CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-12700H vs Intel Core i7-13700HX
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-12700H is a high-performance mobile processor from the Alder Lake-H series, launched in early 2022. Designed for gaming and creator laptops, it features 14 cores and 20 threads, combining six Performance-cores and eight Efficient-cores. Built on the Intel 7 process, it operates at a 45W base TDP, scaling up to 115W under turbo loads. This processor is engineered to deliver desktop-class performance in portable form factors. It supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, along with 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes for high-speed storage and peripherals. The inclusion of Iris Xe Graphics with 96 Execution Units provides solid graphical output when the discrete GPU is inactive, saving battery life. The i7-12700H became a staple in mid-to-high-end gaming laptops, offering an excellent balance of single-threaded speed for gaming and multi-threaded power for content creation and streaming.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Excellent multi-threaded performance for heavy rendering tasks.
Desktop-class rendering and compilation times.
Gaming
Pushes high framerates in modern games when paired with an RTX 30/40 series mobile GPU.
Will not bottleneck any mobile GPU, including the RTX 4090.
Virtualization
Handles local development VMs well.
16 cores and 24 threads easily handle complex VM environments.
Efficiency
Good power scaling, though 115W turbo can drain batteries quickly.
Highly power-hungry; terrible battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Good for local inference
- Typically paired with Nvidia GPUs for AI workloads
- Excellent CPU inference capabilities.
- Large cache helps with complex model loading.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Scales well with high-end mobile GPUs
- Single-core speed is top-tier
- Ideal for RTX 4080 and 4090 mobile configurations.
- Unlocked nature allows for manual tuning to extract more FPS.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Incredible 14-core mobile performance
- Excellent single-core boost speeds
- Iris Xe graphics save battery when gaming is not needed
- Supports fast DDR5 memory
- Good balance of power and efficiency
Cons
- Soldered to the motherboard
- Can run hot in poorly cooled laptop chassis
- High turbo power draw limits battery life under load
Pros
- True desktop-class 16-core performance
- Unlocked multiplier for tuning
- 20 PCIe 5.0 lanes
- Excellent for heavy 3D workloads
Cons
- Very high power consumption
- Requires bulky cooling systems
- Poor battery life
- Does not support LPDDR5
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-12700H
- AMD Ryzen 9 6900HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i9-12900HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2 ProRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXRival
Mobile
Newer generation with better performance and efficiency.
Compare head-to-headBetter budget option for mid-range gaming laptops.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-13700HX
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 7845HXRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-13900HXRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-13980HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900HXRival
Mobile
If you prefer a desktop PC with the same core performance.
Compare head-to-headIf you want a thinner, lighter laptop with decent power.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A phenomenal mobile CPU that balances gaming speeds with heavy multi-core rendering power, making it the heart of premium laptops.
Best for: Buying a high-end gaming or creator laptop that needs to balance heavy workloads with portability.
Read the full reviewThe HX series brings true desktop silicon to laptops. The i7-13700HX is an absolute beast, offering i9-level performance for users who don't compromise on portability.
Best for: Buying a desktop-replacement gaming laptop.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-12700H or Intel Core i7-13700HX?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-13700HX 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, Intel Core i7-12700H or Intel Core i7-13700HX?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-13700HX leads with a gaming performance score of 95/100 among Intel Core i7-12700H and Intel Core i7-13700HX.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-12700H has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-12700H (45 W), Intel Core i7-13700HX (55 W).
Do Intel Core i7-12700H and Intel Core i7-13700HX use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-12700H: Intel BGA 1744, Intel Core i7-13700HX: Intel BGA 1964), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-13700HX has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-12700H (14 cores), Intel Core i7-13700HX (16 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-13700HX posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-12700H (26,000), Intel Core i7-13700HX (40,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.