Core i9-13900H vs Core i9-13900HK

Intel

Core i9-13900H

14 Cores20 Thrd45 WWMax: 5.4 GHz2023
Core family
·······
VS
Intel

Core i9-13900HK

14 Cores20 Thrd45 WWMax: 5.4 GHz2023
Core family
·······

Core i9-13900H vs Core i9-13900HK Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i9-13900H 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 i9-13900H 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 i9-13900H

2023

Why buy it

  • +0.8% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $80 less on MSRP ($617 MSRP vs $697 MSRP).
  • Delivers 13.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 44.5 vs 39.0 PassMark/$ ($617 MSRP vs $697 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • No integrated graphics, while Core i9-13900HK can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i9-13900HK

2023

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (28 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 (27,217 vs 27,444).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 39.0 vs 44.5 PassMark/$ ($697 MSRP vs $617 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-13900H better than Core i9-13900HK?
Yes. Core i9-13900H is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 0.8% better PassMark and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.
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 0.8% 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 $80 cheaper on MSRP at $617 MSRP versus $697 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.8% higher PassMark. It is also 13.9% better value on MSRP (44.5 vs 39.0 PassMark/$), 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 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 i9-13900H vs Core i9-13900HK Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

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.

Processing Power

Both the Core i9-13900H and Core i9-13900HK share an identical 14-core/20-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Core i9-13900H versus 5.4 GHz on the Core i9-13900HK — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). Both are built on the Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) architecture using a Intel 7 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i9-13900H scores 27,444 against the Core i9-13900HK's 27,217 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i9-13900H. Both processors carry 24 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i9-13900HCore i9-13900HK
Cores / Threads
14 / 20
14 / 20
Boost Clock
5.4 GHz
5.4 GHz
Base Clock
2.6 GHz
2.6 GHz
L3 Cache
24 MB (total)
24 MB (total)
L2 Cache
2 MB (per core)
2 MB (per core)
Process
Intel 7 nm
Intel 7 nm
Architecture
Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024)
Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024)
PassMark
27,444
27,217
Geekbench 6 Single
2,629
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the FCBGA1744 socket with PCIe 5.0.

FeatureCore i9-13900HCore i9-13900HK
Socket
FCBGA1744
FCBGA1744
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-5200
Max RAM Capacity
96 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
28
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i9-13900H) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-13900HK). The Core i9-13900HK includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics 96EU), while the Core i9-13900H requires a dedicated GPU.

FeatureCore i9-13900HCore i9-13900HK
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Iris Xe Graphics 96EU
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-13900H was priced at $617, while the Core i9-13900HK came in at $697. On launch pricing ($617 vs $697), Core i9-13900H was $80 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13900H delivers 44.5 pts/$ vs 39.0 pts/$ for the Core i9-13900HK — making the Core i9-13900H the 13% better value option.

FeatureCore i9-13900HCore i9-13900HK
MSRP
$617-11%
$697
Performance per Dollar
44.5+14%
39.0
Release Date
2023
2023

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.