CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-13700HX vs Intel Core i9-11980HK
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.
Capable in multi-threaded creator workloads, but 8 cores without efficiency cores trail newer hybrid designs in heavily threaded tasks.
Gaming
Will not bottleneck any mobile GPU, including the RTX 4090.
Strong single-threaded performance and high turbo clocks keep the 11980HK competitive in CPU-bound games, but modern 12th/13th Gen Intel and Ryzen 7000 H/HX chips often match or beat it while using less power.
Virtualization
16 cores and 24 threads easily handle complex VM environments.
Adequate for light VM use and local dev containers, but limited memory channels and core count make it less ideal than modern HX or desktop-replacement CPUs for heavy virtualization.
Efficiency
Highly power-hungry; terrible battery life.
The 10 nm SuperFin process and 45–65 W envelope result in high power draw and heat under load compared to newer Intel 7 and TSMC N5/N4 mobile CPUs.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Excellent CPU inference capabilities.
- Large cache helps with complex model loading.
- Intel Deep Learning Boost (AVX-512 VNNI) accelerates INT8 inference workloads.
- No dedicated NPU; AI acceleration is modest compared to later Core Ultra and Ryzen AI mobile chips.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Ideal for RTX 4080 and 4090 mobile configurations.
- Unlocked nature allows for manual tuning to extract more FPS.
- 5.0 GHz single-core turbo gives strong FPS in CPU-heavy titles.
- Most gaming laptops pair it with RTX 3070/3080-class GPUs, where the CPU is rarely the bottleneck at 1080p/1440p.
- Newer Alder Lake/Raptor Lake H/HX CPUs often deliver slightly better 1% lows and efficiency.
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
- 8 cores and 16 threads with high 5.0 GHz turbo
- 20 PCIe 4.0 CPU lanes for fast GPUs and storage
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking in supported laptops
- Strong single-threaded performance for gaming and light tasks
- Familiar x86 ecosystem with good software and driver support
Cons
- High power draw and heat at 45–65 W compared to newer mobile CPUs
- 10 nm SuperFin process is less efficient than Intel 7 and TSMC N5/N4
- No hybrid architecture; 8 big cores only, trailing newer HX chips in multi-thread
- Platform is EOL with no upgrade path beyond existing laptop designs
- Integrated UHD Graphics 32 EU is basic; a discrete GPU is required for serious gaming or compute
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 i9-11980HK
- AMD Ryzen 9 5980HXRival
High-End Mobile (Zen 3)
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXRival
High-End Mobile (Zen 3)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-12900HKRival
High-End Mobile (Alder Lake-H)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-11950HRival
High-End Mobile (Tiger Lake-H)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-10980HKRival
High-End Mobile (Comet Lake-H)
- AMD Ryzen 9 7845HXAlt
Much higher multi-thread performance and better efficiency on a modern platform.
Significantly more cores and threads with stronger creator and multi-tasking performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXAlt
Top-end mobile Zen 4 CPU for users who need maximum multi-threaded performance.
Good balance of price, performance and efficiency compared to older 11980HK.
Compare head-to-head
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 powerful but power‑hungry 8‑core mobile CPU that delivers strong single‑core and gaming performance at 45–65 W, now outclassed by newer 12th/13th Gen Intel and Ryzen 7000 mobile chips in efficiency and multi‑thread.
Best for: Buying a used or discounted 11980HK gaming laptop where the CPU is already paired with a strong GPU and you prioritize raw CPU frequency over efficiency or platform longevity.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-13700HX or Intel Core i9-11980HK?
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 i9-11980HK?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-13700HX leads with a gaming performance score of 95/100 among Intel Core i7-13700HX and Intel Core i9-11980HK.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i9-11980HK has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-13700HX (55 W), Intel Core i9-11980HK (45 W).
Do Intel Core i7-13700HX and Intel Core i9-11980HK use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-13700HX: Intel BGA 1964, Intel Core i9-11980HK: FCBGA1787), 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 i9-11980HK (8 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 i9-11980HK (18,332). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.