CPU Comparison
Core i5-13450HX vs Intel Core i7-13850HX
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.
Near workstation-class performance for heavy rendering.
Gaming
Handles high-refresh-rate gaming; not a bottleneck for RTX 4060/4070.
Will not bottleneck any current mobile GPU.
Virtualization
16 threads and 20 PCIe lanes allow for complex local setups.
Easily handles multiple heavy VMs.
Efficiency
55W base and 157W boost consume significant power and generate heat.
Very high power draw and heat output.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No NPU; relies on discrete GPU for AI acceleration.
- DLBoost accelerates AI tasks
- High core count great for local inference
- Ample PCIe lanes for AI accelerators
Content Creation
Gaming
- Unlocked for tuning.
- 20 PCIe lanes prevent bottlenecks with discrete GPUs.
- Exceptional single-thread performance
- High cache size benefits gaming
- Requires top-tier cooling
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 20-core / 28-thread count
- Excellent 5.3 GHz boost clock
- 30MB L3 cache improves gaming and rendering
- PCIe 5.0 and DDR5-5600 support
- Unlocked for overclocking
Cons
- Very high power consumption (157W turbo)
- Requires heavy cooling systems
- Expensive compared to lower-tier i7s
- Poor battery life
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.
Intel Core i7-13850HX
- AMD Ryzen 9 7845HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-13900HXRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i9-12900HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 6980HXRival
Mobile
Slightly cheaper with very similar gaming performance.
Compare head-to-headBetter value if you don't need 20 cores.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 7745HXAlt
Great single-core gaming performance at a lower price.
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 reviewAn absolute powerhouse that blurs the line between desktop and mobile, offering i9-level core counts at a slightly lower price point.
Best for: High-end mobile workstations and enthusiast gaming laptops
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-13450HX or Intel Core i7-13850HX?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-13850HX comes out ahead with a score of 9.1/10. 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 Intel Core i7-13850HX?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-13850HX leads with a gaming performance score of 92/100 among Core i5-13450HX and Intel Core i7-13850HX.
Do Core i5-13450HX and Intel Core i7-13850HX 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 Intel Core i7-13850HX has the most cores. Core counts: Core i5-13450HX (10 cores), Intel Core i7-13850HX (20 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i5-13450HX posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i5-13450HX (17,500), Intel Core i7-13850HX (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.