Quick Verdict
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.
Overview
Launch
2023
Status
ActiveGeneration
13th Gen (Raptor Lake)
Market
Mobile
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.
Unlike standard H-series chips, the HX series utilizes desktop-grade silicon. The i7-13700HX features 8 P-Cores and 8 E-Cores, boosting up to 5.0 GHz.
It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to tune it via XTU. With 30MB of L3 cache and robust PCIe 5.0 support, it is the ultimate CPU for heavy-duty mobile rendering, extreme gaming, and virtualization on the go.
Specifications
Performance
Desktop-class rendering and compilation times.
16 cores and 24 threads easily handle complex VM environments.
Will not bottleneck any mobile GPU, including the RTX 4090.
Highly power-hungry; terrible battery life.
- •Ideal for RTX 4080 and 4090 mobile configurations.
- •Unlocked nature allows for manual tuning to extract more FPS.
- •Excellent CPU inference capabilities.
- •Large cache helps with complex model loading.
Architecture
Intel 7 (10nm)
Process Node
Raptor Lake-HX
Codename
16C / 24T
Core Config
30 MB
L3 Cache
55 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-13700HX is built on the Raptor Lake-HX architecture, which is essentially desktop Raptor Lake-S silicon repackaged for mobile platforms. Fabricated on Intel's 10nm SuperFin process (Intel 7), this chip is designed for maximum performance without the power constraints of traditional mobile chips. It utilizes the Intel BGA 1964 socket and is found exclusively in large, heavy desktop-replacement laptops equipped with robust cooling systems. The architecture prioritizes raw throughput, offering 20 PCIe 5.0 lanes and support for up to 128GB of dual-channel DDR5 memory.
CPU Design
It features the full 8+8 hybrid configuration: 8 Raptor Cove Performance-cores (P-cores) and 8 Gracemont Efficient-cores (E-cores), totaling 16 cores and 24 threads. The P-cores boost up to 5.0 GHz, while the E-cores handle parallel workloads up to 3.7 GHz. This layout mirrors the desktop Core i7-13700, providing identical multi-threaded muscle. The inclusion of an unlocked multiplier is a rarity in mobile chips, allowing enthusiasts to manually adjust clocks and voltages.
Memory Subsystem
Unlike standard H-series chips, the HX does not support LPDDR memory. It relies on standard SO-DIMM DDR5 or DDR4. Native DDR5 speed is 4800 MT/s, slightly lower than the H-series, but this is due to the desktop memory controller, which can often be overclocked via XMP profiles.
PCIe & I/O
Providing a full 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, the HX allows for massive expandability. Laptops can configure dual NVMe Gen 5 SSDs and an RTX 4090 mobile GPU all with direct Gen 5 lanes to the CPU, ensuring zero bottlenecks in data-heavy scenarios.
Overclocking
The unlocked multiplier is a standout feature. Using Intel XTU or the laptop's built-in software, users can undervolt for better thermals or push clocks higher if the cooling system permits. The base power is 55W, with a maximum turbo power of 157W.
- Higher max boost (5.0 GHz vs 4.8 GHz)
- More L2 cache
- Improved power efficiency under load
Key Highlights
- True desktop-class 16-core performance
- Unlocked multiplier for tuning
- 20 PCIe 5.0 lanes
- Excellent for heavy 3D workloads
- Very high power consumption
- Requires bulky cooling systems
- Poor battery life
- Does not support LPDDR5
History
The Core i7-13700HX launched in early 2023 as Intel doubled down on the desktop-replacement laptop market. Historically, gaming laptops suffered a significant performance gap compared to desktops due to power and thermal limitations. The 12th Gen HX series began closing this gap, and the 13th Gen i7-13700HX refined it further.
By taking the full desktop Raptor Lake-S die and putting it into a mobile package, Intel effectively eliminated the 'mobile tax' on multi-core performance. This allowed extreme gaming laptops to feature 16 cores and 24 threads, matching desktop workstations. The inclusion of an unlocked multiplier was a nod to enthusiast gamers who wanted to tune their laptops just as they would a desktop.
This SKU was pivotal in pushing the laptop industry to innovate heavily in cooling solutions, resulting in the massive, thick gaming rigs we see today that prioritize raw performance over portability.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher max boost (5.0 GHz vs 4.8 GHz)
- More L2 cache
- Improved power efficiency under load
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Buying a desktop-replacement gaming laptop.
Avoid if…
- You value battery life and portability.
- You are on a tight budget.
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It is physically a desktop CPU die repackaged for a laptop socket.
The 'HX' suffix denotes the highest tier of mobile performance.
It supports ECC memory, making it suitable for mobile workstations.
The unlocked multiplier is extremely rare for mobile chips.
It can consume up to 157W under turbo load.
The BGA 1964 socket is exclusive to 13th gen HX processors.
It does not support LPDDR memory, relying on standard SO-DIMMs.
The UHD Graphics 770 is included but rarely used, as HX laptops always have a dGPU.
It has 30MB of L3 cache, identical to the desktop i7-13700.
E-Cores can boost up to 3.7 GHz, higher than desktop i5 equivalents.
People Also Ask
What is the difference between i7-13700H and i7-13700HX?
The HX is a desktop-replacement chip with 16 cores, 55W base power, and an unlocked multiplier, while the H is a 14-core 45W chip for thinner laptops.
Can you overclock the i7-13700HX?
Yes, it has an unlocked multiplier and can be tuned via Intel XTU on supported laptops.
Does the i7-13700HX support DDR5?
Yes, it supports DDR5 (up to 4800 MT/s) and DDR4.
How many PCIe lanes does the i7-13700HX have?
It has 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes directly from the CPU.
Is the i7-13700HX good for gaming?
Yes, it is exceptional for gaming and will not bottleneck any mobile GPU.
What is the max turbo power of the i7-13700HX?
The maximum turbo power is 157W.
Does the i7-13700HX have Iris Xe graphics?
No, it uses the basic UHD Graphics 770.
What socket does the i7-13700HX use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1964 socket.
Can the i7-13700HX run on battery?
It can, but performance is heavily throttled to save power.
Does it support ECC memory?
Yes, ECC memory is supported on the HX series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the i7-13700HX just a desktop CPU?
Effectively, yes. It uses the same silicon as the desktop i7-13700 but soldered into a mobile BGA socket.
What is the part number for the i7-13700HX?
The part number is SRME5.
Does the i7-13700HX support Thunderbolt?
Yes, laptops with compatible chipsets support Thunderbolt 4.
How much L3 cache does it have?
It has 30MB of Intel Smart Cache.
What is the base clock of the P-Cores?
The base P-core frequency is 2.1 GHz.
Can the E-Cores reach 3.7 GHz?
Yes, the Efficient cores boost up to 3.7 GHz.
Does it have vPro support?
Yes, vPro Enterprise is supported.
What is the TJMax of the i7-13700HX?
The maximum safe operating temperature is 100°C.
What chipsets support the i7-13700HX?
It is compatible with WM790 and HM770 chipsets.
Is it good for 3D rendering?
Yes, the 16 cores and 24 threads make it a mobile workstation powerhouse.