Intel’s 13th Gen Raptor Lake CPUs are set to hit shelves on October 20. The upcoming processors promise vastly improved single-core and multi-core performance metrics with an improved architecture and more efficient core count.
The increased single-core performance stats equate to better in-game performance metrics. So gamers looking to upgrade to a new 13th Gen Raptor Lake PC build will likely be happy with the benefits of the new processor lineup.
However, taking into account the requirements of modern games, it is set up a gaming PC can be intimidating for beginners. This guide lists some of the best components to build a high-performance gaming rig on a variety of budgets.
Note: This article is subjective and reflects the opinion of the writer.
A guide to building the best PCs with Intel 13th Gen CPUs in a variety of price ranges
1) Budget building within $1500
- Processor: Intel Core i5 13600KF
- Motherboard: MSI PRO B660M-A WIFI DDR4 M-ATX motherboard
- RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance RGB Pro 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200
- Cooler: Deepcool LS520 high performance 240mm AIO cooler
- PSU: EVGA 850 BQ 80+ Bronze semi-modular power supply
- Storage: Western Digital SN750 NVMe M.2 2280 1TB PCIe Gen 3
- Video Card: AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT
- Case: MSI MPG Gungnir 110R
The Core i5 13600KF is a solid 13th generation processor that is well suited for high-end gaming. In combination with the Radeon RX 6900 XT, the chip can deliver a high frame rate at 4K resolution.
The CPU also has an MSI PRO B660M-A DDR4 motherboard and coupled with DDR4 RAM and a 240mm rad makes for a solid budget build 4K gaming scum.
It also comes with a stylish MSI MPG Gungnir 110R case and an 850W power supply.
2) Gaming focused build within $2000
- Processor: Intel Core i5 13600K
- Motherboard: MSI PRO B660M-A WIFI DDR4 M-ATX motherboard
- RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance RGB Pro 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200
- Cooler: Deepcool LS720 high performance 360mm AIO cooler
- PSU: EVGA 850 BQ 80+ Bronze semi-modular power supply
- Storage: Samsung 980 PRO Heatsink NVMe M.2 2280 1TB PCIe Gen 4
- Video Card: AMD Radeon RX 6950 XT
- Cabinet: Hyte Y60
For a high-end build under $2000, there is the Core i5 13600K CPU. It features the same MSI PRO B660M-A motherboard, supporting 13th generation CPUs via a recent firmware update. The build also features high-end DDR4 memory from Corsair.
There is also a 360mm Deepcool LS720 cooler to improve cooling. The same EVGA 850W PSU is present in this build and the components are housed in one Hyte Y60 Case.
3) High-end DDR4 based build within $2500
- Processor: Intel Core i7 13700KF
- Motherboard: MSI PRO Z690-A ATX motherboard
- RAM: OLOY Blade RGB 16 GB (2x 8 GB) DDR5 5600
- Cooler: Deepcool LS720 high performance 360mm AIO cooler
- PSU: EVGA 850 BQ 80+ Bronze semi-modular power supply
- Storage: Western Digital SN750 NVMe M.2 2280 1TB PCIe Gen 3
- Video Card: AMD Radeon RX 6950 XT
- Case: Phanteks Eclipse P400A Digital
The Core i7 13700KF is a solid 13th generation chip that is perfectly suited for high-end gaming. The high-end MSI PRO Z690 motherboard and DDR5 memory ensures a lag-free experience even with some games that require higher configuration.
The 360mm Deepcool LS720 cooler and AMD’s best-in-class GPU, the Radeon RX 6950 XT, combine well to provide a high-end 4K gaming rig.
4) High-end build within $3000
- Processor: Intel Core i7 13700K
- Motherboard: MSI MPG Z790 Edge ATX motherboard
- RAM: OLOY Blade RGB 16 GB (2x 8 GB) DDR5 5600
- Cooler: Deepcool LS720 high performance 360mm AIO cooler
- PSU: EVGA 850 BQ 80+ Bronze semi-modular power supply
- Storage: Samsung 980 PRO Heatsink NVMe M.2 2280 1TB PCIe Gen 4
- Video Card: Nvidia Geforce RTX 4080 FE
- Case: Fractal Design Meshify C
The Core i7 13700K is a capable 13th generation CPU, just like the 13700KF, and pairs well with the high-end MSI MPG Z790 Edge motherboard and DDR5 memory.
In the graphic field, Nvidia’s latest RTX 4080 GPU makes for a powerful system ideal for 4K gaming.
To maintain the optimal CPU temperature for 13th generation CPUs, this build uses the Deepcool LS720 cooler, which is considered better than the Lian Li Galahad 360. The Samsung 980 PRO SSD is the ideal storage solution that will also contribute to a faster start – on time.
To house all components, one can choose the Fractal Design Meshify C, a game case known for its high airflow standards.
5) No compromises Intel 13th gen build
- Processor: Intel Core i9 13900K
- Motherboard: MSI MPG Z790 Edge ATX motherboard
- RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance 32 GB (2x 16 GB) DDR5-5600
- Cooler: Deepcool LS720 high performance 360mm AIO cooler
- PSU: EVGA SuperNOVA 80+ Platinum 1200W fully modular power supply
- Storage: Samsung 980 PRO Heatsink NVMe M.2 2280 1TB PCIe Gen 4
- Video Card: MSI Geforce RTX 4090 Suprim X
- Casing: Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic Evo
We opted for an uncompromising 13th generation build the best-in-class Core i9 13900K. It is paired with a high-end motherboard from MSI and Corsair Vengeance DDR5 memory sticks.
The Deepcool LS720 is an excellent choice to maintain the temperature of the processor. For this build, we also opted for MSI’s RTX 4090 Suprim X graphics card, the very best air-cooled GPU for the Taiwanese manufacturer.
The system is powered by a 1200W EVGA power supply and housed in the Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic Evo gaming enclosure.
