Core i5-12450HX vs Core i7-9800X
Core i5-12450HX
Core i7-9800X
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-12450HX
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9800X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-12450HX | Core i7-9800X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($210) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-HX (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-12450HX | Core i7-9800X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($210) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-12450HX and Core i7-9800X
Core i5-12450HX
The Core i5-12450HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 May 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-HX (2022) architecture. It features 8 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 18,064 points. Launch price was $299.
Core i7-9800X
The Core i7-9800X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 16.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 18,128 points. Launch price was $589.
Processing Power
The Core i5-12450HX packs 8 cores / 12 threads, matching the Core i7-9800X's 8 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12450HX versus 4.5 GHz on the Core i7-9800X — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-9800X (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Core i5-12450HX uses the Alder Lake-HX (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-9800X uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12450HX scores 18,064 against the Core i7-9800X's 18,128 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-9800X. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,150 vs 1,372, a 44.2% lead for the Core i5-12450HX that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-12450HX vs 16.5 MB (total) on the Core i7-9800X.
| Feature | Core i5-12450HX | Core i7-9800X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 12 | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz | 4.5 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3.8 GHz+58% |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 16.5 MB (total)+38% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+25% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-HX (2022) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 18,064 | 18,128 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 13,067 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,150+57% | 1,372 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 7,552 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-12450HX uses the FCBGA1964 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-9800X uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i5-12450HX versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9800X — the Core i5-12450HX supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-12450HX) vs 4 (Core i7-9800X). PCIe lanes: 48 (Core i5-12450HX) vs 44 (Core i7-9800X) — the Core i5-12450HX offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM670,WM690 (Core i5-12450HX) and X299 (Core i7-9800X).
| Feature | Core i5-12450HX | Core i7-9800X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1964 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800+25% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 48+9% | 44 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Core i7-9800X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12450HX) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9800X). The Core i5-12450HX includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics for 12th Gen), while the Core i7-9800X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12450HX targets Workstation/Enthusiast Laptop, Core i7-9800X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i5-12450HX rivals Ryzen 5 7645HX; Core i7-9800X rivals Ryzen 5 3600XT.
| Feature | Core i5-12450HX | Core i7-9800X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics for 12th Gen | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Workstation/Enthusiast Laptop | Workstation |
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