CPU Comparison
Intel Core 5 120HL vs Intel Core i9-13900TE
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. A 12-core/16-thread Raptor Lake-PS processor in LGA1700 with an 80 EU Iris Xe iGPU, 45 W base power, Gen4 CPU PCIe, dual-channel DDR4/DDR5, and a 10-year embedded lifecycle—targeted at edge devices, kiosks, digital signage, and other long-life systems rather than consumer DIY gaming PCs.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
12 cores/16 threads handle office multitasking and light-to-moderate productivity well, though lower clocks and 95 W max power constrain sustained heavy workloads.
Very strong multi‑threaded performance for an embedded 35 W CPU, rivaling higher‑TDP mobile and many desktop chips in highly parallel workloads.
Gaming
Serviceable for esports or casual games at 1080p low-to-medium when paired with a discrete GPU; iGPU alone is insufficient for most modern AAA titles.
Not targeted at gaming; adequate for light 3D or older titles, but constrained by low power and memory bandwidth compared to desktop 125W+ parts.
Virtualization
E-cores help run multiple VMs, but the 45–95 W power envelope and memory ceiling (96 GB) limit large-scale virtualization compared to higher-tier desktop parts.
Excellent for running multiple VMs or containers in edge appliances thanks to 24 cores, VT‑x/VT‑d, and large cache.
Efficiency
45 W base power and an E-core-heavy mix provide reasonable efficiency at idle and light loads; higher-power Raptor Lake SKUs will outrun it under sustained multi-thread load.
Outstanding performance‑per‑watt in its class, with Intel 7 and hybrid architecture allowing high throughput within a 35 W budget.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Intel DL Boost (VNNI) on CPU supports basic inference workloads.
- No discrete NPU; GPU does not have DL Boost according to ARK.
- Suitable for small edge models and vision pipelines, not large-scale training.
- Intel Deep Learning Boost (AVX2 VNNI) and GNA 3.0 help with small to medium AI inference workloads.
- No dedicated high‑throughput AI accelerator; best suited for edge inference rather than training.
- Good for vision and audio models at batch size 1–4, but not a replacement for a dedicated AI accelerator.
Content Creation
Gaming
- iGPU with 80 EUs is adequate for legacy or light games, not modern AAA.
- CPU-side performance is comparable to entry 12th/13th Gen i5 parts; acceptable when paired with a midrange GPU for 1080p.
- Not marketed as a gaming SKU; best suited to embedded or light-use systems.
- Low base and long‑duration power limit constrains sustained GPU feed and clock headroom.
- Fine for light or retro gaming and GPU‑compute workloads, but not competitive with desktop K‑series or high‑TDP mobile CPUs.
- Integrated UHD 770 is sufficient for display out and basic 3D, not for serious gaming.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 12 cores (4P + 8E) and 16 threads for good multi-tasking in embedded settings.
- 80 EU Iris Xe iGPU with AV1 decode and Quick Sync; supports up to four displays.
- 10-year embedded lifecycle from Q2’24 simplifies long-term product planning.
- 45 W base and 35–95 W power envelope fits small enclosures and fanless designs.
- Dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 support gives OEMs flexibility in BOM cost versus bandwidth.
- Intel vPro Essentials and robust security features (TXT, CET, TDT, VT-x/VT-d).
- LGA1700 uses familiar 600/700-series chipsets, reducing design risk for edge platforms.
Cons
- Not targeted at the DIY gaming market; limited retail availability as a boxed part.
- Multiplier locked and limited to 95 W max turbo; lower peak performance vs 125W+ desktop SKUs.
- No ECC memory support according to ARK.
- CPU iGPU lacks DL Boost; GPU AI acceleration is limited.
- PCIe allocation (CPU vs PCH lane count) is not explicitly detailed on ARK for this SKU.
- Naming and segmentation (Core Series 1, PS, Embedded) can cause confusion versus consumer Raptor Lake parts.
Pros
- 24 cores / 32 threads in a 35 W embedded package.
- Intel 7 Raptor Lake hybrid architecture with strong multi‑thread efficiency.
- DDR5 and DDR4 support for flexible platform design.
- 20 PCIe 5.0/4.0 lanes for modern high‑speed I/O.
- Full vPro Enterprise feature set (AMT, TDT, SIPP, etc.).
- Integrated UHD Graphics 770 with Quick Sync for media and remote management.
Cons
- Locked multiplier and low base clock limit overclocking and peak gaming performance.
- Integrated graphics are not suitable for serious gaming or heavy GPU compute.
- 35 W TDP caps long‑duration turbo compared to higher‑power desktop SKUs.
- Embedded SKUs may carry a price premium over consumer equivalents.
- Newer 14th Gen Raptor Lake Refresh parts offer higher clocks and better efficiency.
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core 5 120HL
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Rival
Budget desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400TRival
Low-power desktop/embedded
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-13400TRival
Embedded/low-power desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500Rival
Budget desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core 5 120Rival
Mainstream desktop (non-HL)
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
Similar 6P/0E core count for purely consumer builds at lower cost, but fewer E-cores and no HL lifecycle guarantee.
- Intel Core 5 120 (non-HL)Alt
Near-identical desktop specs without the HL/PS embedded positioning; better for standard DIY builds if available.
Intel Core i9-13900TE
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-13900ERival
Embedded (65 W)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-14900TRival
Low‑Power Desktop / Embedded
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900Rival
Mainstream Desktop (65 W)
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V3000 Series (e.g., V3000C)Rival
Embedded (low‑power Zen 3)
- AMD EPYC Embedded 3000 SeriesRival
Embedded Server (higher core counts)
Fewer cores and lower cost for embedded designs where 16C/24T is sufficient.
Compare head-to-headAlder Lake predecessor with 16C/24T at 35 W, potentially cheaper in existing designs.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
The Core 5 120HL is not a typical gaming or overclocking chip. Its value lies in the 10-year embedded supply commitment, competent 12C/16T performance, 45 W base power envelope, and flexible I/O with Gen4 CPU PCIe and Gen3 chipset lanes. For OEMs building edge appliances or long-lifecycle desktops on LGA1700, it is a practical choice; for mainstream gamers or enthusiasts, standard Raptor Lake/K-series SKUs are more appropriate.
Best for: OEMs and system integrators building long-lifecycle edge appliances, kiosks, POS systems, or light-office desktops on LGA1700 that need 10-year supply stability and iGPU-accelerated media.
Read the full reviewA very capable embedded SoC that brings desktop-class 24-core Raptor Lake performance into a strict 35 W envelope, with strong vPro manageability and long lifecycle, but not aimed at gaming or consumer workloads.
Best for: New embedded or edge designs requiring high core counts, vPro manageability, and a long platform lifecycle within a 35 W power budget.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core 5 120HL or Intel Core i9-13900TE?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i9-13900TE comes out ahead with a score of 8.4/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core 5 120HL or Intel Core i9-13900TE?
For gaming, the Intel Core 5 120HL leads with a gaming performance score of 64/100 among Intel Core 5 120HL and Intel Core i9-13900TE.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i9-13900TE has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core 5 120HL (45 W), Intel Core i9-13900TE (35 W).
Do Intel Core 5 120HL and Intel Core i9-13900TE use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the FCLGA1700 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i9-13900TE has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core 5 120HL (12 cores), Intel Core i9-13900TE (24 cores).