During the CES, Intel unveiled its processors intended for laptops, but not only, since the manufacturer presented in parallel its new “non-K” series for desktop. These processors have the same number of cores as the K versions, but operate at slightly lower frequencies, and some references lose L2 cache memory. They are therefore less efficient, but also more affordable. It is also necessary to graft F models, which see their price drop by a few tens of euros, at the cost of the disappearance of their integrated graphics.
6 GHz sans overclocking !
To complete its 13th generation, Intel adds a model sitting at the very top of the scale: a Core i9-13900KS, similar at 13900K that we tested, but which has been “pre-binned”, that is to say selected from the factory for its qualities. It can therefore reach 6 GHz in Turbo mode, a frequency never reached on consumer desktop processors. It is therefore a little faster than the 13900K – limited to 5.8 GHz – but its basic consumption increases by 25 W, amounting to 150 W, a real energy gulf. Remember that in intensive use, we had noted an average of 253 W for the 13900K – we should therefore approach 300 W!
In fact, this gain of 200 MHz will probably not be really noticeable by ordinary users, and this good performance is above all a showcase for the manufacturer. In practice, it will only be of interest to advanced overclocking enthusiasts or to those who refuse any compromise in terms of performance.
The processor is already available for $699, almost $100 more than the 13900K. The official price in euros has not been communicated, but it should be displayed around 850 €.
