Core i7-12800HX vs Core i9-12950HX
Core i7-12800HX
Core i9-12950HX
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 i7-12800HX
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12950HX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12800HX | Core i9-12950HX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-HX (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-HX (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12800HX | Core i9-12950HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 i7-12800HX and Core i9-12950HX
Core i7-12800HX
The Core i7-12800HX 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 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 25 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: 31,229 points. Launch price was $499.
Core i9-12950HX
The Core i9-12950HX 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 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 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: 31,494 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-12800HX and Core i9-12950HX share an identical 16-core/24-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core i7-12800HX versus 5 GHz on the Core i9-12950HX — a 4.1% clock advantage for the Core i9-12950HX (base: 2 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). Both are built on the Alder Lake-HX (2022) architecture using a Intel 7 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-12800HX scores 31,229 against the Core i9-12950HX's 31,494 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i9-12950HX. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 18,680 vs 23,113 (21.2% advantage for the Core i9-12950HX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,962 vs 2,349, a 18% lead for the Core i9-12950HX that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 15,000 vs 15,711 (4.6% advantage for the Core i9-12950HX). L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12800HX vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12950HX.
| Feature | Core i7-12800HX | Core i9-12950HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24 | 16 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz | 5 GHz+4% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 2.3 GHz+15% |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total) | 30 MB (total)+20% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-HX (2022) | Alder Lake-HX (2022) |
| PassMark | 31,229 | 31,494 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 18,680 | 23,113+24% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,962 | 2,349+20% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 15,000 | 15,711+5% |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the FCBGA1964 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM670,WM690 (Core i7-12800HX) and HM670,WM690 (Core i9-12950HX).
| Feature | Core i7-12800HX | Core i9-12950HX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1964 | FCBGA1964 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-12800HX) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-12950HX) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-12800HX targets Extreme Gaming Laptop, Core i9-12950HX targets Mobile Workstation Flagship. Direct competitor: Core i7-12800HX rivals Ryzen 7 6800HX; Core i9-12950HX rivals Ryzen 9 6980HX.
| Feature | Core i7-12800HX | Core i9-12950HX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Extreme Gaming Laptop | Mobile Workstation Flagship |
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