Is There Good and Bad CPU Binning in the Intel Core i9-13900K and i9-13900KF Processors?
It’s almost Christmas and with that, the traditions of these holidays return, like the lottery drawings. Maybe you’ve been lucky and won a prize or, on the other hand, it will be another time.
Everything is luck, in the same way that the binning of processors is, where this time more than 500 Intel Core 13 CPUs have been tested to see the results and differences between these, although it should be noted that this time they will focus on the Intel core i9-13900K and intel core i9-13900kf, 296 processors in total.
Many users are unaware, but each CPU is different and, therefore, the one we have is different from the one our friends, family or anyone else has. While the differences are not usually extremely large, there are times when they are and we can get a “black foot” or golden sample silicon, which overclocks to much higher frequencies than a bronze sample.
This is because if you hit the hardware lottery, your CPU could have the same frequency as others, but it would work at a lower voltage. All of this is measured using a frequency/voltage curve and each CPU has its own and can be defined as the binning of each processor.
Identifying the CPU Binning with the ASUS Z790 Hero Motherboard
Identifying the CPUs and finding out their binning somehow seems like a very complex task. However, with an ASUS Maximus Z790 Hero motherboard and BIOS 0031, there is a function called Silicon Prediction (SP) and the BIOS version in turn adds MC SP to evaluate the memory controller.
With Silicon Prediction or SP, we are given a numerical value and with this, the luck we have had with the chip. Therefore, a higher value indicates that the binning of our CPU is better and with this, its voltage will be lower and it will reach higher frequencies.
The methodology will then be based on using an i9-13900K or an i9-13900KF, plugging in the PC without entering the operating system and reading the SP values in the BIOS.
After this, the PC is turned off and the next CPU is inserted and so on until the tests are completed. Although we said there were a total of 500 CPUs, that includes all other processors and since this time it focuses on the i9, there are about 300 in total.
Results after Testing 132 i9-13900K and 164 i9-13900KF Processors
After testing 132 i9-13900K processors and 164 i9-13900KF processors, the results are as follows:
- There are CPUs with very high SP values, reaching as high as 70 and even 80.
- There are CPUs with very low SP values, reaching as low as 10.
- The average SP value for the i9-13900K processors is around 40, while for the i9-13900KF processors it is around 30.
It should also be noted that the difference in performance between the highest and lowest binned CPUs is not as significant as one might think. While there is a difference in the maximum overclocking frequencies that can be reached, the actual performance difference in real-world scenarios is not as significant.
In other words, a “bad” binned CPU may not perform as well as a “good” binned CPU when overclocked to the maximum frequency, but the difference in performance may not justify the cost of purchasing a “good” binned CPU.
In addition to this, it is important to consider that the binning of a CPU is not the only factor that determines its performance. The motherboard, memory, and other components also play a role in overall system performance. For example, a “good” binned CPU may not perform as well as a “bad” binned CPU if it is paired with a lower-quality motherboard or slower memory.
Therefore, it is important to consider the entire system when building or upgrading a PC, rather than just focusing on the binning of the CPU.
In conclusion, while there are good and bad binned CPUs among the Intel Core i9-13900K and i9-13900KF processors, the difference in performance is not as significant as one might think.
It is important to consider the entire system when building or upgrading a PC and not just focus on the binning of the CPU. Additionally, it is worth noting that the cost of purchasing a “good” binned CPU may not justify the potential performance difference in real-world scenarios.
More Factors to Consider When Choosing a CPU
When choosing a CPU, there are other factors to consider besides just the binning. These include:
- Price: The cost of the CPU is an important factor for many people. It is important to consider the price of the CPU in relation to its performance and other features.
- Performance: The performance of the CPU is an important factor to consider, especially if you are planning on using it for tasks that require a lot of processing power, such as gaming or video editing.
- Features: Some CPUs come with additional features, such as built-in graphics or support for faster memory, which may be important to consider depending on your needs.
- Cooling: It is important to consider the cooling requirements of the CPU, especially if you plan on overclocking it. Some CPUs require more advanced cooling solutions, which may increase the cost of the overall system.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best CPU for your needs and budget.