Intel Core i9-13900K’s Power Consumption Peaks at 431.7W with Intel’s BIOS Profile

Intel advises customers to use the highest compatible power delivery profile to prevent processor failures and ensure optimal performance.

Intel is addressing the issue of processor failures by urging customers to use the highest compatible power profile.
The article provides detailed information on the different power profiles and their impact on power consumption, thermals, and performance.
By selecting the appropriate power profile, users can optimize their Intel Core i9-13900K experience and avoid potential issues.

Intel Core i9-13900K’s Power Consumption Peaks at 431.7W with Intel’s BIOS Profile

Intel has been facing some challenges with its Core i9-13900K/14900k/KS processors, as hundreds of them have failed. In response, the chipmaker has requested its board partners to adhere to its official power specifications. However, Intel offers multiple power delivery profiles, which has caused some confusion among customers.

To address this issue, Intel has issued a statement urging customers to use the highest power delivery profile that is compatible with their motherboards. This move aims to ensure that the processors operate within the recommended power limits and prevent any further failures.

The power profiles in question are known as PL1, PL2, PL4, and Unlimited Power Limits. The “Performance” and “Extreme” power profiles have a boost power limit of 253W (PL2), with maximum CPU current values of 307A and 400A, respectively. It’s important to note that the 400A limit is the upper limit for all K and KS series processors.

To shed more light on the situation, Igor’s Lab conducted tests on the Core i9-13900K using different power profiles on a Z690 motherboard. The results, obtained using precision equipment, were quite revealing. When using the Intel “Extreme power” profile, the processor drew an average of 350W. Surprisingly, it drew a similar amount of power when using the 4096W profile commonly used by board partners until now.

However, the “Baseline” and “Performance” profiles kept the average power consumption well below the 253W PL2 limit. In terms of peak power consumption, the processor reached a staggering 492W using the 4096W profile and slightly lower at 431.7W using the “Extreme” profile. The only power profile that aligned with the 253W PL2 limit was the Intel “Baseline” profile, with the Core i9-13900K peaking at 332.58W.

It’s worth noting that while both the “Extreme” and “Insane” profiles exceeded the PL4 value of 380W, the “Performance” and “Baseline” profiles remained within this limit. This information highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate power profile to ensure optimal performance and avoid any potential issues.

Moving on to thermals, it’s clear that power consumption directly affects temperature. With the “Baseline” and “Performance” profiles, the Core i9-13900K maintained an average temperature of around 58-59°C. However, when using the “Extreme” and “Insane” profiles, the chip’s temperature rose to approximately 77°C.

Furthermore, modern processors utilize sophisticated boost algorithms that adjust the boost clock based on real-time power consumption and thermals. In the case of the Core i9-13900K, it averaged a clock speed of 3709MHz with the “Baseline” and “Performance” profiles, compared to around 4240MHz with the “Extreme” and “Insane” power settings.

Unsurprisingly, these variations in power profiles and clock speeds also impact performance. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score differed by more than 2000 points depending on the power profile used. With the “Baseline” profile, the Core i9-13900K scored 33018 points, while the “Performance” profile yielded 35410 points. The “Extreme” profile pushed the score even higher to 37755 points, and the “Insane” profile reached an impressive 39463 points.

In conclusion, it is evident that the performance of Intel processors can vary significantly depending on factors such as the motherboard, power profile, and thermal solutions employed. As Intel prepares for the upcoming Arrow Lake-S launch, it is crucial for users to understand the impact of these variables on performance uplifts compared to existing Raptor Lake parts. By selecting the appropriate power profile and ensuring compatibility with their motherboards, users can optimize their Intel Core i9-13900K experience.

About Our Team

Our team comprises industry insiders with extensive experience in computers, semiconductors, games, and consumer electronics. With decades of collective experience, we’re committed to delivering timely, accurate, and engaging news content to our readers.

Background Information

About Intel:

Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, is for its semiconductor innovations that power computing and communication devices worldwide. As a pioneer in microprocessor technology, Intel has left an indelible mark on the evolution of computing with its processors that drive everything from PCs to data centers and beyond. With a history of advancements, Intel's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the digital landscape, offering solutions that empower businesses and individuals to achieve new levels of productivity and connectivity.

Latest Articles about Intel

Technology Explained

CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the most important component of a computer system, as it is responsible for controlling all other components. CPUs are used in a wide range of applications, from desktop computers to mobile devices, gaming consoles, and even supercomputers. CPUs are used to process data, execute instructions, and control the flow of information within a computer system. They are also used to control the input and output of data, as well as to store and retrieve data from memory. CPUs are essential for the functioning of any computer system, and their applications in the computer industry are vast.