Intel Core i7-13700K socket: LGA 1700
The Intel Core i7-13700K uses the LGA 1700 socket. It is a 16-core unlocked 13th Gen processor for 700 series boards and updated 600 series boards, with DDR4 or DDR5 set by the board.
- Socket
- LGA 1700
- Launched
- October 20, 2022
- Cores and threads
- 16 and 24
- Base power
- 125 W
- Codename
- Raptor Lake
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core i7
- Clocks
- 3.4 / 5.4 GHz
Intel Core i7-13700K specifications
| Cores | 16 (8 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores) |
|---|---|
| Threads | 24 |
| Core architecture | Raptor Cove (P-cores) and Gracemont (E-cores) |
| P-core clocks | 3.4 GHz base, up to 5.3 GHz turbo, 5.4 GHz with Turbo Boost Max 3.0 |
| E-core clocks | 2.5 GHz base, up to 4.2 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 30 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) and 24 MB total L2 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 125 W |
| Maximum turbo power | 253 W |
| Manufacturing process | Intel 7 |
| Memory support | DDR5 up to 5600 MT/s or DDR4 up to 3200 MT/s, two channels, up to 192 GB |
| PCI Express | 20 lanes from the CPU: PCIe 5.0 x16 (or 2 x8) plus PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Multiplier | Unlocked (K series) |
| Package | FCLGA1700 |
| Cooler in the box | None |
| Launch price | $409 (Intel RCP) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i7-13700K needs a motherboard with a LGA 1700 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 700 series | Z790, H770, B760 | Works out of the box |
| 600 series | Z690, H670, B660, H610, Q670, W680 | Needs a BIOS update Update the BIOS before installing a 13th Gen processor. |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 1700.
Recommended GPU pairing
| Recommended tier | High-end 1440p |
|---|---|
| Example GPUs | GeForce RTX 4070 Ti, Radeon RX 7900 XT |
| Target resolution | 1440p high settings |
Sixteen cores with boost to 5.4 GHz, 20 PCIe lanes with PCIe 5.0 graphics and DDR5 suit high-end 1440p cards from late 2022. A faster card still works and the balance shifts with game, settings and resolution.
This is a rough match for a new build at the stated resolution, not a limit. A faster card still works and helps at higher resolutions or in games that load the GPU more than the CPU. A slower card is fine for lighter games and office use. The exact balance shifts with the game, the settings and the resolution, so no percentage is given.
LGA 1700 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,700 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 45.0 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | November 2021 |
| Memory | DDR4 or DDR5, set by the motherboard (one type per board) |
| Cooler mounting holes | 78 × 78 mm |
What the Core i7-13700K is
The Core i7-13700K is a sixteen core, twenty-four thread processor that Intel released in October 2022 in the 13th Gen desktop range. It has 8 Performance-cores with two threads each and 8 Efficient-cores with one each. Performance-cores run 3.4 GHz base to 5.3 GHz turbo, reaching 5.4 GHz with Turbo Boost Max 3.0, while Efficient-cores run 2.5 GHz to 4.2 GHz. Cache is 30 MB of shared L3 with 24 MB of total L2.
The i7 doubled its Efficient-core count over the prior generation, which showed up in threaded work while gaming stayed near flagship pace. Intel rates the base power at 125 W with maximum turbo power at 253 W. The process is Intel 7.
Intel UHD Graphics 770 cover display output, and the multiplier is unlocked. The launch price was $409 (Intel RCP). Intel includes no cooler with K-series processors.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 13700K fits the LGA 1700 socket. Boards with 700 series chipsets (Z790, H770, B760) take it with the shipping BIOS. Boards with 600 series chipsets (Z690, H670, B660, H610, Q670, W680) need a BIOS update that adds 13th Gen support before first boot.
Multiplier overclocking calls for a Z690 or Z790 board. Other chipsets hold rated clocks with memory tuning on most models. At 125 W base with 253 W peaks, the board's voltage stages decide how long full boost holds, so check reviews of the board's power design.
The board maker's CPU support list gives the minimum BIOS version. USB BIOS flashback boards apply the update without a supported chip installed.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
The memory controller supports DDR5 up to 5600 MT/s or DDR4 up to 3200 MT/s, with the board deciding the type. Two channels carry up to 192 GB. Matched pairs at the board's rated speed avoid the faults that mixed kits cause.
The CPU supplies 20 PCIe lanes: x16 at PCIe 5.0 for graphics, splittable into two x8, plus x4 at PCIe 4.0 for storage. Extra slots and drives hang off chipset lanes at lower speeds.
Cooling should match the 253 W ceiling rather than the 125 W base. A large twin-tower air cooler is the floor and a 280 mm or 360 mm liquid cooler gives more headroom. Mounting uses the 78 mm LGA 1700 pattern, covered in the CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide.
Stability and microcode updates
Intel confirmed in 2024 that 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors could suffer Vmin shift instability from elevated voltage requests in microcode and BIOS code. It released microcode updates including 0x12B, delivered only through motherboard BIOS updates, with its Intel Default Settings profile recommended.
Update the BIOS before long renders or other sustained loads. A chip that remains unstable after the update with default settings is a candidate for warranty replacement.
Upgrade paths
Against the Intel Core i9-13900K, the 13700K gives up half the Efficient-cores and some peak clock while keeping most gaming pace for less money. Against the Intel Core i5-12400F, it adds cores, cache and frequency headroom on the same socket, subject to BIOS and cooling.
Later LGA 1851 platforms need a new board and DDR5. The 13700K fits a gamer who wants near-flagship play on LGA 1700 without flagship power draw.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core i7-13700K use?
It uses LGA 1700, written FCLGA1700 in Intel's documents.
What is the difference between the 13700K and the 13700KF?
The KF has no integrated graphics and needs a separate card. Everything else matches the K.
Does the 13700K run in a B660 motherboard?
Yes, after a BIOS update that adds 13th Gen support. Without the update the board will not start with this processor.
Does the 13700K work with DDR4 memory?
Yes, on a DDR4 board up to DDR4-3200. A DDR5 board needs DDR5 modules instead, up to DDR5-5600.
Does the 13700K come with a cooler?
No. Intel ships K-series processors without a cooler, and 253 W peaks need a large air cooler or liquid cooler.
Sources and verification
- Intel Core i7-13700K specifications (Intel)
- Intel Core i7-13700K Specs (TechPowerUp)
- Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop instability root cause update (Intel)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .