Core i9-13900HK vs Core i9-12900H
Core i9-13900HK
Core i9-12900H
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 i9-13900HK
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12900H
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-13900HK | Core i9-12900H |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($697) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-H (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-13900HK | Core i9-12900H |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($697) | ✅ 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 i9-13900HK and Core i9-12900H
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.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i9-13900HK and Core i9-12900H share an identical 14-core/20-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Core i9-13900HK versus 5 GHz on the Core i9-12900H — a 7.7% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900HK (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i9-13900HK uses the Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-12900H uses Alder Lake-H (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13900HK scores 27,217 against the Core i9-12900H's 27,079 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i9-13900HK. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,629 vs 2,400, 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 i9-13900HK | Core i9-12900H |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 20 | 14 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 5.4 GHz+8% | 5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz+4% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB (total) | 24 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+60% | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) | Alder Lake-H (2022) |
| PassMark | 27,217 | 27,079 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 16,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,629+10% | 2,400 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 12,900 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the FCBGA1744 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to DDR5-5200 memory speed. The Core i9-13900HK supports up to 96 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 28 (Core i9-13900HK) vs 20 (Core i9-12900H) — the Core i9-13900HK offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Mobile (Core i9-13900HK) and Intel 600 Series (Mobile) (Core i9-12900H).
| Feature | Core i9-13900HK | Core i9-12900H |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1744 | FCBGA1744 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5200 | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 96 GB+50% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 28+40% | 20 |
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: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-13900HK) vs Yes (Core i9-12900H). Both include integrated graphics — Iris Xe Graphics 96EU (Core i9-13900HK) and Iris Xe Graphics 96EU (Core i9-12900H) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-12900H targets Mobile.
| Feature | Core i9-13900HK | Core i9-12900H |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Iris Xe Graphics 96EU | Iris Xe Graphics 96EU |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | Yes |
| Target Use | — | Mobile |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i9-13900HK and Core i9-12900H
