Core i7-13850HX vs Xeon Gold 6242R

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 i7-13850HX vs Xeon Gold 6242R 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 i7-13850HX vs Xeon Gold 6242R: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-13850HX

2023

Why buy it

✅Draws 55W instead of 205W, a 150W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1964 with DDR5 support instead of LGA3647 and DDR4.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics, while Xeon Gold 6242R needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Gold 6242R, which brings 20 cores / 40 threads and 48 PCIe lanes.

Xeon Gold 6242R

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 20 cores / 40 threads, plus 48 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅140% more PCIe lanes (48 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (36,011 vs 36,409).
❌Launch MSRP is still $2,977 MSRP, while Core i7-13850HX mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌272.7% higher power demand at 205W vs 55W.
❌Older platform position on LGA3647 with DDR4, while Core i7-13850HX moves to FCBGA1964 and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-13850HX can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-13850HX better than Xeon Gold 6242R?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Gold 6242R makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-13850HX is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-13850HX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.7% 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 i7-13850HX is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 20 cores and 28 threads.

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

Core i7-13850HX is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon Gold 6242R is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-13850HX comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $2,977 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon Gold 6242R is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (12.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Core i7-13850HX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2020), a healthier platform with FCBGA1964 and DDR5 instead of LGA3647, and more multi-core headroom with 20 cores / 28 threads instead of 20/40. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-13850HX vs Xeon Gold 6242R Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-13850HX

The Core i7-13850HX 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 20 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 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: 36,409 points. Launch price was $428.

Xeon Gold 6242R

The Xeon Gold 6242R is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 February 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 35.75 MB. L2 cache: 20 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 36,011 points. Launch price was $2,529.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-13850HX packs 20 cores / 28 threads, matching the Xeon Gold 6242R's 20 cores. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Core i7-13850HX versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6242R — a 25.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-13850HX (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i7-13850HX uses the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6242R uses Cascade Lake (2019−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-13850HX scores 36,409 against the Xeon Gold 6242R's 36,011 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-13850HX. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i7-13850HX vs 35.75 MB on the Xeon Gold 6242R.

Feature	Core i7-13850HX	Xeon Gold 6242R
Cores / Threads	20 / 28	20 / 40
Boost Clock	5.3 GHz+29%	4.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	3.1 GHz+48%
L3 Cache	30 MB (total)	35.75 MB+19%
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)	20 MB+900%
Process	Intel 7 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake-HX (2023)	Cascade Lake (2019−2020)
PassMark	36,409+1%	36,011

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-13850HX uses the FCBGA1964 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 6242R uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 5600 on the Core i7-13850HX versus 2933 on the Xeon Gold 6242R — the Core i7-13850HX supports 90.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6242R supports up to 1024 of RAM compared to 192 — 433.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-13850HX) vs 6 (Xeon Gold 6242R). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-13850HX) vs 48 (Xeon Gold 6242R) — the Xeon Gold 6242R offers 28 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Raptor Lake-HX (Core i7-13850HX) and C621 (Xeon Gold 6242R).

Feature	Core i7-13850HX	Xeon Gold 6242R
Socket	FCBGA1964	LGA3647
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	5600+91%	2933
Max RAM Capacity	192	1024+433%
RAM Channels	2	6+200%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	48+140%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-13850HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-13850HX includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics), while the Xeon Gold 6242R requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-13850HX rivals Ryzen 7 8845HS; Xeon Gold 6242R rivals EPYC 7302.