Intel Core i5-13490F vs Intel Core i9-11950H Comparison

The Intel Core i9-11950H and Intel Core i5-13490F represent two very different approaches to CPU design, one a mobile flagship from the Tiger Lake-H generation and the other a desktop mid-ranger from Raptor Lake. The benchmark data is unambiguous: the i5-13490F wins every single head-to-head comparison, 17 out of 17 tests. However, the magnitude of those wins varies dramatically, and the context of each chip’s intended market segment—mobile versus desktop—matters when interpreting the results. The i9-11950H is an end-of-life mobile part with a 35W TDP, while the i5-13490F is an active desktop processor with a 65W TDP.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most significant gap between the two processors appears in the PassMark physics test. Here, the i5-13490F scores 1915 against the i9-11950H’s 1013, a delta of -47.1% for the mobile chip. This is the largest single-test disparity in the entire data set, indicating a massive advantage for the desktop part in physics simulation workloads. The i9-11950H is less than half as fast in this specific metric, which suggests the desktop chip’s architecture handles this workload with far greater efficiency.

Cinebench multi-core results tell a consistent story of a roughly 24% advantage for the i5-13490F. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the i5 scores 2292 versus 1741 (delta -24%); in R20 multicore, it’s 9553 versus 7257 (delta -24%); and in R23 multicore, the i5 reaches 22747 against the i9’s 17279 (delta -24%). This uniformity across Cinebench versions suggests a stable architectural lead rather than a workload-specific quirk. Single-core Cinebench scores show the same pattern: R15 single-core is 323 versus 245 (delta -24.1%), and R23 single-core is 3211 versus 2439 (delta -24%).

The data encryption test shows the second-largest gap at -29.3%. The i5-13490F scores 17902, while the i9-11950H manages 12658. This is a substantial lead for the desktop chip in a security-related workload. Floating-point math also shows a significant difference, with the i5 at 60273 versus the i9’s 44137, a delta of -26.8%. The i5-13490F also leads in data compression by 25% (328397 vs 246195) and in extended instructions by 21.5% (20837 vs 16361).

The smallest wins for the i5-13490F come in integer math and random string sorting. Integer math shows a delta of just -10.8% (83723 vs 74649), and random string sorting is -13.7% (34042 vs 29375). These are still clear victories, but they indicate that the i9-11950H is relatively closer in these integer-heavy tasks. Single-thread performance, measured by PassMark single-thread, shows the i5 at 3828 versus the i9’s 3141, a delta of -17.9%. The multithread PassMark score shows a similar gap of -21.3% (26569 vs 20900).

Where Each One Wins

The data shows no benchmark wins for the Intel Core i9-11950H. It trails in every single test, from Cinebench multi-core to PassMark physics. The only category where the i9-11950H comes close to parity is in integer math, where the i5-13490F’s lead is trimmed to 10.8%. This suggests that the mobile chip’s Tiger Lake architecture is comparatively stronger at integer operations relative to its other weaknesses, but it still loses outright.

For the i5-13490F, the wins are everywhere, but the size of the victory varies by workload type. Its biggest advantages come in physics simulation (-47.1%) and data encryption (-29.3%), followed closely by floating-point math (-26.8%). Its smallest wins are in integer math (-10.8%) and random string sorting (-13.7%). If you need a CPU for physics-heavy applications, the i5-13490F is in a completely different league. For general integer workloads, the i9-11950H is far more competitive, though still behind.

The average benchmark scores place both chips at the 80th percentile among all CPUs. The i9-11950H has an average benchmark score of 28332, while the i5-13490F scores 28185. Interestingly, the i9-11950H actually has a slightly higher average score, despite losing every head-to-head test. This is because the average benchmark score includes tests beyond the head-to-head set, and the i9’s nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 7 7735U at 28350 and the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 8640HS at 28478, while the i5’s rivals include the Intel Core i5-14500T at 28065.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Core i9-11950H is built on the Tiger Lake architecture, specifically Tiger Lake-H, and uses a 10nm process node from Intel. It has 8 cores and 16 threads, with a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 5.00 GHz. Its TDP is 35W, which is notably low for a processor with this core count, reflecting its mobile design. The die size is 190 mm², and it uses the Intel BGA 1787 socket, which is a mobile package.

The Intel Core i5-13490F uses the Raptor Lake architecture, specifically Raptor Lake-S, also on a 10nm Intel process node. It has 10 cores and 16 threads, with a base clock of 2.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.80 GHz. Its TDP is 65W, nearly double that of the i9-11950H. The die is larger at 215 mm², and it uses the Intel Socket 1700, a desktop platform. The i5-13490F has no integrated graphics, while the i9-11950H includes UHD Graphics 750.

Both processors share identical cache configurations: 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 24 MB of shared L3 cache. Memory support differs, with the i9-11950H limited to DDR4, while the i5-13490F supports both DDR4 and DDR5. The i9-11950H has a memory bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s, while the i5-13490F does not have a listed bandwidth figure. PCIe support is another differentiator: the i9-11950H offers Gen 4 with 20 lanes, while the i5-13490F provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes. Neither chip supports ECC memory, and neither has an unlocked multiplier.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core i5-13490F has 10 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core i9-11950H has 8 cores and 16 threads. Both have the same thread count, but the i5 has two additional physical cores.

Q: What is the performance difference in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The i5-13490F scores 22747 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, while the i9-11950H scores 17279. This represents a 24% advantage for the i5-13490F.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i9-11950H has a boost clock of 5.00 GHz, which is higher than the i5-13490F’s 4.80 GHz. However, the i5 still wins all single-core benchmarks, such as Cinebench R23 single-core (3211 vs 2439).

Q: Do these processors support the same memory types?

A: No. The i9-11950H supports only DDR4, while the i5-13490F supports both DDR4 and DDR5. Both use dual-channel memory buses.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The i9-11950H has a TDP of 35W, while the i5-13490F has a TDP of 65W. This reflects the i9’s mobile design and the i5’s desktop orientation.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: The Intel Core i9-11950H includes UHD Graphics 750. The Intel Core i5-13490F has no integrated graphics at all, so a discrete GPU is required.

The Verdict

The data is clear: the Intel Core i5-13490F is the faster processor in every single benchmark comparison. It wins all 17 head-to-head tests, with advantages ranging from 10.8% in integer math to 47.1% in physics. The i9-11950H is a mobile chip with a 35W TDP, and it cannot match the desktop i5-13490F’s 65W design in raw performance. The i5-13490F is the pick for anyone building a desktop system that prioritizes multi-core workloads, physics simulation, or encryption tasks, as these show the largest gaps.

The i9-11950H’s only saving grace is its integrated UHD Graphics 750, which means a system built around it does not require a discrete GPU for basic display output. It also has a higher boost clock of 5.00 GHz, but that does not translate into any benchmark wins. The i9-11950H’s market segment is mobile, and its end-of-life production status means it is not a forward-looking choice. The i5-13490F is an active desktop part, and it offers better performance in every measured category. If you are choosing between these two for a new build, the i5-13490F is the only rational choice based on the benchmark evidence.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i9-11950H | Intel Core i5-13490F |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 8 | 10 |

| Threads | 16 | 16 |

| Base Clock | 2.10 GHz | 2.50 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.00 GHz | 4.80 GHz |

| TDP | 35W | 65W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1787 | Intel Socket 1700 |

| Architecture | Tiger Lake | Raptor Lake |

| Codename | Tiger Lake-H | Raptor Lake-S |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 10 nm |

| Die Size | 190 mm² | 215 mm² |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR4, DDR5 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 51.2 GB/s | Not listed |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 20 Lanes | Gen 5, 16 Lanes |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 750 | None |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Production Status | End-of-life | Active |

| Release Date | 2021-05-10 | 2023-02-09 |

| Launch MSRP | $556 | $235 |

| Unlocked Multiplier | No | No |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 80 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 24 MB (shared) | 24 MB (shared) |