CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-13700HX vs Intel Core i7-13800H
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-13700HX is a desktop-class mobile processor designed for bulky gaming laptops, offering 16 cores and unlocked overclocking for maximum portable performance.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Desktop-class rendering and compilation times.
Excels in CPU-intensive rendering tasks like Cinebench.
Gaming
Will not bottleneck any mobile GPU, including the RTX 4090.
Maximizes performance of high-end mobile GPUs like the RTX 4070.
Virtualization
16 cores and 24 threads easily handle complex VM environments.
Capable of running multiple containers efficiently.
Efficiency
Highly power-hungry; terrible battery life.
Powerful but power-hungry under full load; scales well at idle.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Excellent CPU inference capabilities.
- Large cache helps with complex model loading.
- Fast AVX2 throughput for local AI model testing.
- Gaussian Boosters in Iris Xe accelerate some AI functions.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Ideal for RTX 4080 and 4090 mobile configurations.
- Unlocked nature allows for manual tuning to extract more FPS.
- 5.2 GHz clock speeds push high frame rates in esports titles.
- Capable of feeding RTX 4070/4080 mobile GPUs without bottlenecking.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Exceptional 5.2 GHz single-core speed
- Strong 14-core multi-threaded capability
- PCIe 5.0 storage support
- Excellent Iris Xe 96EU iGPU
- Supports fast LPDDR5 memory
Cons
- High turbo power limits strain mobile cooling
- Soldered to motherboard, no upgrades
- Expensive, increases laptop cost
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i7-13800H
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HSRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840HSRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-13900HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2 ProRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-13700HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-13500HAlt
A value alternative with similar core layout but lower clocks.
Our Verdict on Each
The 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 reviewA near-perfect mobile CPU that pushes 5.2 GHz on P-cores, delivering flagship-level single-threaded performance for premium laptops.
Best for: Buying a high-end creator or gaming laptop.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-13700HX or Intel Core i7-13800H?
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 i7-13700HX or Intel Core i7-13800H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-13700HX leads with a gaming performance score of 95/100 among Intel Core i7-13700HX and Intel Core i7-13800H.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-13800H has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-13700HX (55 W), Intel Core i7-13800H (45 W).
Do Intel Core i7-13700HX and Intel Core i7-13800H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-13700HX: Intel BGA 1964, Intel Core i7-13800H: Intel BGA 1744), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-13700HX has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-13700HX (16 cores), Intel Core i7-13800H (14 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 i7-13700HX (40,000), Intel Core i7-13800H (33,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.