the Core Ultra 7 265, and 1.3% behind the EPYC 7343. These margins are small, which means the i7-13790F competes effectively with a wide range of high-end chips across different architectures and market segments.

Who Should Consider It

The i7-13790F is a versatile processor that suits a broad range of workloads. Gamers will benefit from the strong single-core performance, as evidenced by the 5,368 Cinebench R23 single-core score and the 4,212 Passmark single-thread result. These numbers indicate responsive frame pacing in CPU-bound titles, especially at high refresh rates. The 16 cores and 24 threads also provide headroom for streaming or running background tasks while gaming.

Content creators and developers are the primary beneficiaries of the multi-thread capability. The 38,026 multi-core score in Cinebench R23 translates to efficient rendering in Blender, Cinebench, and similar applications. The 151,416 integer math score and 110,512 floating-point math score from Passmark suggest strong performance in video encoding, 3D simulation, and scientific computing. The 33 MB of L3 cache and dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 support further aid data-heavy workflows.

For office and productivity environments, the i7-13790F is more than sufficient. Its high single-thread speed ensures quick application launches and smooth multitasking, while the 24 threads handle large spreadsheets, database queries, and virtual machines without strain. The 95th percentile ranking indicates that it will not become a bottleneck for any mainstream consumer software in the near term.

Power and Thermals

The i7-13790F has a TDP of 65 W, placing it in the mainstream power class. This TDP figure implies that a standard air cooler is adequate for stock operation; there is no need for exotic liquid cooling or oversized radiators. The 10 nm process helps keep heat density manageable, and the 257 mm² die size is typical for a Raptor Lake part. The processor uses the Intel Socket 1700 platform, which is widely supported by current motherboards.

The 65 W TDP also simplifies system integration. It allows for smaller power supplies and more compact builds, though the actual power draw under sustained multi-thread loads may exceed TDP (a fact not stated in the benchmark data, but implied by the high multi-core scores). The processor is not multiplier unlocked, so overclocking is limited to base-clock adjustments, which means users seeking extreme manual tuning would need to look elsewhere. For most builders, the i7-13790F offers a balanced power profile with strong performance across the board.