IntelCore i9-13900KS Desktop Processor 24 cores (8 P + 16 E) 36MB Cache, up to 6.0 GHz

No challenge here. CPU mounted fine and with proper cooling with Asus and a wood front Fractal tower paired with a Gigabyte motherboard, no issues and stress tested the unit and it was fine. Not sure why so many negative or passive reviews on such a good CPU. I am impressed and will tweak around with it some but not aggressively. Good product for a great discounted price.

Previously I had the AMD 7950x and it was pretty fast, don’t get me wrong. However, this 13900ks is a lot snappier even browsing around in windows 11. Programs launch faster and games are buttery smooth @ 4k ultra details, when paired with an Nvidia 4090. I also love the fact that the ks is a “binned” CPU, which overclocks more easily and typically handles faster DDR5 memory in the range of 7800-8400Mhz depending on how good the memory controller is in your 13900ks sample. Regardless, you will probably be able to hit 7800-8000 at the least. This purchase is actually my 2nd 13900ks and I ended up getting a better binned version this time. With an overal(Asus) SP of 113, P Cores 123, e cores 93, and memory controller was 83. Im currently running a G.Skill 32GB(2x16GB) 7800mhz DDR5 kit with XMP turned on in the BIOS. I have been able to bump it up to a stable 8000mhz by bumping up the Memory Controller voltage to 1.4v and the VDD/VDDQ voltage to 1.5v using the same timings that were on my 7800 XMP kit CL36. With the CPU and a Corsair h170i 420mm AIO with 6 fans in a push pull configuration, I was able to get a stable CPU overclock of 60/60/58/58/58/58/58/58 on the (8) P cores, but I’m pretty sure I can bump the 1-3 core workloads higher. It’s when using a workload that requires all 8 P cores that I run into some stability issues with my current cooling trying to push it past 5.8Ghz using all 8 p cores. I leave my E cores all synced at 4.3Ghz stock to help give me more P core Overclock headroom. Another overclock method that works really well, is easy and stable, is to turn on the Asus AiOverclock. Given that I have used both an MSI and Asus Z790 motherboard, I highly recommend the Asus ROG brand line for a Z790 compatible motherboard for this 13900ks. They update their BIOS version frequently and there quality is typically very good on there products that are produced in higher numbers. The absolute ideal motherboard for Overclocking and using the fastest DDR5 ram would be the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 APEX(2-DIMM) motherboard. If you just can’t get your hands on one maybe go with the (4-DIMM) Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero motherboard. You should be able to reach up to 7600mhz DDR5 on it. Whatever you do don’t settle on a motherboard, because it’s the center of the system and can be upgraded later. I started with an MSI Meg Z790 Ace and wish I had started with an Asus. The MSI ran a lot hotter with the same clock speeds and only supported up to 7200mhz DDR5 using 2x16GB sticks. The motherboard attached in the review photo is the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 APEX, a thermal Grizzly 12/13th gen contact frame to make the cpu more level for the heatsink cooler that goes on top and of course the 13900ks that’s a little dirty from previously applied thermal paste I just wiped off. Sorry for the long winded review, but this has been my favorite CPU that I’ve owned. It’s super fast and you can tinker with it for an easy overclock for fun.

The Intel Core i9-13900KS Desktop Processor is a juggernaut in the world of high-performance computing. With an astonishing 24 cores (8 Performance + 16 Efficiency) and a whopping 36MB cache, this processor will leave you breathless with its unparalleled speed and capability.When it comes to raw processing power, the i9-13900KS is in a league of its own. With an impressive clock speed of up to 6.0 GHz, it effortlessly handles demanding tasks and resource-intensive applications. From content creation and video rendering to gaming and multitasking, this processor delivers unrivaled performance, ensuring seamless and lightning-fast computing experiences.One of the standout features of the i9-13900KS is its ability to intelligently distribute workload across its efficient and powerful cores. The performance cores handle intensive tasks, providing incredible speed and responsiveness, while the efficiency cores take care of lighter loads, optimizing power consumption and efficiency. This balance guarantees superior performance without sacrificing energy efficiency.The processor's generous cache size of 36MB ensures quick access to frequently used data, further enhancing overall system responsiveness. Whether you're working with massive datasets or running complex simulations, the i9-13900KS effortlessly keeps up with your demands, consistently delivering superb results.Not only does this processor excel in performance, but it also boasts excellent compatibility with a wide range of applications and hardware configurations. It supports high-speed memory, PCIe 5.0, and Thunderbolt 4 technology, maximizing the potential of your system and providing unbeatable connectivity options.The i9-13900KS features Intel's advanced technologies, such as Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0 and Intel Hyper-Threading, further optimizing performance and enabling swift execution of parallel tasks. Additionally, its robust thermal design ensures efficient cooling, preventing any thermal limitations that could hinder its performance.In summary, the Intel Core i9-13900KS Desktop Processor is a true marvel in the world of desktop computing. Its exceptional core count, high clock speed, and impressive cache size make it a force to be reckoned with. Whether you're a professional content creator, a hardcore gamer, or someone who demands the absolute best from their system, the i9-13900KS delivers beyond expectations. If you're in need of jaw-dropping performance and unprecedented speed, this processor is an absolute must-have.

I paid over 800 dollars for this cpu and it has underperformed and been a nightmare. This cpu has crashed countless times and is completely unstable even though I invested in a top of the line cooler, tried different thermal pastes and tweaked the bios numerous times. I guess I will go through the pain that is RMA and see how that goes. Not exactly what one hopes for when they fork over top dollar for a cpu.

Works just fine, really fast, lots of cores. With all the cores running, they will run up to 100 C and throttle back on clock speed with pretty much any standard CPU cooler. The consensus seems to be that this is limited by the thermal connection inside the CPU case between the actual chip and the upper surface which contacts your cooling block. In other words, the cores can overheat even if your cooling system can maintain the upper surface of the CPU at room temperature. You don't want the cores running hot at 99 C for any length of time, and so you really need to tune the CPU clock speed and the voltages with a motherboard that permits overclock tuning. With a good standard CPU cooler, I found it's possible to run continuously with a 4.7 GHz clock on all 24 cores and keep the core temperatures below 85 C.