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 i9-13900HK 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 i9-13900HK: 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

✅Costs $80 less on MSRP ($617 MSRP vs $697 MSRP).
✅Delivers 12.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 43.9 vs 39.0 PassMark/$ ($617 MSRP vs $697 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (2,400 vs 2,629).
❌Lower PassMark (27,079 vs 27,217).

Core i9-13900HK

2023

Why buy it

✅+9.5% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅40% more PCIe lanes (28 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 39.0 vs 43.9 PassMark/$ ($697 MSRP vs $617 MSRP).

Quick Answers

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

Yes. Core i9-13900HK 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, 0.5% 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 i9-13900HK 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 i9-13900HK is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 20 threads.

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

Core i9-13900HK is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i9-13900HK comes in 13.0% more expensive on MSRP at $697 MSRP versus $617 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i9-12900H only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games.

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

Core i9-13900HK 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 i9-13900HK 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 i9-13900HK

The Core i9-13900HK 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: DDR5-5200, DDR4-3200, LPDDR4x-4267. Passmark benchmark score: 27,217 points. Launch price was $697.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i9-12900H and Core i9-13900HK 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 i9-13900HK — a 7.7% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900HK (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 i9-13900HK uses Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900H scores 27,079 against the Core i9-13900HK's 27,217 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i9-13900HK. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,400 vs 2,629, a 9.1% lead for the Core i9-13900HK that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 24 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i9-12900H	Core i9-13900HK
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	27,217
Cinebench R23 Multi	16,500	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,400	2,629+10%
Geekbench 6 Multi	12,900	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the FCBGA1744 socket with PCIe 5.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i9-12900H versus DDR5-5200 on the Core i9-13900HK — the Core i9-13900HK supports 8.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-13900HK supports up to 96 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-12900H) vs 28 (Core i9-13900HK) — the Core i9-13900HK offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 600 Series (Mobile) (Core i9-12900H) and Mobile (Core i9-13900HK).

Feature	Core i9-12900H	Core i9-13900HK
Socket	FCBGA1744	FCBGA1744
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800	DDR5-5200+8%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	96 GB+50%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20	28+40%

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Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Core i9-13900HK supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: Yes (Core i9-12900H) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-13900HK). Both include integrated graphics — Iris Xe Graphics 96EU (Core i9-12900H) and Iris Xe Graphics 96EU (Core i9-13900HK) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-12900H targets Mobile.

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

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-12900H was priced at $617, while the Core i9-13900HK came in at $697. On launch pricing ($617 vs $697), Core i9-12900H was $80 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900H delivers 43.9 pts/$ vs 39.0 pts/$ for the Core i9-13900HK — making the Core i9-12900H the 11.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-12900H	Core i9-13900HK
MSRP	$617-11%	$697
Performance per Dollar	43.9+13%	39.0
Release Date	2022	2023

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