Core i9-12900K vs Core i9-13900HX
Core i9-12900K
Core i9-13900HX
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 i9-12900K
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-13900HX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900K | Core i9-13900HX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($322) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-HX (2023) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900K | Core i9-13900HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($322) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i9-12900K and Core i9-13900HX
Core i9-12900K
The Core i9-12900K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 41,180 points. Launch price was $589.
Core i9-13900HX
The Core i9-13900HX 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 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 36 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: 42,437 points. Launch price was $668.
Processing Power
The Core i9-12900K packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i9-13900HX offers 24 cores / 32 threads — the Core i9-13900HX has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-12900K versus 5.4 GHz on the Core i9-13900HX — a 3.8% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900HX (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i9-12900K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i9-13900HX uses Raptor Lake-HX (2023) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900K scores 41,180 against the Core i9-13900HX's 42,437 — a 3% lead for the Core i9-13900HX. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900K vs 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900HX.
| Feature | Core i9-12900K | Core i9-13900HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24 | 24 / 32+50% |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz | 5.4 GHz+4% |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+45% | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | 36 MB (total)+20% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+60% |
| Process | 10 nm | Intel 7 nm-30% |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Raptor Lake-HX (2023) |
| PassMark | 41,180 | 42,437+3% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 29,493 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,878 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 14,944 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-12900K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-13900HX uses FCBGA1964 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. The Core i9-13900HX supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i9-12900K) and HM770,WM790 (Core i9-13900HX).
| Feature | Core i9-12900K | Core i9-13900HX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | FCBGA1964 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 192 GB+50% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i9-12900K) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i9-13900HX). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-12900K) and UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-13900HX) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-13900HX targets Performance Gaming / Mobile Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i9-13900HX rivals Ryzen 9 7945HX.
| Feature | Core i9-12900K | Core i9-13900HX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Performance Gaming / Mobile Workstation |
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