CPU Comparison
Core i5-13450HX vs Core i5-13500HX
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-13450HX is a desktop-class mobile processor designed for budget gaming laptops. Part of the Raptor Lake-HX family, it brings an unlocked multiplier and higher power limits to the mobile space. It features 10 cores (6 Performance + 4 Efficient) and 16 threads, utilizing a 55W base TDP. With a max turbo of 4.6 GHz and 20MB of L3 cache, it delivers strong gaming performance. Unlike standard H-series chips, it uses a larger 257mm² die borrowed from desktop silicon, offering 20 PCIe 5.0 lanes for extensive expansion. The integrated UHD Graphics 710 is minimal, intended purely for display output. Released in early 2023, the 13450HX targets users who want desktop replacement performance and overclocking capabilities in a laptop without breaking the bank.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
10 cores and 20MB cache make it great for heavy productivity.
14 cores and 24MB cache make it a workstation powerhouse.
Gaming
Handles high-refresh-rate gaming; not a bottleneck for RTX 4060/4070.
Can handle high-end GPUs like the RTX 4070 mobile without bottlenecking.
Virtualization
16 threads and 20 PCIe lanes allow for complex local setups.
20 threads and 20 PCIe lanes allow for complex local setups.
Efficiency
55W base and 157W boost consume significant power and generate heat.
Very high power draw; designed for plugged-in use.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No NPU; relies on discrete GPU for AI acceleration.
- No NPU; relies on discrete GPU for AI acceleration.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Unlocked for tuning.
- 20 PCIe lanes prevent bottlenecks with discrete GPUs.
- Unlocked for tuning.
- High boost clocks and large cache benefit high-FPS gaming.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
- 20 PCIe 5.0 lanes for full-bandwidth GPU/NVMe
- 6 P-cores offer strong gaming performance
- Large desktop die dissipates heat well
Cons
- High power consumption (55W base, 157W boost)
- UHD 710 integrated graphics are very weak
- Requires robust cooling solution
- Lower DDR5 speed support (4800 MT/s)
Pros
- Massive 14-core, 20-thread count
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
- 20 PCIe 5.0 lanes
- Large 24MB L3 cache
Cons
- Very high power consumption (157W PL2)
- Weak integrated graphics (UHD 710)
- Requires thick, heavy laptop chassis for cooling
- Lower boost clock than 13600HX
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i5-13450HX
- AMD Ryzen 5 7640HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 7735HSRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-13700HXRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-13600HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HSRival
Mobile
Lower TDP and better iGPU if overclocking isn't needed.
Compare head-to-head- Ryzen 7 7735HSAlt
Better power efficiency and integrated graphics.
More E-cores and larger cache for slightly better multi-threading.
Compare head-to-headOlder gen but similar core layout, often cheaper.
Compare head-to-head- Core i5-13420HAlt
Standard H-series if 55W is too hot for your chassis.
Core i5-13500HX
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HSRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-13700HXRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-13600HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 7735HSRival
Mobile
Slightly higher clocks and better iGPU for a small premium.
Compare head-to-headFewer cores but cheaper if you don't need 14 cores.
Compare head-to-head- Ryzen 7 7840HXAlt
AMD equivalent with strong multi-core performance.
Lower TDP if you don't need overclocking or 14 cores.
Compare head-to-head- Ryzen 9 7940HSAlt
Better efficiency for thin-and-lights with similar performance.
Our Verdict on Each
A unique unlocked 10-core mobile CPU offering incredible value and overclocking potential for budget gaming laptops.
Best for: Budget gaming laptops with RTX 4060 or 4070.
Read the full reviewA highly capable 14-core mobile CPU offering excellent value and overclocking potential, though the basic iGPU is a drawback.
Best for: Mid-to-high-end gaming laptops with RTX 4060 or 4070.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-13450HX or Core i5-13500HX?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i5-13500HX comes out ahead with a score of 8.7/10. 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, Core i5-13450HX or Core i5-13500HX?
For gaming, the Core i5-13500HX leads with a gaming performance score of 90/100 among Core i5-13450HX and Core i5-13500HX.
Do Core i5-13450HX and Core i5-13500HX use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1964 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Core i5-13500HX has the most cores. Core counts: Core i5-13450HX (10 cores), Core i5-13500HX (14 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i5-13500HX posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i5-13450HX (17,500), Core i5-13500HX (18,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.