Core i9-12900H vs Core i9-13900H

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 i9-12900H vs Core i9-13900H 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 i9-12900H vs Core i9-13900H: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-12900H

2022

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe Graphics 96EU, while Core i9-13900H needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (27,079 vs 27,444).

Core i9-13900H

2023

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i9-12900H can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-13900H better than Core i9-12900H?

Yes. Core i9-13900H 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, 1.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-13900H 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 i9-13900H is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 20 threads.

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

Core i9-13900H is the better buy right now. Core i9-13900H comes in in basically the same MSRP band at $617 MSRP versus $617 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 1.3% better value on MSRP (44.5 vs 43.9 PassMark/$), 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 i9-13900H makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2022) and more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 20 threads instead of 14/20. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i9-12900H vs Core i9-13900H Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-12900H

The Core i9-12900H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-H (2022) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 27,079 points. Launch price was $299.

Core i9-13900H

The Core i9-13900H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 27,444 points. Launch price was $617.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i9-12900H and Core i9-13900H share an identical 14-core/20-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i9-12900H versus 5.4 GHz on the Core i9-13900H — a 7.7% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900H (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i9-12900H uses the Alder Lake-H (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-13900H uses Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900H scores 27,079 against the Core i9-13900H's 27,444 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i9-13900H. Both processors carry 24 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i9-12900H	Core i9-13900H
Cores / Threads	14 / 20	14 / 20
Boost Clock	5 GHz	5.4 GHz+8%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.6 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	24 MB (total)	24 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	2 MB (per core)+60%
Process	Intel 7 nm	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-H (2022)	Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024)
PassMark	27,079	27,444+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi	16,500	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,400	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	12,900	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the FCBGA1744 socket with PCIe 5.0.

Feature	Core i9-12900H	Core i9-13900H
Socket	FCBGA1744	FCBGA1744
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	20	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes (Core i9-12900H) / not specified (Core i9-13900H). The Core i9-12900H includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics 96EU), while the Core i9-13900H requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-12900H targets Mobile.

Feature	Core i9-12900H	Core i9-13900H
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Iris Xe Graphics 96EU	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	Yes	—
Target Use	Mobile	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-12900H was priced at $617, while the Core i9-13900H came in at $617. On launch pricing ($617 vs $617), Core i9-13900H was $0 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900H delivers 43.9 pts/$ vs 44.5 pts/$ for the Core i9-13900H — making the Core i9-13900H the 1.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-12900H	Core i9-13900H
MSRP	$617	$617
Performance per Dollar	43.9	44.5+1%
Release Date	2022	2023

Search Core i9-12900H on Amazon

Search Core i9-13900H on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.