Core i7 13700F vs M2 Ultra
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Core i7 13700F | M2 Ultra | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinebench 2024 single-core | 112 | 126 | -11.1% |
| Cinebench 2024 multi-core | 1,325 | 1,918 | -30.9% |
| Cores | 16 (8P+8E) | 24 (16P+8E) | — |
| TDP (base W) | 65 | 80 | — |
- Core i7 13700F is slower than M2 Ultra by 11.1% in single-core and slower by 30.9% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024).
- Core i7 13700F draws less power (65W vs 80W base TDP).
Verdict: Core i7 13700F or M2 Ultra?
Core i7 13700F advantages
- Power efficiency (+19%)
M2 Ultra advantages
- Single-core speed (+11%)
- Multi-core speed (+31%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Core i7 13700F if you want a cooler, quieter and more power-efficient build.
- Choose the M2 Ultra if you mainly game or want snappy everyday responsiveness.
Core i7 13700F vs M2 Ultra: which should you choose?
Core i7 13700F — 16-core Intel processor (8P+8E) scoring 112 single-core and 1325 multi-core in Cinebench 2024, with a 65 W TDP and 30 MB L3 cache.
M2 Ultra — 24-core Apple processor (16P+8E) scoring 126 single-core and 1918 multi-core in Cinebench 2024, with a 80 W TDP.
Core i7 13700F vs M2 Ultra: M2 Ultra leads in multi-core performance. Core i7 13700F is slower than M2 Ultra by 11.1% in single-core and slower by 30.9% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024). Core i7 13700F draws less power (65W vs 80W base TDP).
Gaming and single-threaded work
Games and everyday responsiveness lean on single-core speed. The M2 Ultra leads there with a single-core score of 126 versus 112, so it is the marginally better pick for high-refresh gaming — though at typical resolutions the GPU usually decides frame rates.
Content creation and multitasking
For rendering, compilation, video export and other all-core workloads, the M2 Ultra is stronger, posting 1,918 multi-core against 1,325 in Cinebench 2024. Its 24 cores (16 performance + 8 efficiency) give it real headroom for heavy parallel jobs.
Power and platform
The Core i7 13700F is the more efficient chip at 65 W versus 80 W, which means less heat, quieter cooling and lower running costs under sustained load.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the processor comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Core i7 13700F better than the M2 Ultra?
M2 Ultra is the clearly stronger overall choice, winning most of the dimensions that matter. Core i7 13700F is slower than M2 Ultra by 11.1% in single-core and slower by 30.9% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024).
What is the main difference between the Core i7 13700F and the M2 Ultra?
Core i7 13700F is slower than M2 Ultra by 11.1% in single-core and slower by 30.9% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024). Core i7 13700F draws less power (65W vs 80W base TDP).
Which should I choose?
Choose the Core i7 13700F if you want a cooler, quieter and more power-efficient build. Choose the M2 Ultra if you mainly game or want snappy everyday responsiveness.
Methodology
Processors are compared on Cinebench 2024 single-core and multi-core scores from published leaderboard results, alongside core configuration (performance + efficiency cores), base TDP, L3 cache, PassMark CPU Mark, 1080p gaming scores and street pricing where measured. Cinebench reflects rendering-style workloads; gaming performance depends heavily on the GPU and the specific title, so treat single-core standing as directional. Figures reflect the leaderboard snapshot on the page date.