
Core i7-13700HX vs Core i9-10980XE

Core i7-13700HX

Core i9-10980XE
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 i7-13700HX
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-10980XE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-13700HX | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($485) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($620) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-HX (2023) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake-X (2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-13700HX | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+28%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($485) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($620) |
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 i7-13700HX and Core i9-10980XE

Core i7-13700HX
The Core i7-13700HX 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 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 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: 32,157 points. Launch price was $485.

Core i9-10980XE
The Core i9-10980XE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 24.75 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. Passmark benchmark score: 32,187 points. Launch price was $979.
Processing Power
The Core i7-13700HX packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i9-10980XE offers 18 cores / 36 threads — the Core i9-10980XE has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-13700HX versus 4.8 GHz on the Core i9-10980XE — a 4.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-13700HX (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i7-13700HX uses the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-10980XE uses Cascade Lake-X (2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-13700HX scores 32,157 against the Core i9-10980XE's 32,187 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i9-10980XE. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i7-13700HX vs 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-10980XE.
| Feature | Core i7-13700HX | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24 | 18 / 36+13% |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+4% | 4.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3 GHz+43% |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total)+21% | 24.75 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+100% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-HX (2023) | Cascade Lake-X (2019) |
| PassMark | 32,157 | 32,187 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 24,309 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,242 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 16,275 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-13700HX uses the FCBGA1964 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-10980XE uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i7-13700HX versus DDR4-2933 on the Core i9-10980XE — the Core i7-13700HX supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-10980XE supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 28.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-13700HX) vs 4 (Core i9-10980XE). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-13700HX) vs 48 (Core i9-10980XE) — the Core i9-10980XE offers 28 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Mobile (Core i7-13700HX) and X299 (Core i9-10980XE).
| Feature | Core i7-13700HX | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1964 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800+25% | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB | 256 GB+33% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 48+140% |
Advanced Features
Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-13700HX) vs Yes (Core i9-10980XE). The Core i7-13700HX includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics), while the Core i9-10980XE requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Core i7-13700HX | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | Yes |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-13700HX launched at $485 MSRP, while the Core i9-10980XE debuted at $979.
| Feature | Core i7-13700HX | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $485-50% | $979 |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $620 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2019 |
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