CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-13700HX vs Intel Core i7-13850HX
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.
Near workstation-class performance for heavy rendering.
Gaming
Will not bottleneck any mobile GPU, including the RTX 4090.
Will not bottleneck any current mobile GPU.
Virtualization
16 cores and 24 threads easily handle complex VM environments.
Easily handles multiple heavy VMs.
Efficiency
Highly power-hungry; terrible battery life.
Very high power draw and heat output.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Excellent CPU inference capabilities.
- Large cache helps with complex model loading.
- DLBoost accelerates AI tasks
- High core count great for local inference
- Ample PCIe lanes for AI accelerators
Content Creation
Gaming
- Ideal for RTX 4080 and 4090 mobile configurations.
- Unlocked nature allows for manual tuning to extract more FPS.
- 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
- 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
- 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
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 i7-13850HX
- 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
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 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 faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-13700HX or Intel Core i7-13850HX?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-13700HX leads with a gaming performance score of 95/100 among Intel Core i7-13700HX and Intel Core i7-13850HX.
Do Intel Core i7-13700HX 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: Intel Core i7-13700HX (16 cores), Intel Core i7-13850HX (20 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 i7-13850HX (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.