How to understand the names of Intel processors?

Understand the names of Intel processors in 3 minutes

Choosing a processor for your computer can feel intimidating, especially when you’re faced with names like “Intel Core i7-13700K”. But don’t panic! Once you understand the codes, everything becomes clearer. 

Here’s a simple, fun guide to decode the name of Intel processors and find the one that suits you.

Series: Core i3, i5, i7 or i9?

Each Intel Core family is split into sub-series, which indicate the performance level:

• Core i3: For light tasks. Suitable for office work or student use.
• Core i5: A good compromise for gaming and multitasking.
• Core i7: Faster and more powerful. Ideal for content creators or demanding gamers.
• Core i9: The flagship tier, aimed at professionals or players looking for maximum performance.

Memory tip: the higher the number, the more powerful the processor.

Generation numbers: what does “13700” mean?

Let’s take the example of the Intel Core i7-13700K:

• 13: This is the processor generation. Here, it refers to the 13th generation, which corresponds to the most recent models (2022–2023).
• 700: This number indicates performance within that generation. The higher the number, the more powerful the processor (for example, a 13700 will be better than a 13400).

Letters at the end: what do they mean?

The letters at the end of the processor name provide extra information about its features:

• K: Unlocked processor for overclocking (manual performance boost).
• F: No integrated graphics card. You’ll need an external graphics card.
• KF: Unlocked + no integrated graphics card.
• T: Low-power version for energy efficiency.
• U and P: Processors for laptops (energy-savers).
• H and HK: Increased performance for laptops (often for gamers).

Practical example: the Intel Core i5-12400F

Let’s break down this name:

• i5: A mid-range processor.
• 12: 12th generation (released in 2021–2022).
• 400: Performance level—ideal for gaming/office use.
• F: No integrated graphics card. An external graphics card is required.

So this processor is an excellent choice for a budget gaming desktop PC.

How do you choose your Intel processor?

To find the ideal processor, here are a few simple questions:

• What’s your main use? (office work, gaming, video editing, etc.)
• Your budget? (A Core i3 will be cheaper than an i9).
• Don’t you have a graphics card? If that’s the case, avoid models with the “F” & “KF” letters.

Benchmark of Intel processors for flowup PCs