Intel Core i9-13900KF Gaming Desktop Processor 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) - Unlocked

Product Information

Faster PC memory can improve game and professional tool performance by reducing the time it takes to perform calculations and data operations. While in the past a CPU hitting its peak temperature was cause for concern, enthusiasts are going to have to learn to accept high temperatures as “normal” while running demanding workloads with Raptor Lake and Ryzen 7000 CPUs.

Intel processor numbers are not a measure of performance. Processor numbers differentiate features within each processor family, not across different processor families. See http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/processors/processor-numbers.html for details. Based on our evaluation of using Intel's Core i9-13900KF CPU for gaming, you can expect excellent game performance with a high-performance CPU cooler. Based on our evaluation of using Intel's Core i9-13900F CPU for gaming, you can expect excellent game performance with a high-performance CPU cooler. Our recommended feature-rich motherboard to pair with the Core i9-13900KF is the MSI MEG Z790 ACE Gaming.Overall, we concluded that the MSI MEG Z790 ACE Gaming motherboard strikes a balance between performance and functionality, offering an exceptional gaming experience. With its advanced features and versatile connectivity options, this motherboard is a reliable choice for gamers looking to elevate their gameplay.

I think the selection of coolers is quite fine, since it's covering what I'd consider the good reasonable range (maybe adding a 240 AIO would be good?) and it demonstrated via CB, that after a certain point, the CPU even if throttling still performs fine-ish. The caveat is the noise, since it's pegged at 100% everything, but still performs close to what you'd like/expect. The Z790, H770, Z690, and H670 can support the most USB ports for the 13900KF at USB 3.2 2x2 (20 Gbps), USB 3.2 2x1 (10 Gbps), and USB 3.2 1x1 (5 Gbps) speeds.But, if you’re someone like me who enjoys a bit of casual gaming without a dedicated GPU, the 13900K might be the way to go. It offers a decent gaming experience for lighter titles and is a lifesaver in case your primary graphics card decides to take a coffee break. Thermal Matters Our recommended runner-up motherboard to pair with the Core i9-13900KF is the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi 6E. Based on our evaluation of using Intel's Core i9-13900F CPU for general apps, you can expect excellent app performance with a high-performance CPU cooler.