Intel Core i7-12800HX vs Intel Core i7-13700HX Comparison

The Intel Core i7-13700HX and Intel Core i7-12800HX are two high-end mobile processors from consecutive generations, both built for performance laptops. The recorded data shows a clear pattern of generational improvement for the newer chip, but also reveals a few specific workloads where the older model retains an advantage. The 13700HX wins 19 of the 23 head-to-head benchmark comparisons, while the 12800HX takes 4. This analysis breaks down those results, the architectural reasons behind them, and which processor is better suited for specific tasks.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most decisive victory for the Intel Core i7-13700HX comes in the PassMark find prime numbers test. Here, the 13700HX scores 124 against 108 for the 12800HX, a commanding 14.8% advantage. This is a significant leap and suggests a substantial improvement in integer-heavy, single-threaded workloads. Following that, the 13700HX shows a 9.5% lead in PassMark physics (1908 vs 1743), indicating better performance in simulation and physics calculations, which often rely on floating-point and multi-core efficiency.

In multi-threaded integer tasks, the newer chip again pulls ahead. The PassMark integer math score is 116617 for the 13700HX versus 109968 for the 12800HX, a 6% difference. Similarly, floating-point math shows a 4.6% advantage (85863 vs 82122). These results point to the 13700HX being more efficient at processing large batches of numerical data. The PassMark multithread score reinforces this, with the 13700HX scoring 32637 compared to 31585, a 3.3% lead.

The single-core story is also favorable to the 13700HX. In Cinebench R15 single-core, it scores 272 against 260, a 4.6% improvement. The 3DMark single-thread test shows a 2.5% lead (1024 vs 999), and the PassMark single-thread score is 3819 versus 3711, a 2.9% gain. These consistent wins across different single-threaded tests suggest the 13700HX has a higher effective clock speed and better IPC (instructions per clock) for everyday tasks and lighter workloads.

However, the 12800HX is not without its strongholds. The most striking reversal is in Cinebench R23 multicore, where the 12800HX scores 22456 against the 13700HX's 20479. This is an 8.8% deficit for the newer chip. This is a major win for the older processor and indicates that in this specific rendering workload, the 12800HX manages sustained multi-core performance better. The 12800HX also wins in Cinebench R15 multicore (3383 vs 3277, a 3.1% lead) and in 3DMark max threads (9119 vs 8988, a 1.4% lead). Another notable win for the 12800HX is in PassMark random string sorting, where it scores 42453 against 41717, a 1.7% advantage.

In the remaining tests, the 13700HX holds a narrower but consistent lead. It wins 3DMark 16 threads by 2.1% (8051 vs 7889), 8 threads by 2% (6416 vs 6292), 4 threads by 2.8% (3738 vs 3636), and 2 threads by 2.4% (1990 vs 1943). In Cinebench R20, the 13700HX wins both multicore (11290 vs 11111, a 1.6% lead) and single-core (1593 vs 1568, a 1.6% lead). PassMark data compression (392725 vs 387535, 1.3%), data encryption (22386 vs 21972, 1.9%), and extended instructions (24127 vs 23760, 1.5%) all go to the 13700HX.

Overall, the data shows the 13700HX is the faster chip in the vast majority of scenarios, especially in single-threaded and general multi-threaded tasks. The 12800HX, however, has a specific strength in certain long-duration rendering workloads, particularly in the Cinebench R23 test, where it is significantly faster.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in single-threaded tasks?

A: The Intel Core i7-13700HX is consistently faster. It wins all single-threaded tests, including a 4.6% lead in Cinebench R15 single-core (272 vs 260), a 2.5% lead in 3DMark single-thread (1024 vs 999), and a 2.9% lead in PassMark single-thread (3819 vs 3711).

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i7-13700HX has a higher average benchmark score of 34554, compared to 33875 for the Intel Core i7-12800HX. This places it in the 84th percentile of all CPUs, the same percentile as the 12800HX.

Q: In which benchmark does the Intel Core i7-12800HX have its biggest win?

A: The 12800HX's largest victory is in Cinebench R23 multicore, where it scores 22456 compared to the 13700HX's 20479, a difference of 8.8%. It also wins Cinebench R15 multicore (3383 vs 3277, a 3.1% lead) and 3DMark max threads (9119 vs 8988, a 1.4% lead).

Q: How significant is the difference in PassMark physics scores?

A: The difference is notable. The 13700HX scores 1908, which is 9.5% higher than the 12800HX's score of 1743. This suggests a meaningful advantage in physics simulations and related workloads.

Q: What does the PassMark find prime numbers test indicate?

A: The 13700HX has a dominant 14.8% advantage in this test (124 vs 108). This test is highly sensitive to integer arithmetic and single-core performance, indicating a strong improvement in that area for the newer processor.

Q: Are there any tests where the 12800HX is better for general productivity?

A: Yes, in PassMark random string sorting, the 12800HX scores 42453, which is 1.7% higher than the 13700HX's 41717. This could indicate a slight edge in tasks involving data sorting and manipulation.

The Verdict

The data points to the Intel Core i7-13700HX as the overall superior processor. Its 19 wins out of 23 benchmarks, combined with a higher average score (34554 vs 33875), make it the default choice for most users. Its leads in single-threaded performance and general multi-threaded workloads mean it will handle everyday computing, office applications, and a wide range of creative tasks faster.

The primary reason to choose the Intel Core i7-12800HX is its exceptional performance in Cinebench R23 multicore. For users whose primary workload is 3D rendering using software that scales similarly to that benchmark, the 12800HX's 8.8% lead is significant. The 12800HX also wins in Cinebench R15 multicore and 3DMark max threads, suggesting a pattern of strong sustained multi-core performance in certain rendering scenarios. If that specific type of workload is the primary use case, the 12800HX is the better option. For all other tasks, the 13700HX's consistent advantages, from a 6% lead in integer math to a 9.5% lead in physics, make it the more versatile and faster processor.

Specification Differences

The two processors share many core specifications, but key differences exist in clock speeds and cache. Both have 16 cores and 24 threads, a TDP of 55 watts, use the Intel BGA 1964 socket, and support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. Both also feature PCIe Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only) and the integrated UHD Graphics 770.

The most significant specification differences are as follows. The Intel Core i7-13700HX has a boost clock of 5.00 GHz, while the 12800HX has a boost clock of 4.80 GHz. The base clock of the 13700HX is listed as 2.10 GHz, whereas the 12800HX has a base clock of 2000.00 MHz. In terms of cache, the 13700HX has 2 MB of L2 cache per core and 30 MB of shared L3 cache. The 12800HX has 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core and 25 MB of shared L3 cache. Both have 80 KB of L1 cache per core. The 13700HX supports ECC memory, a feature absent on the 12800HX. The 13700HX has a launch MSRP of $485. The 12800HX has a launch MSRP of $457.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Core i7-13700HX is built on the Raptor Lake architecture, while the Intel Core i7-12800HX uses the Alder Lake architecture. The 13700HX has a die size of 257 mm², which is larger than the 12800HX's 215 mm² die. Both are manufactured on Intel's 10 nm process node. The architecture change brings a different arrangement of the core and cache hierarchy, which is reflected in the benchmark results.

The most impactful architectural difference is the cache structure. The 13700HX has more L2 cache per core (2 MB vs 1.25 MB) and more L3 cache (30 MB vs 25 MB). This larger cache pool likely contributes to its higher scores in many tests, as more data can be stored closer to the cores. The Raptor Lake architecture also allows for the higher boost clock of 5.00 GHz, which is a key factor in its single-threaded performance wins. The 12800HX, with its Alder Lake design, has a smaller die and lower clock speeds, but its performance in Cinebench R23 multicore suggests a different tuning for sustained multi-core loads in that specific test. The ECC memory support on the 13700HX is another feature that differs between the two architectures. Both processors are unlocked, allowing for overclocking, and both have the same integrated graphics.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-13700HX is the winner in the vast majority of scenarios. Its strengths are most apparent in tasks that benefit from high single-thread performance and larger caches. This makes it the better choice for general productivity, web browsing, office applications, and most content creation workflows. Its significant leads in physics (9.5%), integer math (6%), and floating-point math (4.6%) make it more suitable for data analysis, scientific computing, and video editing. The 14.8% lead in find prime numbers further cements its advantage in single-threaded integer-heavy tasks. For gaming, the higher single-thread scores and boost clock of 5.00 GHz indicate the 13700HX is the superior option, though this is not directly tested in the data.

The Intel Core i7-12800HX has a narrow but clear domain of superiority: specific multi-core rendering workloads. Its wins in Cinebench R23 multicore (8.8% ahead), Cinebench R15 multicore (3.1% ahead), and 3DMark max threads (1.4% ahead) suggest it is the better choice for professional 3D rendering, animation, and similar tasks where software scales effectively across all threads and runs for extended periods. The 1.7% lead in random string sorting also makes it a slightly better pick for certain data processing tasks involving sorting large datasets. Users whose primary application is one that resembles the Cinebench R23 multicore test should favor the 12800HX. For all other uses, the data supports the Intel Core i7-13700HX as the more capable and versatile processor.