Core 7 250H vs Core i9-12900HK

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core 7 250H vs Core i9-12900HK FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core 7 250H vs Core i9-12900HK: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core 7 250H

2024

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i9-12900HK can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i9-12900HK.

Core i9-12900HK

2022

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (28 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe Graphics G7 (96EUs), while Core 7 250H needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Laptop Integrated), unlike Core 7 250H.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (25,512 vs 25,530).

Quick Answers

So, is Core 7 250H better than Core i9-12900HK?

Yes. Core 7 250H is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 7 250H is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.9% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 7 250H is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 20 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core 7 250H still makes the most sense overall. Core 7 250H comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core 7 250H makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2022) and more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 20 threads instead of 14/20. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core 7 250H vs Core i9-12900HK Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core 7 250H

The Core 7 250H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 18 December 2024 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 25,530 points. Launch price was $502.

Core i9-12900HK

The Core i9-12900HK is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-H (2022) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 25,512 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 7 250H and Core i9-12900HK share an identical 14-core/20-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Core 7 250H versus 5 GHz on the Core i9-12900HK — a 7.7% clock advantage for the Core 7 250H (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core 7 250H uses the Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i9-12900HK uses Alder Lake-H (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core 7 250H scores 25,530 against the Core i9-12900HK's 25,512 — a 0.1% lead for the Core 7 250H. Both processors carry 24 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core 7 250H	Core i9-12900HK
Cores / Threads	14 / 20	14 / 20
Boost Clock	5.4 GHz+8%	5 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	24 MB (total)	24 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)+60%	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	10 nm	Intel 7 nm-30%
Architecture	Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024)	Alder Lake-H (2022)
PassMark	25,530	25,512
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	18,197
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,938
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	13,317

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the FCBGA1744 socket with PCIe 5.0.

Feature	Core 7 250H	Core i9-12900HK
Socket	FCBGA1744	FCBGA1744
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity	—	64 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	28

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core 7 250H) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i9-12900HK). The Core i9-12900HK includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics G7 (96EUs)), while the Core 7 250H requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-12900HK targets Enthusiast Gaming Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i9-12900HK rivals Ryzen 9 6900HX.

Feature	Core 7 250H	Core i9-12900HK
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Iris Xe Graphics G7 (96EUs)
Unlocked	—	Yes
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Enthusiast Gaming Laptop