CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-13700HX vs Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
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.
16 cores and 22 threads handle heavy creative workloads easily.
Gaming
Will not bottleneck any mobile GPU, including the RTX 4090.
Arc 128EU is a huge upgrade over older Intel iGPUs, capable of 1080p medium gaming.
Virtualization
16 cores and 24 threads easily handle complex VM environments.
Good for running VMs on a laptop, though limited by thermal constraints.
Efficiency
Highly power-hungry; terrible battery life.
Meteor Lake is efficient, but the 185H is a 45W part and can get warm.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Excellent CPU inference capabilities.
- Large cache helps with complex model loading.
- 11 TOPS NPU is sufficient for background blur and noise cancellation
- Does not meet Copilot+ PC standards (requires 40+ TOPS)
- AI tasks often fall back to CPU/GPU for maximum performance
Content Creation
Gaming
- Ideal for RTX 4080 and 4090 mobile configurations.
- Unlocked nature allows for manual tuning to extract more FPS.
- Arc 128EU graphics allow decent 1080p gaming without a dGPU
- Supports hardware ray tracing (though limited)
- Performance depends heavily on laptop cooling solution
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 16-core, 22-thread configuration
- Powerful Arc 128EU integrated graphics
- Includes a dedicated NPU for AI
- High 5.1 GHz boost clock
- Supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X
Cons
- NPU is weak (11 TOPS) by modern standards
- Can run hot under sustained 115W loads
- Replaced quickly by Lunar Lake
- High power consumption compared to newer mobile chips
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 Ultra 9 185H
- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HSRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2 ProRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HSRival
Mobile
Much better efficiency and AI performance if you don't need 16 cores.
Compare head-to-headPrevious gen, cheaper, similar CPU performance but no NPU/Arc.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Better battery life and efficiency for macOS users.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 7 8845HSAlt
More budget-friendly alternative with similar performance.
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 solid first-generation Core Ultra chip that brought tiled architecture and NPUs to laptops, offering great multi-core and iGPU performance.
Best for: Buying a high-performance creator or gaming laptop at a discount.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-13700HX or Intel Core Ultra 9 185H?
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 Ultra 9 185H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-13700HX leads with a gaming performance score of 95/100 among Intel Core i7-13700HX and Intel Core Ultra 9 185H.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 9 185H has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-13700HX (55 W), Intel Core Ultra 9 185H (45 W).
Do Intel Core i7-13700HX and Intel Core Ultra 9 185H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-13700HX: Intel BGA 1964, Intel Core Ultra 9 185H: BGA 2049), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
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 Ultra 9 185H (16,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.