CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-12450HX vs Intel Core i9-9980HK
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-12450HX is a mid-range mobile processor introduced as part of the 12th Generation Alder Lake-HX family, specifically designed to bring desktop-class performance to high-performance laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Excels in multi-threaded productivity applications due to the 12-thread hybrid design.
Strong multi-threaded performance handles creator applications well, though modern alternatives are faster.
Gaming
Provides high frame rates in modern titles when paired with a mid-range to high-end discrete GPU.
Competent for gaming at high refresh rates, but newer CPUs offer better performance and efficiency.
Virtualization
Capable of running local virtual machines efficiently, though core count limits heavy parallel VMs.
8 cores and 16 threads provide ample resources for running multiple virtual machines.
Efficiency
Efficiency is lower compared to P and U series due to the 55W base power and desktop lineage.
14nm process consumes more power and generates more heat compared to modern 7nm+ mobile processors.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Can handle basic local AI inference.
- Lacks a dedicated NPU found in newer generations.
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- Can handle CPU-based inference for small models
- Far surpassed by modern NPUs and AI-focused processors
Content Creation
Gaming
- High boost clocks ensure strong single-core gaming performance.
- Requires a dedicated GPU as the UHD 710 iGPU is only for display output.
- PCIe 5.0 ensures no bottleneck for latest generation graphics cards.
- High single-core clocks benefit game performance
- Capable of driving high-refresh-rate gaming with a discrete GPU
- Integrated UHD 630 is not suitable for modern gaming
- Outperformed by newer mobile CPUs in efficiency and integrated graphics
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Desktop-class performance in a mobile form factor
- 20 PCIe 5.0 lanes for high expandability
- Support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory
- Strong multi-threaded capability for the price
- High power headroom for sustained boosts
Cons
- High base TDP limits battery life
- Basic UHD 710 integrated graphics
- BGA socket prevents upgrades
- Core overclocking is limited
Pros
- 8 cores and 16 threads for excellent multi-threaded performance
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking enthusiasts
- High 5.0 GHz turbo boost for strong single-core performance
- Good balance of performance and power in the 45W TDP class
- Well-supported by major laptop OEMs in its generation
Cons
- Older 14nm manufacturing process limits efficiency
- Integrated UHD 630 graphics are obsolete for modern gaming
- Discontinued platform with no upgrade path beyond 9th Gen mobile
- High power consumption and heat under load compared to newer chips
- Outperformed by many 7nm+ mobile processors in both performance per watt and integrated graphics
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-12450HX
- AMD Ryzen 5 6600HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11800HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-12500HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-12650HXAlt
Offers more cores and threads for heavier multi-threaded workloads.
Slightly lower power variant for thinner chassis.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 6800HAlt
Superior multi-threading and integrated graphics.
Intel Core i9-9980HK
- AMD Ryzen 9 4900HSRival
High-End Mobile
- Intel Core i9-10880HKRival
High-End Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-10750HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Efficiency Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXAlt
Far superior multi-threaded performance, efficiency, and modern platform features.
Dramatically better performance in every metric and a modern platform with DDR5 support.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 7840HSAlt
Excellent performance-per-watt with strong integrated Radeon graphics.
- Alt
Leading efficiency and integrated GPU performance for macOS users.
Compare head-to-head A balanced modern mobile CPU with good performance and efficiency, often at a lower cost.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A highly capable mobile processor offering desktop-derived architecture, excellent PCIe expandability, and robust multi-threading for budget enthusiast laptops.
Best for: Purchasing a mid-range gaming laptop that requires desktop-class I/O and sustained performance.
Read the full reviewA powerful mobile processor in its time, offering top-tier multi-threaded performance and overclocking headroom, but now outpaced by newer, more efficient chips with better integrated graphics.
Best for: Used high-performance laptop for gaming or content creation on a strict budget
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-12450HX or Intel Core i9-9980HK?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-12450HX comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. 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 i5-12450HX or Intel Core i9-9980HK?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-12450HX leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Intel Core i5-12450HX and Intel Core i9-9980HK.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i9-9980HK has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-12450HX (55 W), Intel Core i9-9980HK (45 W).
Do Intel Core i5-12450HX and Intel Core i9-9980HK use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-12450HX: Intel BGA 1964, Intel Core i9-9980HK: BGA1440), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i9-9980HK posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i9-9980HK (22). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.