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A February 2022 benchmark leak was reported as a possible early look at Intel’s Core i9-13900K, but the database entry did not identify that processor by name—and its 32-core display did not prove the chip had 32 physical cores. Intel later confirmed the retail i9-13900K as a 24-core, 32-thread Raptor Lake CPU. The distinction matters: the leak was a clue, not an Intel-confirmed benchmark or a dependable performance comparison.
What appeared in the benchmark leak
On February 11, 2022, HotHardware reported an Ashes of the Singularity benchmark database result for a processor identified as “Genuine Intel(R) 0000.” The report described it as a possible 24-core Raptor Lake CPU and tentatively associated it with the Core i9-13900K. The entry itself did not name the i9-13900K, so that identification was an inference, not confirmation from Intel. HotHardware’s original report
HotHardware called the result the “third-fastest” in that specific Ashes test at the time. That was a ranking of entries in one benchmark database, not a broad CPU ranking or a controlled comparison of retail processors.
Why the displayed “32 cores” was misleading
The benchmark entry showed 32 logical cores, while Ashes displayed “32 physical cores.” HotHardware cautioned that the benchmark had not been updated to interpret Intel’s hybrid core topology correctly. As a result, the display should not be read as proof that the processor had 32 physical cores.
#1 Best Overall
- Stream, create, and compete at the highest levels with industry leading features and the latest hybrid architecture
- 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) and 32 threads
- Up to 5.8 GHz unlocked. 36MB Cache
- Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 included
- Compatible with Intel 600 series (might need BIOS update) and 700 series chipset-based motherboards
Intel’s eventual retail specification resolves the relevant distinction: the Core i9-13900K has 24 cores split between performance and efficiency cores, and supports 32 threads. A thread count, a benchmark’s logical-core count, and a physical-core count are not interchangeable.
What Intel later confirmed about the retail i9-13900K
Intel’s product specification identifies the Core i9-13900K as a Raptor Lake processor with 24 total cores and a maximum frequency of 5.80 GHz. Intel’s launch announcement gives the core layout as 8 P-cores plus 16 E-cores, for 32 threads. These are retail-product facts published later; they were not established by the February leak. Intel Core i9-13900K specifications · Intel’s 13th Gen launch announcement
Rank #2
- 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) and 32 threads. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 included
- Performance hybrid architecture integrates two core microarchitectures, prioritizing and distributing workloads to optimize performance
- Up to 6.0 GHz unlocked. 36M Cache
- Compatible with Intel 600 series and 700 series chipset-based motherboards
- Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, and PCIe 5.0 & 4.0 support. Intel Optane Memory support. No thermal solution included
| Detail | What the leak report said | What Intel later confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Processor identity | “Genuine Intel(R) 0000”; i9-13900K attribution was tentative (HotHardware, February 11, 2022) | Core i9-13900K, Raptor Lake (Intel product specification) |
| Core configuration | 32-core display in Ashes; HotHardware warned it did not establish 32 physical cores | 24 cores: 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores; 32 threads (Intel launch announcement) |
| Maximum frequency | Not established by this benchmark entry | Up to 5.80 GHz (Intel product specification) |
| Availability | Pre-release leak in February 2022 | Intel announced October 20, 2022 availability for desktop K-series processors and Z790 motherboards; the product specification lists the launch quarter as Q4 2022 |
Does the leak show how fast the i9-13900K is?
No. It is a single result from an uncertainly identified database entry, without a validated processor identity or controlled retail testing conditions. The report’s “third-fastest” description applies only to that particular Ashes test’s results at that time. It cannot establish how the i9-13900K performs against another CPU across games, applications, or workloads.
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Rank #3
- Game without compromise. Play harder and work smarter with Intel Core 14th Gen processors
- 24 cores (8 P-cores plus 16 E-cores) and 32 threads. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 included
- Leading max clock speed of up to 6.0 GHz gives you smoother game play, higher frame rates, and rapid responsiveness
- Compatible with Intel 600-series (with potential BIOS update) or 700-series chipset-based motherboards
- DDR4 and DDR5 platform support cuts your load times and gives you the space to run the most demanding games
What the platform details mean for a build
Intel lists the i9-13900K as compatible with the Z790 chipset. Intel also said 13th Gen desktop processors maintained DDR4 compatibility while adding support for DDR5-5600. That does not mean a single motherboard accepts either memory type: memory support depends on the exact motherboard model. Check its specifications and BIOS support before choosing a CPU, board, and memory combination. Intel’s launch announcement
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Stream, create, and compete at the highest levels with industry leading features and the latest hybrid architecture
- 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) and 32 threads
- Up to 5.8 GHz unlocked. 36M Cache
- Discrete graphics required
- Compatible with Intel 600 series (might need BIOS update) and 700 series chipset-based motherboards
Rank #4
- Get ultra-efficient with Intel Core Ultra desktop processors that improve both performance and efficiency so your PC can run cooler, quieter, and quicker.
- Core and Threads 24 cores (8 P-cores plus 16 E-cores) and 24 threads. Integrated Intel Graphics included
- Performance Hybrid Architecture Integrates two core microarchitectures, prioritizing and distributing workloads to optimize performance
- Performance Unlocked Up to 5.7 GHz unlocked. 40MB Cache
- Compatibility Compatible with Intel 800 series chipset-based motherboards
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