Intel's Zen 4 3D V-Cache Counter, Core i9-13900KS Review & Benchmarks
In a deep dive into Intel's latest release, the Core i9-13900KS, this video from Hardware Unboxed provides a comprehensive analysis of this processor's performance and features. It discusses the KS variant's modest enhancements over its predecessors, including a bump in both base and boost clock speeds, which may not justify its substantial price increase.
### Key Highlights
1. Performance Specifications:
- The i9-13900KS exhibits a thermal velocity boost frequency increased from 5.8 GHz to 6.0 GHz, and the base frequency climbs from 3.0 GHz to 3.2 GHz, raising its thermal design power (TDP) from 125 watts to 150 watts.
- Despite these changes, real-world gaming and application performance improvements are marginal, primarily resulting in only a 2-5% increase over the 13900K.
2. Price and Value:
- The pricing of the KS model is notably steep, with it retailing around $1,260 AUD or approximately $700 USD—a 26% price increase for very little performance gain. This raises questions about its value compared to its stablemate, the 13900K, which is significantly cheaper.
3. Thermal Issues:
- The benchmarks indicate that like previous models, the 13900KS struggles with thermal management, often hitting 100 degrees Celsius under load, leading to throttling. This is concerning for enthusiasts considering this chip for high-performance gaming or applications.
4. Benchmarks Review:
- Testing with a GeForce RTX 4090 reveals a less than stellar performance uplift. The KS variant shows minimal improvements across various games, hovering around a mere 1-2% increase in FPS compared to the standard 13900K model.
- In creative applications like Blender and Photoshop, the performance gains are negligible, further diminishing the justification for the steep price increase.
5. Competitive Landscape:
- Comparatively, AMD’s Ryzen 9 7950X offers better performance with lower power consumption, positioning it as a more attractive option for both gamers and professionals looking for efficiency.
### Conclusion
The consensus from Hardware Unboxed is clear: while the Core i9-13900KS may appeal to extreme overclockers seeking the highest specs on the market, its real-world performance and thermal constraints leave much to be desired. For most users, particularly those focused on gaming performance, it may be wiser to opt for the standard i9-13900K or even consider AMD’s alternatives.
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What do you think about Intel's latest chip? Have you had experiences with the i9 series, or are you leaning towards AMD's offerings? Share your thoughts and let's discuss!