Core i5-13450HX vs Core i9-11900K

Intel

Core i5-13450HX

10 Cores16 Thrd0 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2023
Core family
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VS
Intel

Core i9-11900K

8 Cores16 Thrd125 WWMax: 5.2 GHz2021
Core family
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Core i5-13450HX vs Core i9-11900K Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i5-13450HX vs Core i9-11900K 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 i5-13450HX vs Core i9-11900K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-13450HX

2023

Why buy it

  • +25% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 16 MB).
  • Newer platform on FCBGA1964 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1200 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (24,869 vs 24,990).

Core i9-11900K

2021

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 20 MB).
    • Launch MSRP is still $539 MSRP, while Core i5-13450HX mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
    • Older platform position on LGA1200 with DDR4, while Core i5-13450HX moves to FCBGA1964 and DDR5.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Core i9-11900K better than Core i5-13450HX?
    Yes. Core i9-11900K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Core i9-11900K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.6% 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 i9-11900K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Core i9-11900K is the better buy right now. Core i9-11900K comes in at an unclear MSRP at $539 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (46.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Core i5-13450HX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2021), a healthier platform with FCBGA1964 and DDR5 instead of LGA1200, and 25% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 16 MB). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

    Core i5-13450HX vs Core i9-11900K Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Core i5-13450HX

    The Core i5-13450HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture. It features 10 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): + 20 MB. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 24,869 points. Launch price was $326.

    Intel

    Core i9-11900K

    The Core i9-11900K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 24,990 points. Launch price was $539.

    Processing Power

    The Core i5-13450HX packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i9-11900K offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i5-13450HX has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13450HX versus 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-11900K — a 12.2% clock advantage for the Core i9-11900K (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i5-13450HX uses the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-11900K uses Rocket Lake (2021) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13450HX scores 24,869 against the Core i9-11900K's 24,990 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i9-11900K. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13450HX vs 16 MB (total) on the Core i9-11900K.

    FeatureCore i5-13450HXCore i9-11900K
    Cores / Threads
    10 / 16+25%
    8 / 16
    Boost Clock
    4.6 GHz
    5.2 GHz+13%
    Base Clock
    2.4 GHz
    3.5 GHz+46%
    L3 Cache
    20 MB (total)+25%
    16 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    2 MB (per core)+300%
    512 kB (per core)
    Process
    Intel 7 nm-50%
    14 nm
    Architecture
    Raptor Lake-HX (2023)
    Rocket Lake (2021)
    PassMark
    24,869
    24,990
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Core i5-13450HX uses the FCBGA1964 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-11900K uses LGA1200 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCore i5-13450HXCore i9-11900K
    Socket
    FCBGA1964
    LGA1200
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 5.0+25%
    PCIe 4.0