As we move closer to the launch of the Intel 13th gen ‘Raptor Lake’ chips, the frequency of the leaks keeps increasing. For instance, we have a pretty good idea about the alleged specs of the Core i9-13900K. Similarly, just a few days ago we reported that an Intel Core i9-13900 engineering sample scored 20% more in the Cinebench multi-core benchmark than the Intel Core i9-12900K.
Now, an allegedly actual Intel Core i9-13900K has been sold on the Chinese black market. The report comes to us courtesy of GoFish via ExperteVallah. The unit sold had its CPU SPEC code and QR codes obfuscated, so we can’t confirm whether the chip was a real Core i9-13900K chip or a scam. Assuming it is legit, we wouldn’t be surprised since it has now become a routine for engineering samples of unreleased hardware to pop up for sale in China.
The product description for the CPU mentions that the chip has 8 large or ‘Raptor Cove’ P-cores, 16 small or ‘Gracemont’ E-cores, 32 threads, and works on an ASUS Z690 ROG APEX. The seller also claims that the silicon supports overclocking and boosts up. Since no other information is available, we can’t confirm whether it is a Raptor Lake Core i9-13900K processor.
Intel is planning to release the 13th gen chips in late Q3 or Q4 2022. So we won't have to wait too long to get official confirmation of the specifications and performance targets.