Right now, Intel is making a comeback with their LGA 1700 socket, it features strong processors in their respective right. You can find top-tier processors for workstations, gaming, and even some budget options if you’re not trying to break the bank.
I know exactly how it feels when you have all these options for CPUs, but you don’t know what option is right for you. I’ve separated the previous-gen and the current-gen LGA 1700 processors and explained what scenarios they are best used for.
The Intel 13th gen processors are the current lineup of LGA 1700 compatible CPUs, they’re faster and better in almost every way compared to the previous gen (12th), but it will come at a price. However, the 12th gen processors are now cheaper, so in some cases, you may find a good deal.
I’m here to diffuse any confusion you have and help you pick the right processor for your needs. I will also show you what you watch out for when buying a processor.
Are you in a rush? No worries, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite LGA 1700 Processors Below!
Intel 13th Gen LGA 1700 Processors Reviewed
The current-gen chips for socket LGA 1700 are the Intel 13th-gen processors, they are an improvement from the Intel 12th-generation processors.
They will feature the standard IPC improvements, and of course, each individual chip will have its differences compared to its predecessors. This usually includes but is not limited to – Higher Core Counts, Higher Clock Speeds, and Improved Memory Support.
Intel I9 13900K | Best LGA 1700 CPU For Workstations
Specifications
- Core Clock Speed: 3.0 GHz(base) 5.8 GHz(boost)
- Core Count: 24(performance + efficiency cores) 32(performance + efficiency threads)
- Microarchitecture: Golden Cove
- Socket: LGA1700
- Max Memory Support 128GB
- Integrated Graphics: Yes
- TDP: 125W(base) 253W(turbo)
Reasons To Buy
- Best gaming performance on the market
- Best multicore performance on the market
- Ideal for multithreaded applications
Reasons To Avoid
- Can get quite hot
Review
In terms of raw performance, and I’m talking multicore and single-core performance, the I9 13900K, is the best processor that is supported by the LGA 1700 socket. For this reason, I believe the I9 13900K is best suited for workstations that run tasks that are heavily multithreaded.
But this isn’t to say that the I9 13900K cannot be used as a general-use processor, the I9 13900K will have no problem with tasks such as gaming, streaming, and overall use. But it is definitely overkill, so I can’t 100% recommend the 13900K for this use.
If were to purchase this processor for gaming, I’d be well aware that the majority of cores the processor comes with will be unused. Games do not require 24 cores, but the single-core performance of a 5.8 GHz boost would be a huge bonus, and the IPC improvements compare to the 12th gen is also pretty nice.
My favorite aspect about the 13900K is the instant 6GHz feature, it’s exclusive for GIGABYTE Z790 motherboards, but it will automatically push the 13900K to operate at 6GHz. Clock speeds have been increasing so slowly, so it’s nice to finally see CPUs hit 6 GHz.
The main competitor to the I9 13900K is the Ryzen 9 7950X, and these are both top of the line processors that are built to handle CPU heavy tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and Software encoding.
My concerns with the I9 13900K are heat management and power consumption. It’s clear when your PC reaches 100% CPU usage, in my case with Software compiling, and CAD, the I9 13900K will easily reach 90C, and the power consumption can be quite concerning. But this is the price you pay for the best processors on the market.
Intel I7 13700K | Best LGA 1700 CPU For Gaming
Specifications
- Core Clock Speed: 3.4 GHz(base) 5.4 GHz(boost)
- Core Count: 16(performance + efficiency cores) 24(performance + efficiency threads)
- Microarchitecture: Golden Cove
- Socket: LGA1700
- Max Memory Support 128GB
- Integrated Graphics: Yes
- TDP: 125W(base) 253W(turbo)
Reasons To Buy
- Amazing gaming performance without completely breaking the bank
- Great multicore performance
- Supports DDR4 & DDR5
- Supports previous gen motherboards
Reasons To Avoid
- Can get quite hot
Review
The I7 13700K is a processor I’ll feel more comfortable using for a gaming machine, this is because I’m not breaking my wallet, and I’ll still receive respectable gaming performance due to the impressive single-core performance.
By respectable, I mean that the I7 13700K will outperform the I9 12900K is almost every gaming scenario. On paper, and in practice, the I7 13700K is better in every single way besides core count. The clock speeds are higher, and the IPC is higher, so this will translate into better gaming performance.
Multicore performance is respectable, It could definitely be used in some workstations with heavy multithreaded loads with no issues, but that’s stepping to the I9 13900K’s domain where the I7 13700K will ultimately lose.
In terms of overclocking, you may be able to get the I7 13700K to compete closely with the I9 13900K in terms of single core performance. This entirely depends on how you overclock, what cooling solution you have, and how decent your motherboard is at handling higher frequencies.
The main competitor to the I7 13700K is the Ryzen 7 7700X, and in terms of raw performance, it seems like the I7 13700K beats it. It has double the number of cores, and identical boost clock speeds. In gaming scenarios, it seems like Intel has it in the bag, it beat the 7700X in many gaming scenarios.
Heat consumption compared to the I9 13900k is definitely better, this is because the I7 13700K comes with fewer cores and lower clock speeds, so naturally, the temperatures will reflect that. So, you could likely get away with a less beefy cooler in your system.
But the heat consumption is still a downside, this is because the I7 13700K will still draw a considerable amount of power.
Intel I5 13600K | Best LGA 1700 CPU For Budget Gaming
Specifications
- Core Clock Speed: 3.5 GHz(base) 5.1 GHz(boost)
- Core Count: 14(performance + efficiency cores) 20(performance + efficiency threads)
- Microarchitecture: Golden Cove
- Socket: LGA1700
- Max Memory Support 128GB
- Integrated Graphics: Yes
- TDP: 125W(base) 181W(turbo)
Reasons To Buy
- Best gaming performance on a budget
- Supports DDR4 motherboards
- Integrated graphics is available
- Supports PCIE 5.0
Reasons To Avoid
- Poor single-core performance compared to I9 and I7.
- No stock cooler
Review
When most people want to build a strict gaming PC, and they aren’t looking to perform harsh CPU heavy tasks, they will naturally gravitate to an I5 processor. This is because I5s are a great balance between performance and price.
The I5 13600K strong suit isn’t its multicore performance, it’s its single-core performance which is actually impressive with the 13th generation. A 5.1 GHz boost for an I5 puts it only slightly below the previous generation I9 12900K. So, it’s completely possible that the I5 13600K can outperform the I9 12900K in many gaming scenarios due to the IPC improvements.
And when we look at benchmarks, the I5 13900K indeed is stronger than the I9 12900K in gaming situations with it having around a 5 FPS improvement. This is amazing considering the I5 13600K is around $100 cheaper, so for this reason, I can say that the I5 13600K is the best gaming processor on a budget.
The I5’s competitor is the Ryzen 5 7600X, and Ryzen isn’t doing too bad when it comes to gaming performance either. The I5 13600K and the Ryzen 5 7600X will often trade blows in gaming with the I5 outperforming the Ryzen 5 in some scenarios and vice-versa.
The biggest downside the I5 13600K has is its multicore performance, and that’s only because the I5 13600K isn’t meant to be a multicore beast like the I9 13900K. If you are building a strict gaming machine, then the multicore aspect is pretty much eliminated.
A second downside is the fact it doesn’t come with a stock cooler, this would be greatly appreciated since the I5 line of processors generally targets the budget market. So saving money on a CPU cooler generally means the consumer can focus on acquiring better parts.
Intel 12th Gen LGA 1700 Processors Reviewed
The previous generation of socket LGA 1700 was the Intel 12th generation processor. While they have been surpassed by Intel 13th gen, they are still plenty viable in today’s market, and can often be bought at a discounted price.
If you can find a good deal with a 12th-generation processor, I’d say go for it. To find a good deal, you should compare performance with the current gen, and assess if the price of the 12th-generation chip is indeed worth it. Don’t forget to compare current and previous gen Ryzen chips.
Intel I9 12900K | 12th Gen LGA 1700 CPU For Workstations
Specifications
- Core Clock Speed: 3.2 GHz(base) 5.2 GHz(boost)
- Core Count: 16(performance + efficiency cores) 24(performance + efficiency threads)
- Microarchitecture: Golden Cove
- Socket: LGA1700
- Max Memory Support 128GB
- Integrated Graphics: Yes
- TDP: 125W(base) 241W(turbo)
Reasons To Buy
- Best gaming performance on the market
- Best multicore performance on the market
- Ideal for multithreaded applications
Reasons To Avoid
- Can get quite hot
Review
What we like most about the I9 12900K is the raw performance it provides in terms of clock speeds and core count. The sheer number of power the I9 12900K offers means it’ll make a great multipurpose processor, it doesn’t matter whether you want to game, stream, video edit, or 3D Model.
We also like the fact that the I9 12900K is future-proof for many years, this is a huge benefit as not many people like to upgrade constantly. The I9 12900K will remain a top-tier processor even after several generations of newer processors have been released. Gamers won’t need to upgrade as often as the single-core performance is pretty strong.
An aspect we don’t quite like is the fact that the I9 12900K can get extremely hot if you have insufficient cooling. To properly cool the I9 12900K, you’ll need a beast air or water cooling solution, at least a 240MM+ AIO cooler should do the trick. This also has implications if you’re looking to overclock.
The I9 12900K is in fact overclockable, so you could potentially get higher than 5.3 GHz if you really tried. Keep in mind that the 12900K is already asking for a lot of voltage, so if you increase the voltages, the 12900K may get extremely hot. Most Intel CPUs are made to thermal throttle around 80 degrees Celsius.
The I9 12900K also features the capability to accept DDR5 RAM, this means you’ll get more performance across the board thanks to faster memory. Some motherboards will still provide DDR4 DIMMS, so you’re not forced to upgrade your RAM immediately.
The main competitor to the I9 lineup of processors is the Ryzen 9 lineup of processors, and they feature pretty good CPUs also. In terms of raw performance, the closest competitor to the I9 12900K is the Ryzen 9 5950x featuring slightly lower multicore performance in Cinebench.
Keep in mind the I9 12900K is overkill in many situations, so if you’re looking for a strict gaming PC, then the I9 12900K may be too much. Overkill isn’t necessarily bad, but you could save some money going with an I5 12600K which has decent single-core performance for most video games.
Intel I7 12700K | 12th Gen LGA 1700 CPU For Gaming
Specifications
- Core Clock Speed: 3.6 GHz(base) 5.0 GHz(boost)
- Core Count: 12(performance + efficiency cores) 20(performance + efficiency threads)
- Microarchitecture: Golden Cove
- Socket: LGA1700
- Max Memory Support 128GB
- Integrated Graphics: Yes
- TDP: 125W(base) 190W(turbo)
Reasons To Buy
- Top-tier single-core performance for gaming
- Decent multi-core performance
- Brand new architecture for desktops (hybrid)
- Overclockable
Reasons To Avoid
- Can get pretty hot, 190W turbo TDP
Review
Our favorite aspect of the I7 12700K is the fact that is not too overkill, it’s a nice balance between multicore and single-core performance. So, you can pick up a decent multipurpose CPU for a slightly lower price compared to the I9 12900K. Also, it should run cooler considering it has a lower TDP.
We think the I7 12700K would make a better gaming processor compared to the I9 12900K, this is because it’s able to get cooler as well as overclock better. You could probably reach similar or higher clock speeds than the 12900K if you’re lucky. But for multicore purposes, the 12900K will win in raw performance.
Besides gaming, for professional use, the 12700K is a great option featuring slightly lower multi-core scores than the 12900K. But it’s able to beat the Ryzen 9 5900x which has slightly more threads. This means the I7 12700K would make for a great video editing, streaming and 3D modeling processor,
One thing we kind of dislike is the fact that it has a TDP of 190W when turbo, this means you will need a beefy cooling solution for these processors. In intensive gaming situations, if you don’t have a decent cooler, it may throttle.
Honestly speaking, the I7 12700K does get quite hot this is mainly due to it being a larger chip, so you will need a beefy cooler regardless if it’s overclocked or not. Noctua NH D15 is an amazing air cooler that should easily cool the 12700K, but a 240MM AIO should cool it pretty well.
The best feature of the I7 12700K is the fact that it possibly overclocks better than the I9 12900K, this is due to the far lower TDPs. In terms of gaming, the I7 and the I9 are practically neck and neck when it comes to FPS, so with a slight overclock, you could save money and get better gaming performance.
The I7 competes with the Ryzen 7 lineup of processors, but the I7 12700K is able to compete with the likes of the Ryzen 9 processors. In terms of raw performance, the I7 12700K main competitor is the Ryzen 9 5900x, and the I7 12700K beats it in multicore and single-core tests.
So, when it comes to gaming, the 12700K will easily generate more FPS compared to the Ryzen 9 5900x. If you’re looking for a processor that is great for only gaming, then an Intel alternative would have to be the I5 12600K. The I5 12600K is able to overclock past 5GHz, so it makes sense to go for this.
Intel I5 12600K | 12th Gen LGA 1700 CPU For Budget Gaming
Specifications
- Core Clock Speed: 3.7 GHz(base) 4.9 GHz(boost)
- Core Count: 10(performance + efficiency cores) 16(performance + efficiency threads)
- Microarchitecture: Golden Cove
- Socket: LGA1700
- Max Memory Support 128GB
- Integrated Graphics: Yes
- TDP: 125W(base) 150W(turbo)
Reasons To Buy
- Great gaming performance, good for mid tier PCs
- Affordable
- Decent multicore performance
Reasons To Avoid
- Falls behind Intel 13th generation processors
Review
The most obvious advantage of going with the I5 is the fact that it’s a budget processor, but with the 12600K, it’s able to punch way above its weight as it can perform well in a large range of tasks. The O5 12600K features a decent number of cores making it great for multithreaded applications such as streaming and video editing.
If we’re speaking about building a strict gaming PC, the first processor most gamers think about is the I5. This is because I5s feature similar single-core performance to the I7s but typically lack multicore performance. But since games don’t use multiple cores, I5s are the no-brainer option for strict gaming PCs.
For an I5, the processor can get pretty hot, and we all know that heat is the biggest downfall of electrical components. So, for the I5, you may need to invest in a top-tier cooling solution despite the I5 being a budget processor.
The biggest feature is that the I5 features the golden cove architecture which makes the I5 more powerful than they traditionally are. The I5 has 6 performance cores that are able to provide enough performance for the intensive applications you run. The efficiency cores are there for casual usage.
The I5 is overclockable out of the box which makes the I5 able to reach clock speeds higher than the I7 is out of the box. This means you can make a pretty powerful gaming PC that competes with the likes of the 12700K when it comes to FPS. The clock speed for the performance cores can reach 4.9GHz, but with a little overclock, you should easily reach 5.
I5 processors compete with the Ryzen 5 processors, and they’re both budget options when it comes to building a PC. In terms of multi-core and single-core performance, the I5 competes way above its class beating the Ryzen 7 5800x in multicore and single-core Cinebench tests.
But, if you’re looking for a bang for your buck processor, then the Ryzen 5 5600x is the best processor for you. The Ryzen 5 5600x features a 15% IPC increase compared to the Intel 10th generation processors making it a powerful gaming CPU.
Intel I5 12400 | Best Bang For You Buck LGA 1700 CPU
Specifications
- Core Clock Speed: 3.7 GHz(base) 4.9 GHz(boost)
- Core Count: 10(performance + efficiency cores) 16(performance + efficiency threads)
- Microarchitecture: Golden Cove
- Socket: LGA1700
- Max Memory Support 128GB
- Integrated Graphics: Yes
- TDP: 125W(base) 150W(turbo)
Reasons To Buy
- Best for extreme budget builds
- Great bang for your buck (performance & stock cooler)
- Entry-level multi-core performance for streaming
- 1.9% faster than the 5600X
Reasons To Avoid
- No performance and efficiency cores
Review
The I5 12400 is possibly one of the best bangs for your buck-processors on the market as it has every intention of not breaking your bank. We see the i5 12400 being the ideal processor for a first-time builder looking for a budget PC.
The i5 12400 is most definitely a single-purpose processor, while it may handle streaming well due to the 6 cores and 12 threads, the i5 12400 should be reserved for only gaming. The single-core performance is pretty decent and really shouldn’t bottleneck GPUs at a decent resolution.
We also like the fact that the i5 12400 doesn’t get hot like the other Alder Lake processors, this is ideal considering the fact it won’t take a lot to power it and cool it. Also, let’s not forget the fact it comes with a stock cooler which is more than enough for cooling it, this reinforces the fact that it’s a budget processor.
One aspect we don’t like is the fact that it doesn’t have the performance and efficiency cores the standard Alder Lake processors feature. This is a downside because it lacks the latest innovation, instead, you’re stuck with 6 standard processing cores.
The best feature that the I5 12400 comes with is the stock cooler, and this time, the stock coolers aren’t weak. The stock coolers with the 12-gen processors have been renovated, and they offer superior cooling solutions compared to the previous stock coolers. This means, going with the 12400 requires no aftermarket cooler.
I5 processors compete with the Ryzen 5 processors, but the I5 12400 competes directly with the Ryzen 5 5600x. In terms of raw performance, the I5 12400 is approximately 1.9% faster which means you’ll experience more frame rate in most games.
Ok, the 12400 is faster, but how does it compete in terms of pricing? Well, the 12400 is more affordable coming in at around $192, whereas the Ryzen 5 5600x is around $299. So, you get faster performance for a cheaper price, and overall an amazing bang for your buck.
It’s understandable the I5 12400 may not be sufficient when it comes to multicore applications, so if you’re going to be video editing or streaming you may want something more powerful. The i5 12600K should be more than enough if you’re looking for a more powerful alternative.
Quick CPU Buyer’s Guide
We understand picking the right processor can be a difficult task taking all the technical mumbo-jumbo into consideration, so here’s a short guide to make ease the task of selecting a CPU. We’re going to discuss the most important aspects of the CPU whether you’re going to be gaming, streaming, or video editing.
In this quick mini buyer’s guide, we’re going to go over the key aspects you should focus on so you can purchase the right processor for you. We will be talking about single-core performance and why it’s important for gamers and multi-core performance, and why it’s important for video editors and streamers.
Additionally, we’re going to go over the key benefits of overclocking and the negative consequences that come with it. In general, if you purchase a “K” variant Intel processor or any Ryzen processor, your CPU should be unlocked and ready for overclocking.
Single-Core Performance
When we’re referring to single-core performance, we’re referring to how fast a single core can process information, the most common way of gauging the single-core performance is to look at the clock speed. A processor’s clock speed will define how fast each core of the processor is, so if you have a clock speed of 5GHz, each core will run at 5GHz.
GHz refers to how fast each core will cycle per second, so if you have a clock speed of 5GHz, then each core will cycle 5 billion times per second. But there’s a catch to single-core performance, the clock speed isn’t the only metric to define the performance of a single-core, and only focusing on clock speed is a pretty bad idea. Clock speed is extremely important for gaming as games can only utilize a single core! Don’t focus on multi-core performance as much for gaming PCs.
When it comes to single-core performance, there is IPC which stands for instructions per cycle, it essentially defines how much work your processor can do per clock cycle. So, a processor with a higher IPC will be faster than a processor with a lower IPC despite having the same clock speeds. This is why you can’t only focus on clock speed, older processors with higher clock speeds will still be outperformed by newer more advanced processors.
Multi-Core Performance
Just like the clock speed, there’s a lot that goes into the multicore performance of the processor, typically we like to look at how many cores a processor has. The general consensus is that having more cores will make your processor run faster, this is technically true, but not for all applications. As previously stated, games don’t really benefit from having more cores.
There are really two aspects that mainly go into measuring the multicore performance of a processor, and there is core count and the number of threads. Processors will usually have double the number of threads than cores depending if they have SMT or Hypertherading capabilities. When you purchase a processor and it says 6/12 or 6c12t, they’re referring to the number of cores and threads.
Now that we’ve established what multi-core performance is, the applications that really benefit from multicore performance are video editing, streaming(software encoding), and other multithreaded applications. Most applications nowadays are parallelized in some way, so they will all benefit from multiple cores, but games are notoriously hard to parallelize.
Overclocking Capabilities
The goal of getting maximum performance out of your processor whether it’s multicore or single-core is through overclocking, and it’s pretty safe. Overclocking is when you push your CPU past its rated limits resulting in more performance, this is obviously extremely beneficial and measurable in multicore and single-core tests. If you have a “K” Intel processor, then your CPU is ready for overclocking, and most Ryzen processors are unlocked by default and ready for overclocking.
Overclocking usually involves going through the BIOS to manually increase the clock speed modifier, it’s recommended to overclock through the BIOS as you will have more control over the voltages. The goal is to increase the clock speed modifier whilst maintaining stability without increasing the voltages, this is how you maintain your CPUs lifespan.
Overclocking can be extremely safe if you have sufficient cooling, and don’t increase the voltages. It’s when you start tampering with the voltages for more core stability at higher clocks that your processor can be in harm’s way. But besides that, overclocking can result in higher FPS in games, better streaming performance, and faster video editing rendering times.
Related Posts:
